Hello world! 👋

I am a biomedical engineer interested in leveraging biomechanics, robotics, and data science in orthopaedics to inform surgical treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes.

I am a graduate research assistant in the Lenz Research Group of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Utah School of Medicine pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering focused on foot and ankle orthopaedic biomechanics.

My dissertation research aims to develop a robotic simulator for studying the kinematic mechanisms and interactions of the individual ankle and hindfoot joints and how different arthrodeses impact their underlying functionality. This work combines biomechanics, robotics, controls, and machine learning for a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding the form and function of the foot and ankle complex.

I am also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Deep Learning in AI & Robotics in the Kahlert School of Computing at the University of Utah to enhance my skills in robotics and machine learning through coursework in machine learning, deep learning, data visualization, and medical robotics.

Career Objective 🚀

My overall career goal is to utilize robotics and machine learning to solve real-world problems and make positive impacts in society, especially in disadvantaged communities.

I am interested in working as a research/data/machine learning scientist in medical robotics, health technology, sustainability, or climate technology.

Background

I grew up in Spartanburg, SC and earned my BS in Chemistry with a minor in Applied Mathematics at Wofford College in 2015. Following graduation, I interned as a research chemist at the E. & J. Gallo Winery Research Laboratory in Modesto, CA. Eventually, my coupled interests in medicine and engineering evolved and I moved to Corvallis, OR to complete my MS in Bioengineering with a minor in Robotics at Oregon State University. Under the guidance of Ravi Balasubramanian and Jim Sweeney, I computationally modeled the kinematics and dynamics of a novel implantable passive differential mechanism for upper extremity tendon transfer surgery.

After completing my MS, I was awarded 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 | 2025 (expected)

Graduate Certificate in Deep Learning in AI & Robotics | University of Utah | 2025 (expected)

MS in Bioengineering, Minor in Robotics | Oregon State University | 2020

BS in Chemistry, Minor in Mathematics | Wofford College | 2015

Experiences 👨🏻‍🔬

Utah Orthopaedic Research Laboratory | Graduate Research Assistant | Jan 2022–Present

Utah Orthopaedic Research Laboratory | Research Analyst | Oct–Dec 2021

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center | ORISE Resarch Fellow | Mar 2020–Sept 2021

Robotic & Human Control Systems Laboratory | Graduate Research Assistant | Sept 2016–Feb 2020

E. & J. Gallo Winery Research Laboratory | Chemistry Research Intern | 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 Tissue Biomechanist 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

Service & Leadership 🤓

American Society of Biomechanics - Utah Student Chapter | Vice President/Treasurer | Aug 2022–Present

Utah BME Graduate Student Advisory Committee | EDI Co-Chair, Co-Treasurer | Aug 2021–Present

Utah Graduate Women in Biomedical Engineering | Member | Jan 2022–Present

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

News & Press 📰

OSU College of Engineering | Sept 2019

Momentum Magazine | Jun 2019