M.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
I did my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at IUPUI and knew there was some great graduate work going on. After some exploration, I decided to continue my academic endeavors while also splitting my time in research between Dr. John Schild’s and Dr. Ken Yoshida’s cardiovascular neurophysiology and bioelectronics labs, respectively.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
My recent paper title ‘Reversible Conduction Block in Peripheral Mammalian Nerve Using Low Frequency Alternating Current’ is my proudest accomplishment so far. With funding from the Graduate and Professional Education Grant, the IUPUI Travel Fellowship, and my department, I was able to travel to San Francisco for the 9th International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering and present my work.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
I really enjoy being able to ride my bike into work. While the weather is not always ideal, the bike-friendly roads make the commute a breeze. If you have not had the chance to hop on the Monon Trail for a ride or a jog, I highly recommend it! I also like taking my kayaks out with friends to appreciate all the fascinating nature Indianapolis and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
Most of my research revolves around using electrophysiological experimentation as a basis for control of the cardiovascular system. Through slight electrical interrogation of visceral nerves, I study the way the baroreflex response regulates heart rate and blood pressure. I have also done research into stimulation paradigms and blocking techniques for bioelectronics therapies. I hope my work can contribute to novel medical devices that leverage natural human physiology for targeted electric therapies. Apart from my research, I have spent a lot of time participating in leadership roles all over IUPUI. I spent the first year of my graduate degree as the Graduate Senator for the Engineering and Technology Student Council (ETSC). ETSC provides great programming like the National Engineers week for students within the School of Engineering and Technology. At the departmental level, I have served in a number of roles within the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Association (BME GSA). BME GSA has focused on increasing social interactions within the department and with our alumni. This year, I also had the honor to serve as the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG). This year GPSG was the first organization ever to receive a Chancellor’s Medallion – a testament to all the great work our student representatives have achieved. Throughout all these opportunities, I have received great mentoring and met so many interesting, diverse and knowledgeable people.