Dr. John DesJardins
College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
Area of Research:
The Influence of Femoral Flexion Axis Selection on Total Knee Replacement Surface Bearing Kinematics Using Computational Analysis
jdesjar@clemson.edu
204 Rhodes Annex
864-656-4178
Webpage
Proposed role for the Scholar as an undergraduate researcher in the Mentor's lab.
The Scholar will be joining a very productive research lab, with a significant undergraduate focus in research. Since spring 2009, I have advised over 95 undergraduates, and have mentored over 350 students in Creative Inquiry projects. In addition to supporting at least 10 active undergraduate researchers every semester, I regularly employ paid, full-time students over the summer. Our undergraduates are highly productive in dissemination of their work, with over 44 national conference presentations being given by undergrads, and 10 co-authored publications. The Scholar will be able take an active leadership role in research projects that will prepare him/her for a future career in graduate research.
Frequency and nature of the planned interactions between the Scholar and Mentor.
During the course of regular research, the Scholar will meet weekly with me, usually in a team or small research group setting. All students are free to communicate and meet with me as much as the project or person requires, and this is encouraged by phone, text, email, and in person. With poster or presentation preparation, meetings are more frequent, so as to mentor and prepare the Scholar for these activities. I will seek to foster long-term engagement and mentorship with the the Scholar well beyond the initial lab interaction; I have often provided letters of support and professional advice extending years in the future for former undergraduate mentees. Specific plans for each Scholar will be developed by the Mentor to prepare the Scholar for graduate level research and future leadership roles in scientific research and innovation.
Specific plans the Mentor will employ.
All students work in small teams, usually led by a graduate student, but exceptional undergraduate students like the Beckman Scholar will have the opportunity to take a project lead as soon as they are ready. Teams meet weekly with me to discuss progress and receive guidance. During the week, the team works to complete tasks, learn new skills, and advance their goals. Long-term goals for the project are set and discussed, and the Scholar will be mentored to enable the completion of those goals. Successes in the project are shared by the whole team, and publications, presentations, conference travel and media are usually shared by the whole team. As the Scholar becomes more accomplished in the lab, they can begin to take on more leadership roles and be assigned their own projects and students to mentor.
Active undergraduate researchers in Mentor's lab. 21 Clemson undergraduates are actively conducting research in the lab.
Total number of UGRS mentored to date: 142
Dr. John DesJardins is the Robert B. and Susan B. Hambright Leadership Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson University. He received his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Clemson University in December 2006, and has worked for over 25 years as a biomechanical research engineer. His lab is very student-focused, and he regularly employs over 15 undergraduates and 6 graduate students on multi-disciplinary and collaborative projects that include the areas of biomechanics, biomaterials tribology, implant design, sports biomechanics, rehabilitation, engineering education and mechanical testing. His students regularly travel to national conferences to present, publish in journals, and receive university, regional and national awards.
