REU Spotlight: Sydney Haynes

Home institution

Mercer University

Year in school

Rising Junior

Major

Biomedical Engineering

What type of research are you conducting as part of your REU?

"Nitric oxide-Releasing macromolecular scaffolds for tissue engineering purposes utilizing chitosan."

REU mentors

Dr. Hitesh Handa and Dr. Elizabeth Brisbois

What are you enjoying about your REU experience – and how do you think the experience will benefit you in the future?

"I am enjoying gaining hands-on experience in the lab, learning how to use different instrumentation, and expanding my knowledge of cell culture technique. This experience has already helped me by helping me determine a more specific career path, and the skills learned here will benefit me in future research opportunities."

What are your impressions of UGA and Athens and have you enjoyed your time here?

"It is obvious that UGA is very proud of the research conducted here, and the university provides a lot of support to the labs in many ways. I have had fun exploring campus and the city in my free time! Everything is beautiful, and there is always something new to do. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here!"