What are you researching or studying, and why does it matter?
I鈥檓 a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering working on diffuse optical imaging methods that can help doctors better monitor blood flow and oxygenation in real time. My research aims to improve diagnostic precision and patient outcomes, particularly in neurological and surgical settings. Essentially, I鈥檓 developing ways to 鈥渟ee鈥� what鈥檚 happening in tissue without needing invasive procedures. It鈥檚 exciting to know that the tools we鈥檙e designing today could one day make clinical care safer and more effective.
What brought you to USF College of Engineering for graduate school?
USF鈥檚 Biomedical Engineering program stood out for its strong focus on translational research and collaboration across medicine and engineering. I was drawn to the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are applying optical technologies to real-world clinical problems. The sense of community here also impressed me, because most people are genuinely invested in helping students grow as researchers and leaders. It鈥檚 the kind of environment that encourages innovation and mentorship.
Tell us about a moment when your research or coursework really excited you - when did you think "this is exactly why I'm here"?
One of the most rewarding experiences I鈥檝e had at USF has been serving as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Design capstone course. I get to help student teams develop real medical device prototypes in collaboration with major healthcare companies. Watching their ideas evolve from sketches to functional devices and seeing their confidence and skills grow along the way is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me why I love engineering. It鈥檚 about self-development, creativity, teamwork, and making something that can truly help people.
When you're not in the lab or studying, what are you passionate about?
Outside of research, I鈥檓 passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - it鈥檚 a great way to stay active, focused, and balanced. I also enjoy spending time with my fianc茅e as we prepare for our wedding this March. When we鈥檙e not planning, we鈥檙e usually taking care of our 19 backyard chickens, which has been a surprisingly fun (and sometimes chaotic) adventure. Between training, wedding prep, and chicken-keeping, there鈥檚 always something to keep me grounded and smiling outside of engineering.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years, and how is USF helping you get there?
In the next decade, I see myself leading a research team or startup focused on developing optical devices for medical diagnostics and surgery. USF is helping me get there by providing the mentorship, technical experience, and interdisciplinary connections that are essential for innovation. Between the faculty support, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative environment, I鈥檓 building the skills I need to take ideas from concept to clinical impact.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering graduate school in engineering?
Do something you鈥檙e genuinely passionate about. Graduate research is challenging, and the work will test your patience and persistence, but if you care deeply about what you鈥檙e doing, it never feels like a chore. Find a topic or problem that sparks your curiosity and makes you want to keep learning. Passion is what gets you through the long nights in the lab and turns challenges into opportunities for growth.
Finish this sentence: "I knew I wanted to be an engineer when..."
I realized I could combine my love of science and problem-solving to build tools that directly help people. Seeing how technology can improve medical care made me want to dedicate my career to developing devices that bridge science and human health. Working
How has your military experience shaped the way you approach engineering or graduate school?
Serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Biomedical Equipment Technician gave me a front-row seat to how much clinicians rely on technology and how much it matters that those systems work when people鈥檚 lives are on the line. It taught me discipline, attention to detail, and how to stay calm under pressure. Now, as an engineer, I see things from the other side, designing and testing the very kinds of devices I used to maintain. That perspective keeps me grounded and focused on creating technologies that are not just innovative, but truly useful and reliable for the people who depend on them.