Get to Know HudsonAlpha: Phillip Ewing
Phillip Ewing is a senior research/electronics engineer working in Dr. Jian Han’s laboratory. Prior to his arrival at HudsonAlpha in 2008, he had no idea his engineering skills would lead him to the world of biomedical research. We invite you to “Get to know...Phillip Ewing”
Q: What do you do at HudsonAlpha?
A: I am currently working on the design and development of a medical device that will test DNA samples for infectious diseases. The iCubate system consists of reagent filled cassettes, a DNA amplification system, a microarray scanner and system management software.
I am working with my long-time friend and fellow engineer, Jeff Bertrand, to define the system architecture; design and implement the electronic circuits and interfaces; write the embedded system firmware; test and validate the system performance; and perform several other engineering development tasks.
Q: How does electronics fit into scientific research?
A: Many of the experiments that scientists perform daily require electronically controlled systems to measure system variables, control device operating functions and parameters, and process the raw data produced during the experiments.
A precision computer-controlled instrument like the iCubate system will allow scientists and researchers to perform experiments in less time and with increased accuracy, repeatability and flexibility.
Q: Please tell me about your previous experience?
A: Before coming to HudsonAlpha in December of 2008, I worked at Adtran for 10 years as an engineer and supervisor in the test and instrumentation organization. In 2003, I received a patent for work I did on the design of the TA600 Autobank, Adtran’s first multi-unit test system designed for END products.
Q: What kind of a learning experience have you had at HudsonAlpha?
A: Exciting! The atmosphere at HudsonAlpha is charged with energy and expectations of new breakthroughs. I am learning new things every day, and I am proud to be associated with an innovative scientist like Dr. Han and the other principal investigators and educators at the HudsonAlpha Institute.
Q: What do you most enjoy about your job?
A: I enjoy having the opportunity to learn new things, design electronic systems and look for solutions to problems. My work here at HudsonAlpha is full of opportunities to do all three. With the help of Dr. Han, the talented scientist in our group and a copy of “Genetics for Dummies,” I am learning more about DNA, PCR amplification and genetics than I ever imagined.
My work on the iCubate system allows me the opportunity to apply my experience and knowledge of computers and electronic systems design to a new field of study. And, an added benefit of this job is the knowledge that with the development of the iCubate system, I may be able to contribute to the advancement of medical research and health care for people in my community and around the world. Not many engineers in this area get that kind of opportunity.
Q: What keeps your job fresh?
A: Many things, including the beautiful environment of the HudsonAlpha facilities, the people I work with daily and those I get to meet from the other labs, and learning about the interesting genetic research that is being conducted in our department and throughout the institute. I would have never guessed that my engineering career would lead me to this opportunity in biomedical research.
These are exciting times. I’m looking forward to the continued growth of biomedical research and engineering in the Huntsville area. And…go Titans!
