Major: Biomedical Engineering
Class: 2012
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Type of scholarship(s): Joseph W. and Ouida Wald Zwisler Endowed Scholarship
Job: I am currently a GE Healthcare EID (Early Identification Program) intern. This summer I am working with the Global Sourcing and Initiatives Team to facilitate the integration that followed the announcement of the Healthymagination initiative in May of 2009. I have been working to update, document and create processes and tools that will be instrumental in GE Healthcare’s vow to reduce the cost of their products by twenty-percent in the next six years.
Why did you choose MSOE?
My reason for choosing MSOE was simple: I wanted to be challenged more than I was in high school. MSOE’s reputation for having a rigorous curriculum having a challenging biomedical engineering program interested me. However, what sealed my decision was the sense of community. I did not pick up on this sense of community at any of the other colleges I visited. It’s almost as if each student recognizes that we are all in this together and whatever can be done to help each other will be done. I knew that college would be a transition and I knew that the strength of community on campus would help me to transition smoothly.
What are you involved in at MSOE?
I am a member of the track and field team at MSOE.
What do you feel is the greatest lesson you’ve learned so far at MSOE?
Take full advantage of all the resources around you to make yourself a more efficient and productive student; either asking the professor for clarification or working on problems with friends or signing up for tutoring at the Learning Resource Center. Courses can get very difficult, to succeed you have to go beyond your knowledge and pull knowledge and expertise from those who surround you.
What have you liked most about your MSOE experience?
MSOE is like a patchwork quilt. Each student, like each piece of fabric, is different and every student has his or her own story to tell. What I have enjoyed the most about MSOE is listening to the stories of those I meet as well as sharing my story. At MSOE your next opportunity to learn is just a greeting away.
How have the scholarship(s) helped you?
My scholarship has lessened the financial contribution my parents have had to make to my education. In addition, the scholarship has given me peace of mind. I do not need to worry about the cost of my education. I can devote my full attention to my coursework.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I hope to go on to graduate school and pursue my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering with an emphasis on biomechanics. I hope to someday teach at an institution.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy being active and spending time with my friends and family. I love to cook vegan cuisine and watch movies as an escape from the rigors of school.