Adama Sesay: Harnessing Sensors and Microsystems to Tackle Troubles
Introduction:
Adama Sesay, a Senior Engineer at the Wyss Institute, has always been passionate about science, design, and saving lives. Although she initially dreamt of becoming a doctor, architect, and firefighter, her love for these fields led her to a successful career as a Senior Engineer specializing in sensors and microsystems. At the Wyss, she is a member of the Advanced Technology Team, where she works on various projects ranging from sensor-integrated Organ Chips to enzyme-encapsulated particles that convert sugar to fiber in food. Additionally, Adama leads the Women’s Health Catalyst, aiming to address the unmet clinical needs in women’s health. With her expertise in biosensing, microfluidics, and microsystems, Adama is dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. She brings a unique perspective to her work, facilitating communication between scientists and engineers to develop innovative devices and facilitate commercialization. Adama’s passion for translational science brought her to the Wyss Institute, where she continues to contribute to groundbreaking research and advancements in women’s health.
Full Article: Adama Sesay: Harnessing Sensors and Microsystems to Tackle Troubles
Adama Sesay: From Childhood Dreams to Senior Engineer at the Wyss
In a recent interview with Adama Sesay, a Senior Engineer at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, she shared her journey from childhood dreams to her current role in sensor technology and microsystems. Despite initially aspiring to be a doctor, architect, and firefighter, Adama eventually found her passion in science, design, and saving lives, which led her to a fulfilling career at the forefront of innovation.
Adama’s Work at the Wyss
As a member of the Advanced Technology Team at the Wyss Institute, Adama works on various projects that encompass sensor-integrated Organ Chips, enzyme-encapsulated particles for reducing sugar in food, and microfluidic Blood Clotting Chips. She also leads the Women’s Health Catalyst, an initiative dedicated to addressing unmet clinical needs in women’s health through therapeutics and diagnostics.
Exploring Biosensors, Microfluidics, and Microsystems
Adama specializes in biosensing, microfluidics, and microsystems, which form the foundation of her work at the Wyss. Biosensors are devices that combine biological components with sensor transducers to measure biological or chemical reactions. Microfluidics refers to systems that utilize small channels to control and deliver low volumes of fluid. Microsystems take it a step further by integrating sensors, microfluidics, and applications into a cohesive package.
Real-World Problems Addressed by Adama’s Projects
Adama’s projects tackle significant real-world issues. The BARDA project focuses on using LF Chips to monitor the immune system’s response to drugs. This data can help screen drugs for safety and determine the efficacy of therapies in immuno-compromised patients or specific populations. The sugar fiber project aims to combat obesity and diabetes by developing a “smart food” ingredient that reduces sugar in food by converting it to dietary fiber once consumed. The microfluidic Blood Clotting Chip helps understand clotting time and thrombosis factors in mesothelioma patients, serving as a diagnostic tool for surgery patients.
Adama’s Role and Contributions
As a Senior Engineer, Adama leads the biosensing, microfluidics, and microsystems efforts at the Wyss. She manages research projects, writes funding proposals, mentors others, and establishes relationships with internal and external collaborators. Adama also actively contributes to advancing women’s health at the Wyss by building up the Women’s Health Catalyst. This initiative brings together scientists, clinicians, and technology teams to develop drugs and devices dedicated to addressing women’s health issues.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Adama’s diverse team includes researchers from various fields. Her role involves facilitating communication between scientists and engineers, translating scientific knowledge into practical applications, and promoting collaboration between academia and industry. By bridging the gap, Adama ensures that the research conducted at the Wyss translates into commercially viable products and services.
Adama’s Journey to the Wyss
Adama’s desire to work in translational science brought her to the Wyss Institute. She was captivated by the innovative work happening there, particularly in organ-on-chip technology. The unique structure and translational nature of the Wyss Institute aligned perfectly with Adama’s aspirations, leading her to reach out and eventually join the institute.
Conclusion
Adama Sesay’s inspiring journey highlights the importance of following one’s passions and embracing diverse opportunities. From childhood dreams to a Senior Engineer at the Wyss Institute, she has found fulfillment in contributing to cutting-edge projects that address real-world problems. With her expertise in biosensing, microfluidics, and microsystems, Adama is making significant strides in advancing women’s health and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Summary: Adama Sesay: Harnessing Sensors and Microsystems to Tackle Troubles
Adama Sesay, a Senior Engineer at the Wyss Institute, has found a career that combines her childhood passions of science, design, and saving lives. She specializes in biosensing, microfluidics, and microsystems, and works on various projects at the Institute. These projects include integrating sensors into an organ chip system to monitor immune system reactions, developing a smart food ingredient to reduce sugar intake, and creating a microfluidic blood clotting chip for studying clotting time in patients with mesothelioma. Adama is also dedicated to advancing women’s health at the Wyss by bringing together scientists, clinicians, and technology teams to develop solutions for unmet clinical needs. She helps bridge the gap between academia and industry by facilitating communication between scientists and engineers and translating research into practical applications. Adama was drawn to the Wyss Institute for its translational approach to science and its groundbreaking work in organ-on-chip technology. Her previous work experience has shaped her approach to her current role, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is robotics?
A1: Robotics is a multidisciplinary field that involves the design, development, and application of robots. Robots are autonomous or semi-autonomous machines that can perform tasks or behaviors typically associated with humans. They are equipped with sensors, actuators, and a control system that allows them to interact with their environment.
Q2: How are robots classified?
A2: Robots can be classified into different categories based on their design and functionality. Some common classifications include industrial robots, humanoid robots, mobile robots, medical robots, and collaborative robots (cobots). Each category has its own set of characteristics and applications.
Q3: What are the key components of a robot?
A3: A robot typically consists of several key components, including sensors, actuators, a control system, and a power source. Sensors enable the robot to perceive and gather data about its environment, while actuators allow it to manipulate objects or move. The control system processes the sensory information and coordinates the robot’s actions. The power source provides the necessary energy for the robot’s functioning, which can be battery-powered or connected to an external power supply.
Q4: What are the main applications of robotics?
A4: Robotics has a wide range of applications across various industries. In manufacturing, robots are commonly used for tasks such as assembly, welding, painting, and material handling. They are also extensively utilized in medicine and healthcare for surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and healthcare assistance. Additionally, robots are employed in space exploration, agriculture, logistics, and even in household chores.
Q5: What are the benefits and challenges associated with robotics?
A5: Robotics offers numerous benefits, such as increased productivity, precision, efficiency, and safety in various fields. They can perform repetitive or dangerous tasks with high accuracy, reducing the risk of human errors. Furthermore, robots can operate in hazardous environments that may be unsuitable for humans. However, there are challenges to overcome, including the cost of acquisition and maintenance, technological limitations, ethical concerns, and potential job displacement. Nonetheless, with advancements in technology, the potential benefits of robotics continue to outweigh the challenges.
