What do you do?
I am a professor. This means that I teach the next generation of engineers about the bioengineering profession and also conduct research to further advance bioengineering and bioengineering education.
Why did you choose this field?
I fell off of a second story balcony when I was 15 and had several reconstructive back surgeries that leveraged advanced in tissue engineering. This fueled my interest in bioengineering and i decided in high school that this was a field I wanted to be involved in for the rest of my life.
What do you look at and think, "I wish younger me would have known this was possible"?
As a professor, I travel the world teaching others and talking about my research. I have been to 5 continents and even spent some time living abroad in France for a Fulbright Scholarship. I never thought that this was possible as a professor.
Why do you love working in STEM?
I love teaching the next generation of engineers and I especially love hearing from them after they graduate. When I get a message from a former student, it reignites my passion and shows me the impact that I am having.
Best advice for next generation?
Anyone can do STEM. I had to work hard (and it was hard!) and I didn't go the best schools or get the best grades. I just followed my passions and worked hard. You can do it!
Inspo quote / fun fact / role model
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso