Phouvadol Peter Khouphongsy '97
Research Engineer
Position Description:
I manage a horizontal sled crash-testing facility. I formulate and implement
test protocols for frontal, side and rear impact simulation to study the
biofidelity of anthropomorphic crash test dummy, injury thresholds,
injury biomechanics and crash worthiness. I analyze and submit findings
to principle investigators and granting agencies such as the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Necessary education or experience:
A B.S. in biomedical engineering with three years experience or an M.S. in biomedical
engineering.
Key skills that are necessary to be successful in your position:
This position requires strong problem-solving skills, and strong knowledge
in mechanic, electronic, computer, life science and mathematical modeling (FEM).
You must also be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
A description of your path to your current position:
I started as a full-time graduate student after I received a B.S. from
MSOE. After my first year of graduate school, I applied and accepted
an entry level research engineering position. A year later, I was
promoted to my current position as a lead research engineer, who manages
a horizontal sled crash testing facility.
Good (and bad) aspects of your current position:
The good aspect of my current position is knowing that the results of
our research will provide data to improve occupant safety in an
automotive crash environment.
What do you enjoy about your current position?
My current position provides me with a wide variety of research topics, which reduces boredom.
Any other advice?
To stay abreast with my current position, I attended conferences and
took numerous engineering classes. I also am expanding my knowledge base
by learning and applying finite element analysis principles in my research.
On MSOE and Biomedical Engineering
Do you think a degree in BE is a good choice?
I think a degree in BE is a good choice. Within the automotive safety
community, BE has given me an edge in an overall understanding of mechanic,
electronic, computer and physiological systems that other engineers do not
have. An understanding in physiological system proves to be most valuable
to me as I advance in the automotive safety community.
Do you think MSOE is a good choice of colleges?
I believe MSOE is a good choice. I advanced rapidly to the level of lead
research engineer due to my hands-on training at MSOE, and a well-structured
academic program. MSOE taught me to apply engineering principles, which I
learned in the classroom to solve engineering problems. This proved to be
very valuable to me after graduation.
Why did you choose MSOE's BE program?
The reason why I chose MSOE's BE program was the overall coverage of biomedical
engineering principles. Other colleges may separate the BE program into two
different aspects, bioelectronics and biomechanics. At MSOE, both bioelectronics
and biomechanics are combined into one. Electronic, mechanic, computer and
life science classes were taught equally. By far, MSOE's BE program had the
most well-balanced curriculum available at that time.
What did you like about MSOE?
I like the quality of education and the quality of professors at MSOE. The
professors are very knowledgeable. The classes are arranged in such a way that
the students receive a well-rounded education.
What did you like about the student activities and student life at MSOE?
Fortunately, I was a part of the men's soccer team. I would consider my
participation in school-related activities an important part of my life.
It gave me an opportunity to interact with other students.
Now that you have graduated and are in the workforce, are
you happy with the education that you received in the BE program at MSOE?
I am very happy with the education I received from MSOE. For the most part,
I feel MSOE adequately prepared me for the real world.
| For information about MSOE's B.S. in Biomedical Engineering program, contact interim program director Dr. Charles Tritt at (414) 277-7421. |