Q&A with faculty mentor Jit Muthuswamy

Jit Muthuswamy is an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering. In his Neural Microsystems Lab, Muthuswamy explores device-based methods to restore normal function in those with dysfunctions in the nervous system. With about 10 years of experience as a FURI and MORE faculty mentor, he looks forward to continuing to guide students on their engineering research journeys.

What made you want to get involved as a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend program faculty mentor?

I like to be involved in FURI and MORE research for several reasons. One: It provides students with the important experience of having to write a convincing proposal of their research and articulate why it is innovative and important. Two: The formal recognition that the students get under the FURI and MORE umbrella motivates them to be more accountable with their research. Three: FURI and MORE also provides the opportunity to make the research done by these students more visible. Lastly, the students feel validated when their research proposal gets selected after a review process.

What is your favorite part about seeing your students conduct research?

When students see data that doesn’t make sense, it makes everyone step back and question everything. With a bit of patience, these discouraging moments often lead to valuable “aha” moments.

How have your FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend students had an effect on your research? Have they come up with any research surprises or proposed new directions for your lab?

These students bring a lot of energy, enthusiasm and purpose to their research. On occasion, they do suggest new directions for the research in our lab. They have also sometimes determined approaches and methods that do not work, which is just as important as determining the ones that do.

What have you gained from being a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentor? How has the experience been rewarding for you?

Mentoring these students also brings recognition and visibility to the overall research being done in my lab. These research awards have lifted the lab’s morale.

What advice would you give to students who might be interested in participating in FURI, MORE and the GCSP research stipend program?

I would encourage every student wanting to pursue research to participate in the FURI and MORE programs. If my students are unsuccessful in the first round, I encourage them to keep trying. I have had students in the past who participated in FURI after applying twice. There are many important life lessons to be learned through this process that will be valuable for their future engineering careers.

Why should other faculty members become FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentors?

The FURI and MORE programs are great mechanisms to energize undergraduate and master’s degree-level research, which in turn feeds into other research efforts in my laboratory. The FURI and MORE research provides structure and accountability, which helps our students to thrive.