DeKarra's 2008 Practicum Report
BEI NGWE ACHU
ladybei@umd.edu
Major: Biology
Program: Earth, Life, and Time Scholars
Title of Project: Home Health Care: The Future of Recuperative Care
Bei shadowed several registered nurses as they treated patients who lived at home. The purpose of the medical house calls was to improve the recuperation of patients after they have left the hospital and to ensure that the patients' health does not decline. Medical house treatments improve the recuperation of many patients because they are in a familiar environment and there are fewer interventions from medical personnel. In addition, when patients are treated at home they spend less money for medical insurance and treatments at the hospital. Some of Bei's responsibilities included observing check-ups, taking notes for the registered nurses, checking blood pressure and lungs of the patients.
Benefits from the Project
Bei was able to experience another alternative in the medical profession which did not require having a constant presence in a hospital. The laid-back atmosphere of visiting patients in their homes, provides less stress for the medical personnel and the patients. In addition, patients save money with fewer visits to the hospital and coverage from insurance companies. The experience also reinforced Bei's passion to help others in need.
Obstacles and Challenges that occurred during the Project
Some challenges Bei faced included learning how to use some of the medical equipment and understand standard protocols for patient treatment.
EVAN CLARK
Edc603@umd.edu
Major: Biology
Program: Earth, Life, and Time Scholars
Title of Project: Investigating Research Projects: Fibonacci Numbers of Ray Floret Count and Cycad Shoot Apical
Evan investigated two possible research projects for his supervisor. The first one involved determining if a mathematical equation could be developed from a special group of numbers known as the Fibonacci sequence. If a mathematical equation could be devised then it would enable scientists to calculate the number of flower petals on a plant. The second project focused on determining the apical cell arrangement in meristems during cell devision. Evan cut pieces of meristem out of a cycad plant which were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The data gathered from the scanning electron microscope would be used to check the scientific classification of cycad plant cells in terms of structure.
Benefits from the Project
The project provided useful research experience in the laboratory and the library.
Obstacles and Challenges that occurred during the Project
Evan found it difficult to figure out how to get meristem out of the plants.
STEPHANIE B. LINARES
slinares@umd.edu
Major: Anthropology
Program: Earth, Life, and Time Scholars
Title of Project: Potomac Valley Search and Rescue
Stephanie joined and trained with the Potomac Valley Search and Rescue Group (PVRG), a student-run organization at the University of Maryland College Park. The goal of the organization is to find missing persons, assist law enforcement, and search specified areas for clues etc. Stephanie learned about wilderness survivial, land navigation, tracking, and clue awareness. After successfully completing her training, Stephanie became Call-Out Qualified (COQ) so that she could participate in call-out searches for missing people. Sometimes, she may be called out to neighboring states in order to assist in their searches for missing people.
Benefits from the Project
The student was able to help people and learn skills for wilderness survival. In addition, the organization offers opportunities to advance in rank, for example, Field Team Leader.
Obstacles and Challenges that occurred during the Project
It was difficult for Stephanie to get transportation to call-out sessions. Also, remembering various skills could be hard to manage at times as they are not always used in everyday activities.
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