Long Overdue

Well folks…I know this is a long overdue update, but it sure has been a whirlwind of a semester so far.  With research ideas buzzing about, an augmented reality course that I’m trying to keep up with, and learning so many new techniques in the clinic, on top of anatomy and 3D modeling, I’ve been pushing off this post more than I should.

With all that being said, things are going great up here.  We’ve actually gotten our hands dirty in making our first ear prosthesis! We took impressions of each other’s ears the first week and after prepping them we got to start SCULPTING! We are using dental instruments and wax, and with a little help from a bunsen burner, we’ve almost completed the sculpting stage of the device! I had an impression of my right ear taken, and am sculpting my left ear using the impression as reference to mirror what I see on a defect impression.  We are learning how to approach finishing touches tomorrow.

 

Not only have I been working traditionally in wax, but I’m getting to hone my 3D modeling skills in an awesome program called 3D Studio Max.  Our first real exercise is due soon and I’ll let ya have a peek below.  We modeled Red Blood Cells in a vessel.  It has been very interesting to see just how different everyone’s has turned out.

We also modeled a syringe.

I’ve been able to make some new friends outside of the BVIS program through my Anatomy and Haptics classes.  My Anatomy dissection table is full of Prosthodontic Residents that crack me up weekly.  Those sweet girls and I tried a fantastic Filipino restaurant last week after lab and it was DELICIOUS! I’m definitely taking Mom and Madison when they get in town.

 

Speaking of yummy food. Our ‘ “Gal”entine’s Day ‘ party was a hit! So many yummy treats, and of course load of laughter with our signature “Celebrities” game.  I love being in such a cultural diverse environment for many reasons, but a favorite reason of mine has to be all the delicious grub.

 

The snow is finally melting with sunny days and the temperature is flirting with some Spring tendencies, but I don’t think we are going to get full on warmer weather for a while.  This was just last week when we got a pretty nice dusting one day.

 

I really cannot wait for Spring Break and warmer weather in Tennessee to get me through this long winter. My favorite running trail was iced over this week and I about busted it several times before finally taking a different route home.

Continuing, I’ll give you guys a sneak peek on what is next in the works in my 3D modeling class.  We turned in a story board this last week of any scientific process that we would want to 3D model.  I chose metastasis in the liver and have chosen a scene to model that I will start on very soon.  This is our first actual assignment in this class, and now that I have had all the elements of the program placed in my tool belt, I’m ready to put the cursor to the screen, so to speak.

 

Last but certainly not least is my Research progress!!! I have finally chosen a topic, an advisor, and a committee.  I  cannot fully disclose all the details as it is in the process of review for a grant, but I will be doing some pretty cool stuff with 3D modeling of head and neck anatomy joined with augmented reality for a medical simulation manikin. I can’t wait to get started on this and I’m working with my Haptics and Augmented reality professor who is just beyond brilliant.  Such an exciting time!

Thank you guys for your love and support, and I promise I’ll be better at updating more frequently!  You guys are great!

LOVE.