The Next Generation of Innovators: Georgia CTSA Interns at Work
Georgia CTSA is dedicated to accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into improved health outcomes. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing resources for innovative research, we aim to advance clinical and translational science. This summer, Georgia CTSA is proud to host a talented group of interns who are the future of advancing translational science. Vivian Corry, Youyang Hao, and Cassandra Lund are three exceptional interns engaged in impactful projects that highlight the diverse work being done at our institutions. Their dedication and innovative approaches underscore the importance of our mission.
Vivian Corry
Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Vivian moved to Atlanta last August to start her freshman year at Emory. Now a sophomore biology major on the pre-med track, she began her internship with the Georgia CTSA Recruitment Center in late May. Vivian is helping automate the intake and approval process for studies using Microsoft tools, creating recruitment flyers, and designing social media advertisements. Her work aims to make a pilot project for recruitment using MyChart more scalable. MyChart is a secure online tool for patients to connect with their provider and manage their health. "Most of the work I do for the Recruitment Center happens behind the scenes, but I am confident that I am helping to build a more seamless process," says Vivian. Her efforts are crucial in improving research recruitment, a vital component of advancing medical research. Vivian hopes to have a career that balances clinical practice and research. "The time I have spent with the Georgia CTSA has been a crucial steppingstone in my career and a wonderful experience."
Youyang Hao
Youyang (Tiger) is a second-year master's student in Industrial Design at Georgia Tech, originally from Shanghai, China. He completed his undergraduate degree in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California. Tiger is working on a project focused on Sickle Cell Disease, conducting initial user interviews with patients and caregivers to identify design opportunities that can improve patient care. "Our team is working directly with Emory and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, acquiring abundant first-hand information that helps in designing the appropriate product for patients," explains Tiger. "The first-hand research opportunity here at AppHatchery is unbelievable, and your work will be greatly supported by the team." His work is pivotal in creating solutions tailored to the needs of sickle cell patients and their families. After graduating, Tiger aspires to find a UX designer job, utilizing his experience from Georgia CTSA to continue making impactful contributions in the field of healthcare design.
Cassandra Lund
Cassandra is a rising second-year master's student in Human-Computer Interaction at Georgia Tech, hailing from Alpharetta, Georgia. She also completed her undergraduate degree in Computational Media at Georgia Tech. Cassandra is working with the Innovation Catalyst program as part of the AppHatchery team on a project called Fabla, an app designed to facilitate daily diary research through audio recordings. She focuses on user research and design to enhance user engagement and improve data collection. "Expanding access to audio diaries as a method will help researchers study populations who struggle with the typing/writing aspects of a traditional diary study, making this method more inclusive to individuals with disabilities," says Cassandra. Her work is instrumental in improving data collection methods for healthcare research. Cassandra aims to complete her master's project and degree and pursue a career in user research and user experience design, preferably related to science or scientific education.
Shaping the Future
The contributions of Vivian, Youyang, and Cassandra exemplify the innovative spirit and dedication that the Georgia CTSA fosters in its interns. Their work advances their careers and impacts clinical and translational science. We are proud to support these emerging leaders and look forward to their continued success.