Courtney’s Haven

Opportunites!

I got an email yesterday.

I was shocked.

I did it…just a little bit too late.

In September/October, right about the time that I withdrew from school, I was also applying for co-op opportunites. Well, it turns out that I got one.

I received an email from the head of Center for Devices and Radiological Health , which is part of the FDA.

The guy in charge is the director of the Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Laboratory, which is a research lab located in the Division of Imaging and Applied Mathematics at the Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, CDRH.

Cool, right?

They have two research topics : (per email)

“We have a laboratory cone-beam computed tomography system that is capable of acquiring x-ray images for 3D reconstructions of phantoms or small animals. Candidates with interests in a hands-on experience in the laboratory related to mechanical design, electrical control, software development, or data analysis could take on one of several projects related to x-ray imaging physics, graphics-based programming (labview) for hardware control, machine control and automation. Candidates with interests in statistical and mathematical methods in imaging could be involved in projects related to 3D image reconstruction or the development of state-of-the-art ideal-observer based performance metrics for the assessment of medical imaging systems. “

The projects benefit things like cardiovascular and breast cancer research on imaging.

Part of me is like, “GO FOR IT! GO FOR IT! What a great opportunity…”, but the other (practical) side of me is saying 1) finish school (undergrad.) as soon as possible 2) save money working at GAC-RUR to save for more school 3) Moving is too much of a trouble, 4) etc.

I know I’m going to go with my practical side, but wouldn’t it be cool to just leave and go and do something that is SUPER interesting but you don’t want to do for the rest of your life? I think so.

Wow. I’m just shocked/excited. Now, only if I could get one in the field of DRUGS…I would be on my way to Washington D.C in a heartbeat. Anyone?