Three Georgia Tech undergraduate students have been selected for the 2024 Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Summer Research Program, which provides summer internship opportunities for undergraduates interested in pursuing advanced research in their academic disciplines. The Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Program supports the Fulbright goals of advancing knowledge and understanding in the world by promoting international study, research, and ambassadorship. Charles Hong, Sandip Das, and Ryan Wiebold (pictured) will be traveling to Canada this summer for 10-12 weeks to advance their research projects in top-tier research facilities.

Hong, a biomedical engineering major, plans to research magnetic soft robots for medical surgeries in the Healthcare Applications for Robotic Technologies at McMaster University. As part of his research, Hong will be designing a magnetic robotic capsule used to store a biopsy yield. The capsule will be actuated using a magnetic actuation system and delivered to an in-vitro lung phantom to test the capabilities of the capsule. In addition to his research work, Hong is planning to visit Niagara Falls and spend time exploring Toronto.

Das, a biomedical engineering major, will be researching at the Przybyl Lab at McGill University, investigating metabolic pathways in soft-tissue sarcomas. Das hopes his research can inform the development of highly targeted and personalized cancer therapies. During his time in Canada, Das hopes to connect with friends, explore Montreal, and learn more about Quebecois culture.

Wiebold, a chemistry major, will be working on the Main Group Chemistry for Small-Molecule Activation project at Western University in London, Ontario. His research will include synthesizing small inorganic molecules using spectrophotometric techniques to characterize them and study their viability in assisting with conversion of greenhouse gases to fuel. While in Canada, Wiebold also plans to build relationships with students from other universities and get involved in intramural sports with his lab group.

All three students highlight the value in working with Prestigious Fellowships advisor Karen Mura as part of their application process. Dr. Mura helped guide and advise Hong, Das, and Wiebold throughout the process of applying for these opportunities, providing feedback on personal essays and informing them about the Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Summer Research Program.