Microfluidics, Mountains, and Memories - Rayyan Gorashi

That saying, “time flies when you’re having fun” has never proved itself to be truer: both inside and outside of IMEC. It’s like every time I blink, it’s the start of a new work week and I’m more than ready to tackle the upcoming challenges.

It’s been refreshing to go back into the flow of work at IMEC after weekends that are busy with traveling. In the past two weekends, I traveled to Newcastle Upon Tyne in Northern England to visit my aunt and celebrate Eid with some of my cousins. I was glad to become acquainted with the surprisingly extensive Sudanese community over there; it lessened a bit of the homesickness that started to accumulate.

The following weekend was unexpectedly spent in Geneva, Switzerland – but fortunately so. The weather was nothing short of spectacular and it really added to the experience in the city. We went on a hike on Le Mont Saleve (which is situated just across the Swiss-French border) and were able to get a breathtaking view of Le Mont Blanc, translating to “The White Mountain.” Le Mont Blanc earned its name because of its snow-white peak, which remains white all throughout the year. Even in the midst of a warm summer, you’ll be able to spot the white peak for miles.

Attempting to do a handstand on Le Mont Saleve. Le Mont Blanc is in the background. 

Things have been picking up for the microfluidic project at IMEC as well. Thomas (my supervisor) was very supportive of a potential idea I had to incorporate into the current system; this past week has been spent doing some preliminary experiments on coverslips to gauge the behavior of the cardiomyocytes. Based on these results, we’ll hopefully be able to translate some of those conditions into the microfluidic device. I’m excited for what’s to come!

Working hard in the lab. 

Watching the Belgium vs England World Cup match at the Oude Markt.