Choosing to Become a Biomedical Engineer
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the field of engineering. In high school, I took several engineering classes and initially thought I wanted to pursue civil engineering. However, after gaining some personal experience in the medical field, I realized that healthcare was another passion I wanted to explore. During a New Student Day at Mount Union, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Al-Zube, and his guidance and enthusiasm for biomedical engineering truly inspired me. Since then, I chose to pursue biomedical engineering, and over the past three years, it’s become clear that this is the perfect field for me, blending my interest in both engineering and medicine. My ultimate career goal is to pursue my own research, focusing on advancing my knowledge in the field and making meaningful contributions to the biomedical engineering field. Mount Union is preparing me for this by providing me with numerous opportunities to grow both academically and professionally.
A Love for Travel
An interesting fact about me that people might be surprised to know is that I grew up in a military family, which gave me the opportunity to live in a variety of places. I was born in Cape May, New Jersey, and later lived in Yorktown, Virginia. My dad, a civil engineer in the Coast Guard, has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, especially in my passion for both engineering and the water. Growing up in this environment sparked my love for travel and has made me incredibly grateful for the diverse experiences and perspectives I've gained from living in different places.
Finding a Balance as a Student-Athlete
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome has been finding the right balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and achieving personal goals. When I first came to Mount Union as a student-athlete, I was navigating the demands of training, travel, and coursework. However, Mount’s supportive environment and the strong sense of community here made it easier to pursue everything I was passionate about. Everyone is highly involved on campus, and the encouragement from professors, coaches, and peers helped me stay focused on my academic and personal growth. As I transitioned away from athletics, I found that the same support was available to me in other areas of campus life, making it possible to explore new opportunities and get involved in activities I’m truly passionate about.