Presenting my research on pain threshold, tolerance, and perception
Author: Emma Paulus | Major: Mechanical Engineering | Semester: Spring 2024
The common phrase “pain is relative” may have more scientific backing than most people would think. My research delves into the role that expectation plays in pain tolerance, threshold, and perception. By using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to induce low levels of pain we were able to measure participants’ pain threshold (time until they first felt pain), tolerance (time when the pain became unbearable or 5 minutes had passed), and perception. I presented the findings of my research at the Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
At the symposium, I was able to meet many experts in the fields of bioengineering and biomedical engineering. They were able to advise me on various aspects of my research, including potential future directions, and addressed the limitations of my initial study. I was able to meet Guido Pagnacco and Elena Oggero, engineering professors at the University of Wyoming, and experts in the pain-related bioengineering field. They told me about their research on how pain perception affects balance and how this can be used to accurately gauge the pain levels of patients on opioid painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. This could be a potential new avenue to pursue and potentially collaborate on in the future.
I also had the opportunity to watch presentations by other researchers discussing the latest advancements in biomedical engineering. One research presentation I found particularly interesting was about the effects of NPY1 receptor and how it relates to pain presented by Michelle Tucci. This was particularly interesting because it addresses a marker only found in patients experiencing pain and presents avenues to addressing a critical part of healthcare, eliminating pain.
Furthermore, the symposium not only expanded my knowledge but also provided a platform to receive valuable feedback on my research and to hone my skills in public speaking and engaging with peers in the field. The opportunity to answer questions and discuss my research better prepared me for defending a thesis in the future.
My advice for future students is to attend the non-academic parts of the symposium or conference. These gatherings give you a chance to connect with other attendees and board members on a more personal level. I found that chatting over dinner or exploring the French Quarter of New Orleans during a bus tour allowed me to form meaningful connections. These informal settings can lead to future collaborations or mentorships that might not happen in the formal sessions. They also make the whole conference experience more enjoyable and memorable.
In conclusion, the Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium was a great experience. Presenting my research on pain perception and expectation opened doors to potential collaborations and future directions. Meeting experts like Guido Pagnacco and Elena Oggero inspired me to explore new avenues in pain-related bioengineering. Attending presentations on cutting-edge advancements expanded my understanding of pain mechanisms and other sectors of bioengineering. Furthermore, the symposium provided valuable opportunities to receive feedback, enhance my public speaking skills, and connect with peers on a personal level. Overall, it was a memorable and enriching experience that will shape my future endeavors in bioengineering.