Dia Williams

“I enjoyed it, and getting to 3D print was really fun.”

Senn high school senior Dia Williams was in Dr. Chen’s lab this summer, alongside their partner Phoebe Stein. In the lab, the group focused primarily on mice — testing the rodents’ reaction time to specific sensations and triggers. 

Williams said at first, the idea of working so closely with animals was frightening. After exposure and practice, however, they became more comfortable with the process. “I think I’m warming up to the idea of being in contact with animals,” Williams said.

One of Williams’ favorite aspects of her lab was the 3D printing and modeling portion. Williams was able to create many different objects and said the 3D projects exposed her to a new skill to work on. “I enjoyed it and getting to print was really fun,” Williams said. Some of the objects the partners created were 3D mice, tools and even a headphone stand.