I am a scientist motivated by problems in modern healthcare. My motivation as a scientist is the modern healthcare problems. I am a scientist who is motivated by problems in modern healthcare. I am interested in further developing myself as scientist by enrolling Stanford University’s Biomedical Engineering PhD Graduate Program.
Stanford is one of the leading institutions in biomedical translational research. This is an interdisciplinary field. The rapid development of devices, methods, and techniques for improving healthcare can be achieved through the collaboration of clinicians, scientists, and engineers. To succeed in this venture, one needs to have an aptitude for the field they are working in, as well as the ability and willingness to collaborate with others and identify potential problems or opportunities. I have had a career that has been a combination of bioengineering as well as entrepreneurship. These experiences enabled me to acquire and use the skills that are essential for biomedical translational research.
In May 2014, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Bioengineering. I showed a lot of aptitude in bioengineering during my undergraduate years. I was awarded several scholarships and prizes. The WSU College of Engineering and Architecture awarded me the Junior Bioengineer of year and the Bioengineering Teacher Assistant of the year. It is a sign that I am both able to communicate and learn in my field. This shows that I am a capable bioengineer, and I hope to continue this in my future research.
Since receiving my degree, i’ve worked at the Center for Muscle Biology of my alma-mater, gaining a lot of research experience. We are conducting comparative studies on the in situ muscles mechanics of wildtype mice versus the LGMD2i P448L mouse model. I designed and conducted these experiments under Dr. Dan Rodgers’ guidance, an associate Professor of Animal Sciences and Director of Washington Center for Muscle Biology. Also, Dr. David Lin was an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. We used a dual controller force and measurement transducer for measurements of the surgically removed hindlimb muscles. Then, we can determine important relationships in force, length, velocity and muscle architecture. Scientists have to know how to handle animals and to administer anesthesia. As an engineer I had to master instrumentation, analysis of data, and computation programming. We have not yet published or submitted anything. The project is young. In spite of this, I was able to create a novel method for testing and stabilizing the medial gastrocnemius muscles in-situ. The appointment confirms both my desire to research and my capability.
I have been involved in a number of significant projects over the past two years that demonstrate my ability identify problems and opportunities. Then, I collaborated with various fields to create a solution. My bioengineering project for my senior year was a good example. Our group identified pressure ulcers as a persistent problem in healthcare, developed a solution, created a business model, and built a prototype. Our product was developed in collaboration with doctors, nurse, medical-device providers, and medical device research professionals. Our solution consisted of a reactive medical surface that sensed pressure distribution and changed shape to best redistribute the pressure. Our system consisted of sensors and pneumatics as well as electrical circuitry. As team leader, my influence on the project’s overall direction was significant. As a team leader, I had a great deal of influence on the overall direction of the project. I was also heavily involved in technical development, including the creation and presentation documents for our team. The project was the winner of two WSU Poster Competitions.
Second, I was involved in the WSU Global Case Competition. This competition in 2014 challenged teams of undergraduate and graduate students to resolve a global problem: the high concentrations of arsenic in Bangladesh’s drinking water. Our team was diverse, spanning fields from pathology to astrobiology. Together, our team developed a comprehensive solution that addressed all aspects of the problem: social, economic, technical, as well as implementation. We were awarded first place by the judges out of more than 20 teams. We’ll be visiting Bangladesh in late-November to learn more about the issue, to work with professionals there, and to test the feasibility.
These experiences were a major influence on my life. My entrepreneurial experience has also shaped me, notably my involvement with an innovative startup that aimed to commercialize academic innovations. Now I realize that solving healthcare issues is my passion. But research alone will not suffice. I want to solve a problem by identifying, refining, and quantifying it. I want the laboratory research to reach the patient’s bedside. The ultimate goal of my career is to create and research medical products. In order to achieve this, I must perfect my research skills. The best way for me to achieve this goal is by completing the Stanford University bioengineering graduate program.
If I am accepted into your program, my goal is to develop and research a new medical device, tool or technique that will improve healthcare standards. I would like to work on a project that combines instrumentation, computing mathematics, mathematical simulation, and prototype evaluation. Dr. Yock’s research on clinical trials, Dr. Boahen’s modeling of physiological processes using integrated circuits, as well as Dr. Quake’s work developing precision measurement methods, all have my interest. Their work has the potential to change how we practice medicine.
Stanford University will be my ideal choice to obtain a PhD that focuses on bioengineering applications and translational research in biomedicine. Stanford’s Bio-X program and Coulter Translational Research Partnership, are two examples that align Stanford’s institution mission with my goals. Stanford’s entrepreneurial atmosphere is one in which I could thrive. I can see the endless possibilities of collaboration between research in healthcare and top-notch bioengineering programs on campus. I think I can make a significant contribution to Stanford’s innovative biomedical-research tradition.