 
George Desh (left) and Enrique Carral
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George Desh '07 and Enrique Carral '07:
Published researchers - and still undergrads
The 2006 edition of the Northwestern Undergraduate Research Journal included four articles from McCormick students — two-thirds of the total journal. Considering that more than half of engineering undergraduates participate in research on campus, McCormick's strong representation is no surprise.
George Desh '07 and Enrique Carral '07, who both published work in the journal this year, say that research has been an important part of their undergraduate experience and helps prepare them for careers in medicine (George) and consulting (Enrique).
How did you get involved in undergraduate research?
Enrique: I did my research for a probability and statistics class for my major, chemical engineering. We were asked to write a paper on any topic related to the class, and it led me to this research.
George: I became involved in research in the summer after my sophomore year. For the first two years, I worked as a lab aide in the undergraduate chemistry lab. This helped me get acquainted with the scientific process and was a stepping-stone to more in-depth independent research. From then on I tried to pick projects that would help me explore various areas of biomedical engineering.
How did you choose your area of research?
Enrique: I wanted my research to help me learn about how statistics is applied in engineering and used in the quality control of a production line.
George: My major, biomedical engineering, has many different directions and specializations. I tried to find research projects that would allow me to explore areas that I enjoy learning about, such as biomaterials and body mechanics, in greater depth.
Can you describe your research?
Enrique: I studied how Genichi Taguchi, a well-known statistician and engineer, had created a system of controlling the quality of the output in a production line. In one of his papers he stated that his system was better than more classical tools, but he never proved it. I decided to create an analogous method using these classical tools to see if he was right. The paper compares the two methods in a simulated process. It turns out that he was right.
George: I am currently involved in research in Dean Linzer's lab [Daniel Linzer of the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences], where I am studying the binding of a cell membrane receptor. My previous projects included working in a virtual reality lab at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago [RIC] to study the effects of visual motion on posture, as well as working on medical implant encapsulation in Cork, Ireland.
How do you think research has helped prepare you for your career?
Enrique: My research was a very fulfilling experience. It improved my ability to synthesize information from different sources and to use creativity in finding a solution to a problem under a lot of restrictions. I also now know a lot more about quality control in the manufacturing industry.
George: I feel that all of my projects helped me better understand various facets of the medical profession, where I would like a career. My current work is helping me learn lab techniques and different cell functions. My work in Cork introduced me to how biological materials could be applied in various ways to the human body. My research at the RIC allowed me to learn from patients and help their rehabilitation efforts.
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