Engineering is at the intersection of fundamental and applied research, which I find perfectly aligned with one of my long-term career goals: doing science that can help our society mitigate climate change.
My work is in the area of biophotonic technologies research and applications in medicine. These technologies can provide solutions to critical societal problems such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, and possibly save lives.
I strive to be an inclusive instructor and make sure that everyone feels welcome in my classes. I work to mentor my female students and serve as a role model for them in professionalism and performance. I want to let them know that they can have a work-life balance while at the same time striving for excellence in the engineering field!
I have promoted engineering as one of the most rewarding fields for women throughout my career. It is intellectually fulfilling as it is technically challenging, requires creativity and constantly evolving. It is personally fulfilling to solve major societal problems and is financially rewarding.
I am encouraged to see women increasingly in leadership positions in engineering worldwide. By giving voices to a diverse community of contributors, we all benefit from various experiences.
In the College of Engineering, I serve as Faculty Advisor to the Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. In this role, I help the Dean attract, retain, serve and recognize diversity in the college's students, faculty and staff. I also serve as PI of the PROMISE Engineering Institute (PEI), an NSF-funded project led by UC Davis Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Renetta Garrison Tull in collaboration with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).
My research is in interdisciplinary efforts applying advanced technologies, data science and machine learning techniques to advance human health. I am excited to learn new things from my collaborators in other disciplines, and it’s rewarding to see that our research efforts lead to real, societal impact.
I like to connect with role models and support all my students. I think it is important that we know that we belong in the engineering field without explaining why. I co-organized the first and second Women in Advanced Manufacturing (WIAM) forum at the ASME MSEC and SME NAMRC conferences, highlighting career pathways and leadership experiences of successful women in advanced manufacturing.
Our research is focused in the area of regenerative medicine. We target biopolymers called glycosaminoglycans (they are long-chain sugar molecules) to target the cellular environment. We can influence cell behavior by altering the cell's environment to improve healthy tissue healing. We target diseases such as osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis (artery damage), among others. I love the idea that my research can contribute to improving human health.
The second annual awards recognize the outstanding achievements of the College of Engineering’s master’s and Ph.D. students in research, service, safety and diversity, equity and inclusion. Recipients receive a $500 award and will have their name added to a permanent display in the Kemper Hall lobby.
