Q: What motivated your decision to come to UD?

A: Being a Delaware resident and having an older brother who graduated from here, UD felt like my home away from home, and I always felt comfortable being on campus. I also knew UD had a great STEM program which made it a perfect option for me.

Q: Why did you choose your original major?

A: I wanted to go into the medical field and thought being pre-medicine was my main option. I enjoyed chemistry in high school and knew I would like it when I got to college, too.

Q: What inspired or motivated you to change majors?

A: I realized that I wanted my future career to be more hands-on and focused on creating. Once I looked into the biomedical engineering program, I thought it would be the best of both worlds for me—something that combined both medicine and hands-on, engineering work.

Q: What was the process of changing majors like?

A: It was definitely intimidating at first. I was a little stressed about the process, and if I would get into the biomedical engineering program, but once I met with the advisor she instilled some confidence in me by walking me through the process and talking about my options. She was willing to answer all my questions and make sure I was on the right track to switch in.

Q: Have you done any summer research on campus? If so, what did you work on?

A: I’ve done research on UD’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus for the past 2 summers. My first project was in Joshua Cashaback’s Lab, where I studied the effects of reward and punishment on motor adaptation. This summer I worked with Fabrizio Sergi, where I validated a finger perturbation protocol using the MR-StretchFingers.

Q: What’s your favorite study location or hang-out spot?

A: My favorite study spot would have to be the second floor of Morris Library, but you also definitely have to stop by The Nest to get some study snacks as study energy.

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is to work in robotics, either rehabilitation engineering or surgical robotics. These are quite different from each other, but I think both areas are very interesting.

Q: What advice do you have for UD students (either current or prospective?)

A: I am in a few major-related clubs, as well as clubs that I do for fun. I think it’s important to have that balance in college, where you are studying and working hard but also doing things you enjoy so you can release some stress and take some time for yourself. I would also say that if you are interested in something, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions, because college is a great opportunity to find out what new things you may enjoy.

Q: What about for students who might be thinking about changing majors?

A: Do it! It can be hard to decide your major when you are just a senior in high school, and it’s OK to change your mind. It can sound scary at first, but just make sure to do research about the major and your career options before you decide. Think about what you want for your career, what your plan is, and how this new major will help you achieve that. And also make sure to get involved in some clubs during your first year to see where your strengths and interests lie.