After completing a highly successful spring semester with the RaMP program, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to continue my journey at the ICDCU bio-informatics lab under the guidance of my supervisor, Dr. Danny Wu. My experience in the spring of 2023 had introduced me to the fascinating world of Biomedical Informatics, where my passion for technology converged with my interest in healthcare.

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In the summer of 2023, as part of the RaMP Continuation program, I continued my role as a developer and student researcher. My primary focus was on the research project management system, HIRConnect, which plays a pivotal role in helping health professionals at Cincinnati Children's Hospital (CCHMC) manage their research projects.

During the initial phase of my RaMP continuation, I delved into the intricacies of the databases integral to our research project management system. Working closely with the research team, I co-authored a research paper centered on user-centered design and best practices for applications intended for a broader audience. Over time, my responsibilities expanded to include addressing usability issues and bugs. I received invaluable mentorship from Dr. Danny Wu and my team leader, Shubhra Gupta, who guided me on software development principles and the importance of creating user-friendly, readable code. I eagerly applied these insights to resolve issues and enhance the system.

 

As my team leader temporarily stepped away, I took on the role of a full-stack developer, overseeing both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (database management and data processing) aspects of HIRConnect. This phase involved intensive development work, resulting in the creation of several pages used for usability testing sessions. Collaborating closely with our talented design team, we identified and addressed usability issues, resolved bugs, and expanded the system's functionality to seamlessly align with the HIRC workflow. Regular meetings with professionals from Cincinnati Children's Hospital provided me with a deep appreciation for the effort required to develop applications that cater to users with minimal technical expertise.

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Throughout this development process, I witnessed significant improvements in my programming skills, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Tasks that once consumed days now took mere hours to complete. This experience reinforced the notion that software's complexity should not overshadow its usability for a diverse audience.

 

One particularly enlightening episode occurred when I introduced changes that inadvertently disrupted a usability testing session with healthcare professionals from CCHMC. This incident underscored the importance of thorough testing before implementation, a lesson I now apply diligently to all my work, whether software-related or academic.

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As the semester concluded, I couldn't help but reflect on the transformative impact of my RaMP continuation. Beyond enhancing my computer science skills, it instilled qualities such as punctuality, dedication, and enhanced confidence. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further contribute to the lab's work as a student worker and look forward to the continued growth and learning experiences that lie ahead.

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