What I Do I research ways to quickly detect the health and function of lab-grown muscle in ways that do not result in the destruction of the tissue and make it unusable. Our hope is ultimately to be able to use functioning engineered muscle in patients with large volumetric muscle loss often brought on by traumatic injuries and diseased states.
Why Engineering? I didn't know anything about engineering growing up. I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to help the sick. In middle school and high school, I realized my love for math and other kinds of science (in addition to biology). Somehow, I heard of the term "biomedical engineering"...and learned it could combine my loves for medicine and science/math. I've been hooked ever since!
School Days Xavier University of Louisiana: BS Physics University of Michigan Ann Arbor: MSE Biomedical Engineering; MSE Materials Science; PhD Biomedical Engineering
My Day At Work I spend much of my time at the lab bench--either growing muscle, viewing them under a microscope, or testing them to determine how much force can they pull. I also spend time at the computer analyzing imaging data. And finally, a portion of my day goes to working with students and hoping to provide research experiences that will bring about a love for science and engineering, and a confidence in their ability to do the work.
Proud Moments I'm most proud when the students I work with are successful, as when they place in regionals in their science fairs or when their faces light up because they finally understand a difficult concept.
Want to be an Engineer? Be tenacious. Be vigilant about working hard and learning your math and science fundamentals. You will always come across someone who seems to do something better, or get a concept easier--it doesn't mean you can not achieve your goals. The most successful people I know are so because they work hard and they don't give up. Finally, find that thing you love, that motivates you, and have fun
Hobbies I love to dance. If I could live two parallel lives, I'd be an engineer in one, and perhaps a dancer or photographer in the the other. I also love to cook, so maybe add chef to that list was well. I also have a bit of an adventurous side and really enjoy doing outdoors activities. However...the one thing I can't get the nerve to do: JUMP OUT OF PLANES! But who knows...maybe one day.