Nina Zhu: Looking Forward

The Singh Center of Nanotechnology, Upenn

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Posted on April 25, 2015 by Nina Zhu

When I first began attending courses designated for my degree, listening to professors in windowless, dark buildings, my understanding of engineering did not expand beyond general math and science equations. Throughout my four years at the University of Pennsylvania, I have witnessed the construction and opening of a state-of-the-art building with a contemporary design on campus. At the same time, my outlook on the potential impact of engineering has also become brighter and more innovative.

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Quattrone nanofabrication facility

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The Singh Center of Nanotechnology is the newest building on the engineering side of campus, with extensive laboratory spaces as well as large conference rooms and ample forum space. The modern architecture of the building and its high ceilings allow for natural light to reflect onto the people and statues inside the building. The orange colored theme of the rooms in the building also brings brilliance to a building where researchers spend much of their time working with tiny nanoparticles. Especially under the sunlight, the orange walls brighten up the hallways for all who are inside.

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modern science lab Upenn

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Similarly, I have felt that as I have taken on more bioengineering related courses, my understanding of what my skills can create has grown. Beyond just mundane problem solving, I am developing skills that in the future can be applied towards building devices and pioneering solutions to address a variety of technical and medical problems. I feel that my understanding of engineering has matured into a more modern and complex realm, alongside the erection of such a grand and open building design. There is a bright potential for what engineering and hopefully my degree can contribute to improving society.

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Quattrone nanofabrication facility

Red-Square

The construction of the building reflects the school’s confidence that nanotechnology will play a meaningful role in the future in science. I hope that with my degree, I too have the confidence to make important contributions to the scientific field.

Red-Square

night shot nanotechnology science building  Upenn

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Photography and Text by Nina Zhu, Copyright 2015

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About The Author: Nina Zhu is a senior bioengineering major at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2015.

Jungmin Ryoo: Cyborg Morals

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

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Posted on April 15, 2015 by Jungmin Ryoo

A cyborg, short for “cybernetic organism,” is a being with both organic and mechanical parts. The integration of artificial devices and humans has begun to repair or replace broken or missing biological function. However, it became more of the augmentation of the human abilities, and the advent of the artificial intelligence further blurs the line between humans and machines.

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cyborg morals article

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The sanctity of human life is being violated.

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The future of the artificial device will be more than just wearing an extrinsic machine. The advances in implantable microchip technology enable seamless integration of machines and humans. People will have chips on their brain to enhance the functionality of the body as well as the mind. Someday, it will become impossible to distinguish a cyborg from a human with the naked eye. When computer intervention becomes too significant and pervasive, the biological individuality of humans will be threatened. The morality of any activity that has a potential to cheapen the value of human life should be clearly discussed and structured.

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cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The revolution has begun. What is your opinion?

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Photography  and Text by Jungmin Ryoo, Copyright 2015.

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About the Author: Jungmin Ryoo graduated with a degree in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014, and  is currently a research assistant at XLab: Experience Design and Technology Lab,  University of California, Berkely.