Q: What led you to Messiah University and a degree in biomedical engineering?
Initially, I was led to Messiah during my time in high school when a friend invited me to come along to a softball camp run by the Messiah softball team. Later in my high school career when I began exploring undergrad programs in engineering, it became clear to me early on that Messiah was going to be a great fit. I already had some great experiences on campus with the softball team, but when I had an opportunity to attend an engineering open house I was convinced Messiah was the right place for me. The professors in the engineering department were so passionate and excited about teaching and mentoring and that came across during the open house. I ultimately chose a concentration in biomedical engineering because of my interest in the medical field. The curriculum combined engineering and physics with anatomy, kinesiology, and chemistry and that lined up perfectly with my skills and interests.
Q: What does your current work entail?
I am currently working as a scientist at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories in the Medical Device Testing Division. I am in a department that performs Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT). CCIT testing is performed on container/closure systems (i.e. vials, syringes, etc.) and is performed to ensure the sterility and product quality is maintained throughout the shelf life of the pharmaceutical, biological, or vaccine product. Testing is regulated by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I perform mainly method development and method validation work which means that I get to work on new product/package configurations and figure out how they are going to be tested. My favorite part about my job is teaching new people how to perform the various types of testing we offer. I also really enjoy communicating with our clients and building relationships with them.
Q: How did your time at the Collaboratory prepare you for your career?
I was the student project manager for the Rapid Orthotics for Cure Kenya (ROCK) team during my junior and senior years in the Collaboratory. Being a student project manager meant that I was the student leader of the team. That role helped me to develop my leadership skills. Creating our goals each semester and outlining tasks for different members of the group helped me form time management skills, which I now need when balancing multiple projects at once. Documentation and client communication are also large parts of my job today. I had the opportunity to improve those skills during my time in the Collaboratory through writing project records and leading project review meetings.
Q: Were there any moments during the Collaboratory travel that you will never forget?
During my time in Kenya at CURE International, I got to teach the orthopedic technicians how to use a computer software that would help them scan patient’s residual limbs, make modifications to the scan, and 3D print a prosthetic or orthotic. Teaching was my favorite part of the trip and is currently one of my favorite aspects of my job at Eurofins.
Q: How did your time at Messiah University prepare you to live out your faith?
My time at Messiah showed me the importance of having groups of people that you can connect with about your faith on a regular basis. Bible studies with the softball team, chapel, Collaboratory discipleship community meetings, discussions in classes, and unplanned conversations with friends showed me how much you are able to grow in your relationship with God and with others when you have open, regular conversations about faith. I really missed that aspect of college when I graduated so I joined a group at church that meets weekly for Bible study.
Q: How are you still connected to Messiah University?
I am always jumping at any chance I get to return to Messiah because I enjoyed my time there so much. I regularly attend Society of Women Engineers (SWE) events on campus, and also regularly attend the ROCK project reviews. I have also been involved in several prospective engineering student weekends as an alumni coach for a design challenge. I enjoy attending those weekend workshops because I believe that is where a lot of prospective students realize just how special Messiah, the engineering department, and the Collaboratory are.