Joseph Davies

PIPS Host Organization: LabLogic Systems

PIPS Project Title: Assessing the feasibility of a new-generation surgical gamma probe

LabLogic Systems is an industry-leading company the specialises in the development and manufacturing of equipment to detect radiation. While the majority of work Joseph did took place in the Research and Development (R & D) department, for his first few weeks he worked in the Manufacturing department. It was his job to build and test Scan-RAM’s, a compact radio-TLC scanner that is used in hospitals to analyse the purity of radiolabelled chemicals for an imaging technique known as Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

Following this Joseph started working in R & D on a new-generation surgical gamma probe designated “Venus”. It was a smaller and more compact version of the “Apollo” predecessor that is a handheld probe used to detect gamma radiation for certain surgical procedures. A smaller footprint would result in a smaller incision and therefore a less intrusive surgery for the patient. It was my job to assemble various different prototypes and put them under a series of stringent testing based on standards derived from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Joseph was able to significantly narrow down the number of prototypes from 30 to 5 that could go on to the next stage of development.

Joseph’s PIPS gave him insight into what it is like working in a private company as the bridge between an idea and a functional product. Joseph was able to develop his skills in time management as well as communications skills by setting up collaborations with co-workers from different departments to successfully complete my different tasks.

The DTP were pleased to hear from LabLogic that the student’s strong research and communication skills were effectively applied during the placement, resulting in valuable outcomes that benefited the business.