Hello world! 👋
I am a biomedical engineer focused on using biomechanics, robotics, and data science to improve surgical treatment strategies and clinical outcomes in orthopaedics.
I earned my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah in 2025, where I conducted research in the FAMM Lab within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. My work focused on foot and ankle orthopaedic biomechanics, developing a robotic cadaveric simulator with an integrated tendon force actuator system to study the kinematic mechanisms of the talocrural, subtalar, and midtarsal joints. This research combines biomechanics, robotics, and machine learning to provide a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding foot and ankle function.
I also completed Graduate Certificate in Deep Learning in AI & Robotics from the Kahlert School of Computing at the University of Utah, where I strengthened my expertise in robotics and machine learning through advanced coursework in machine learning, deep learning, data visualization, and medical robotics.
Career Objective 🚀
My career goal is to leverage robotics and data science to address real-world problems and create positive impact, particularly for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
I am seeking opportunities as a research engineer, product development engineer, clinical development engineer, or systems engineer in medical robotics, medical devices, or health technology.
Programming Languages 👨🏻💻️
Proficient: Python, MATLAB, R,
LabView
Familiar: SQL, Julia, C/C++, HTML/CSS,
JavaScript
Tools & Software 🛠️
Data Analysis & Visualization:
Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, ggplot2,
Tableau, Power BI
Machine Learning Frameworks: PyTorch,
TensorFlow/Keras, scikit-learn, statsmodels
Statistical Techniques: Descriptive
Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis,
Time-Series Analysis, Bayesian Inference, Statistical
Parametric Mapping, Resampling Methods, Design of
Experiments, Correlation
Development Tools: VS Code, Jupyter
Notebook, Anaconda, RStudio, Git/GitHub, Linux, OOP
Robotics: ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, RViz, MoveIt2,
RoboDK
3D Motion Capture: OptiTrack, Optotrak
Certus, Vicon
Musculoskeletal Modeling: OpenSim
Finite Element Analysis: FeBio
CAD Tools: SolidWorks, Fusion 360
Functional Expertise: Experimental Design,
Scientific Communication, Technical Writing,
Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Management, Research
& Development
Background
I grew up in Spartanburg, SC and earned my BS in Chemistry with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Wofford College in 2015. After graduation, I interned as a research chemist at the E. & J. Gallo Winery Research Laboratory in Modesto, CA. My growing interests in medicine and engineering led me to Corvallis, OR, where I completed my MS in Bioengineering with a minor in Robotics at Oregon State University. Under the guidance of Ravi Balasubramanian and Jim Sweeney, I developed data-driven biomechanical models for simulating the kinematics and dynamics of novel implantable passive mechanisms for upper extremity tendon transfer surgery.
After completing my MS, I received an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Fellowship to conduct research in the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. As a research fellow, I collaborated with surgeons to design biomechanical cadaveric studies across multiple orthopaedic specialties, including sports medicine, spine, and trauma.
When I am not designing hardware or troubleshooting code, I am out mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, or hiking with my dog and friends.
Education 🎓
PhD in Biomedical Engineering | University of Utah | Aug 2025
Graduate Certificate in Deep Learning in AI & Robotics | University of Utah | May 2025
MS in Bioengineering, Minor in Robotics | Oregon State University | Dec 2020
BS in Chemistry, Minor in Mathematics | Wofford College | May 2015
Experiences 👨🏻🔬
Graduate Research Assistant | Utah Orthopaedic Research Laboratory | Jan 2022–Present
Research Analyst | Utah Orthopaedic Research Laboratory | Oct–Dec 2021
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Fellow | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center | Mar 2020–Sept 2021
Graduate Research Assistant | Robotic & Human Control Systems Laboratory | Sept 2016–Feb 2020
Chemistry Research Intern | E. & J. Gallo Winery Research Laboratory | Jun–Nov 2015
Honors & Awards 🏅
David Winter Young Investigator Award Finalist | International Society of Biomechanics | May 2023
Best Doctoral Poster Presentation Award | Rocky Mountain American Society of Biomechanics | Apr 2023
Arthroscopy Journal Award for Basic Science Research Excellence Runner-Up | Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery | Jan 2022
Dean’s Distinguished Graduate Fellowship (Declined) | University of California, Davis | Apr 2021
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Fellowship | Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education | Jan 2020
Science Communication Fellowship (Declined) | Oregon Museum of Science and Industry | Nov 2018
Blue Ribbon Poster Award | Orthopaedic Research Society | Aug 2017
Leadership & Service 🤓
American Society of Biomechanics - Utah Student Chapter | Vice President/Treasurer | Aug 2022–May 2025
Utah BME Graduate Student Advisory Committee | EDI Co-Chair, Co-Treasurer | Aug 2021–May 2025
Utah Graduate Women in Biomedical Engineering | Member | Jan 2022–May 2025
OSU CBEE Graduate Student Association | Bioengineering Chairman | 2017–2018
OSU Robotics Graduate Student Association | Co-Founder & Co-President | 2016–2018
Community 🌱
TEDx Salt Lake City | Organizing Committee | 2023–Present
Wasatch Adaptive Sports | Snowbird, UT | 2021–Present
WeDo Lego Robotics | OSU STEM Academy | 2016–2019
Makers Club | Corvallis-Benton County Public Library | 2016