ATL Standard

Miniaturization science, the study of how materials and systems behave at microscopic scales, is making strides in biomedical engineering. However, teaching this complex subject poses challenges due to its counterintuitive nature and the inability to observe small-scale phenomena directly.

David Myers, an assistant professor at Georgia Tech and Emory's Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, has tackled these educational challenges by developing a hands-on approach for his students. "Teaching students about the subject is really challenging," Myers explained. He incorporates microfluidic devices into his curriculum, allowing students to build and test these hallmark miniaturized devices.

The course has earned Myers a CIOS Award for teaching excellence. He emphasizes that it was a collaborative effort with Todd Fernandez, senior lecturer and director of learning innovation at Coulter BME. Together they optimized the activity to maximize student learning, resulting in a publication in Lab on a Chip.

Priscilla Delgado, a graduate student in Myers' lab and lead author of the study, highlighted the value of hands-on experience: "In other microfluidics courses...seeing the device come together provides such valuable insight." This method helps address misconceptions about microscale fluid dynamics.

Myers' class bridges gaps in understanding while keeping costs low by using accessible materials for device construction. Students engage in activities structured to identify errors and refine their understanding through guided reflection. The technique uses laser-cut adhesive films for assembling transparent microfluidic devices that are easy to prototype.

Delgado noted the ease of prototyping: "I can literally have a new design laser-cut and assembled within an hour." This flexibility expands possibilities for innovation as students explore microfluidics beyond traditional methods.

"The really cool thing is...this is a sticker," said Myers about the versatility of these devices when integrated with advanced sensors. The study involved 57 students who took their designs beyond the classroom setting.

Fernandez sees this approach as transformative for teaching miniaturization science: "By focusing on student-driven exploration...educators can better prepare the next generation." This initiative not only enhances learning but also democratizes access to innovation by empowering future researchers worldwide.