Building Connections, Fostering Community: In Conversation with Alum and TEAM Lab Engineer Valerie Quiroz

For Valerie Quiroz, the importance of community and collaboration cannot be overstated in the field of engineering.

We spoke to the mechanical engineering alum and current development engineer for the Translating Engineering Advances to Medicine Lab — or TEAM Lab, a makerspace dedicated to bringing research and engineering ideas to life — to learn more about her career path, the value of interdisciplinary projects and how she's giving back to the UC Davis engineering community that gave so much to her. 

Can you tell us the story of how you discovered engineering? Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I didn't fully understand what engineering was or the opportunities it could offer when I applied to study it in college. All I knew was that I wanted my work to help people. Growing up, I was always curious, constantly building and taking things apart to understand how they worked. At UC Davis, I connected that childhood curiosity to the real-world applications of engineering, discovering how my interests could translate into meaningful solutions.

Can you tell us about a class or professor at UC Davis who made a significant impact on you?

My favorite class was "Mechanical Design" with Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Bahram Ravani. This course was significant because it connected the dots between all the math and physics I had been taking and their practical applications in engineering design. 

Professor Ravani himself made a significant impact on me. He would often share his engineering experiences during lectures and tie those experiences into the lesson to make the material easier to understand. Beyond the classroom, he also set aside time to speak with students about industry, providing guidance and insights that were incredibly valuable.

After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, you spent a few years as a development engineer at Penumbra, Inc. — an Alameda-based medical device company. What drew you to the medical device industry, and how did this experience prepare you for your current role with the TEAM Lab?

I was drawn to the medical device industry because it bridges engineering and healthcare, allowing me to contribute to developing products that directly benefit people.

At Penumbra, I gained invaluable experience in bringing a medical device to market — from prototyping and testing to design for manufacturing — all with a strong focus on quality, regulations and safety. In this role, I worked with various suppliers and engineers and collaborated closely with physicians to develop devices tailored to real-world needs.

These experiences made me a stronger engineer as I transitioned into my current role at the TEAM Lab, especially as we prepare for our expansion to Aggie Square in Sacramento next year. The proximity to the UC Davis Health campus will create exciting new opportunities to foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, linking engineering advances directly to medical applications.

Each year, the TEAM Lab produces about 2,500 objects. These objects bring faculty, student and industry research to life. Can you describe one project that stands out to you and why? 

One TEAM Lab project that stands out is the development of a 3D-printed equine head model integrated with sensors to train personnel in performing euthanasia on horses. This model provides a realistic and safe platform for future practitioners to practice and refine their skills, ensuring humane and effective euthanasia procedures.

From an engineering perspective, this project was interesting due to the challenges involved in creating the anatomical structure of a horse's head and integrating sensors to provide real-time feedback. Collaborating closely with veterinarians was essential to ensure the model met training needs.

Projects like this, which have an immediate and tangible impact on improving practices and outcomes, are particularly rewarding. They highlight the power of engineering to create solutions that address real-world challenges and enhance the well-being of both animals and humans.

You are a member of the college's GOLD Board. Can you explain what that is? What drove you to join?

The GOLD Board — Graduates of the Last Decade — is an advisory board for UC Davis College of Engineering alumni who graduated within the past ten years. We provide feedback to the college and help recent graduates by fostering connections between alumni and the broader engineering community.

I joined the GOLD Board because I wanted to give back to the engineering community that helped develop me into the engineer I am today. During my time as a student, I appreciated the alumni who took the time to share their insights about the industry, offer career advice and answer my questions. Now, I have the chance to do the same for others. 

Additionally, I genuinely enjoy engaging with young engineers and students. Their excitement and passion for the field are contagious, and many aspire to roles similar to mine at the TEAM Lab.

Can you share an example of how you giving back to the UC Davis engineering community through the GOLD Board?

Reflecting on my own undergraduate experience, I shared with the GOLD Board how important it is for students to have direct access to alumni for guidance on career paths, industry insights and navigating the job market. This feedback helped turn the idea into a reality with our recent "Ask an Alum" event.

During the event, [fellow alum and I] participated in one-on-one sessions with students who were asking the same questions I once had. It was inspiring to connect with them, share my experiences and offer advice on their journey. Seeing their enthusiasm and being able to provide clarity and reassurance made me realize how impactful events like these are for bridging the gap between academic life and the professional world.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Whether it's working with peers on a project, connecting with someone at a career fair or engaging with students, sharing your passion and interests is essential. You never know when your story or background might inspire someone to explore a new path they hadn't considered or provide an opportunity for someone to learn something new. Building these connections fosters growth, innovation and a stronger engineering community.