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International Experience: Joseph Sebastian Reflects on Internship at World-Renowned Ultrasound Imaging Institute

October 18, 2018
Joseph Sebastian

Fresh from an exciting internship at the Institut Langevin in Paris, Joseph Sebastian, Ryerson biomedical engineering undergraduate student, says, ���I cannot emphasize enough the impact of this experience on my research career.��� For 12 weeks, thanks to , Joseph worked in a lab he calls ���arguably, one of the best ultrasound-focused imaging groups in the world.���

While Joseph was working as a research assistant with physicist  in ultrasound imaging, he was made aware of the internship program, and the opportunity to work aboard with the world-renowned  French ultrasound physicist . It was simply ���too incredible to pass up.���  

At Ryerson, there���s strong support of international internships like Joseph���s, all stemming from a belief that, in an increasingly globalized economy, great benefits flow to students and potential employers alike. Or, in Joseph���s words, ���As a student who had never lived away from home for a significant period of time before, I can say that I learned more about myself professionally and personally during my internship in Paris.���  

Evaluating his experience, Joseph cites numerous benefits. ���My work was focused in the field of cardiology, specifically a technique that would enable early detection of diastolic heart failure. Tanter���s lab recently developed a new method for the quantitative and non-invasive assessment of heart muscle elasticity during the cardiac cycle based on ultrafast ultrasound imaging and shear wave elastography.���

It���s clear that the Mitacs internship was well-conceived. Supervised by Cl辿ment Papadacci, a research associate; Mathieu Pernot, research director; and Tanter, deputy director, Joseph says, ���I had weekly meetings with them and Dr. Kolios to discuss my work and progress. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to interact with these individuals and the depth of their knowledge was astounding. I was also able to learn many new techniques in ultrasound imaging and experimental design.���

Cross-culturally, beyond applying his French skills, Joseph gained new insights. While Joseph admits exchanges involve adjustment too ��� ���I did feel homesick at times or even lonely��� ��� he says pushing himself to meet new people helped him more than he can explain. ���Not to mention I was in France when they won the World Cup!���  

While Joseph���s international experience proved as valuable as he���d hoped, good results don���t spring out of thin air. In looking back, Joseph also credits incredible faculty commitment at Ryerson that got him there. ���This award would not be possible without Dr. Kolios. He is a huge advocate for his students exploring and expanding their research interests and collaborative networks.��� He���s also grateful to Leslie Bone of Ryerson���s Mitacs Office who helped him during the application and review process.

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