Graduate Student Spotlight: Theodora Marina Triano

This spotlight is a part of our 2023 International Women's Day Feature.

What inspired you to study engineering? Describe your path to graduate studies at UC Davis. 

Using a deep understanding of the world to help as many folks as possible through technological innovation. I had originally started community college in my hometown in Tahoe, but after graduating from Lake Tahoe Community College, I transferred to UC Davis for my undergraduate studies in electrical engineering. During my senior year at UC Davis, I had the opportunity to take graduate courses within my department. This helped me find out that graduate studies is where I was meant to be. 

Highlight your current research. What do you love about it, why are you excited, and how do you stay motivated? 

I am currently doing research on characterizing cancerous tissue within the THz band (between the microwave and infrared spectrums) to help identify the presence of cancer within the body through a simple and painless saliva sample. I love applying my interests in physics and photonics to help identify a very real problem that we all have been impacted by one way or another. One of the main ways I stay motivated is that my research when completed, could have a strong impact on the world around us and help prevent needless suffering. 

The 2023 International Women's Day theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you embrace equity in the engineering field? 

I embrace equity by helping give back to folks who are just starting their journey. Mainly through my participation, mentorship and leadership within the Club of Future Female Electrical Engineers (COFFEE).