Bme-Sim NSF REU Program at ECU

Next up for our student spotlight is Robert Rider, from Oakmont, Pennsylvania!
Home Institution: Duquesne University
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Summer Mentor: Dr. Fatemeh Bahmani
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“The best part about this summer has been the ability to grow as an individual and research professional through one on one mentoring as well as making friendships with a diverse group of people. It has provided me with skills and knowledge that have helped me decide what to look for in graduate school.”
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
“If I could have dinner with one celebrity it would be Drake because he did not grow up wealthy, but managed to become so successful, which I admire. I also love his music and would want to hear more about why he created some of his songs.”

Next up for our student spotlight is Maggie Leland, from Buford, Georgia!
Home Institution: East Carolina University
Major: Engineering
Summer Mentor: Dr. Matthew Walenski
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“The best part about this summer has been meeting people from all over the country as well as working one on one with my mentor.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
“If I could have any superpower, I would want to be able to teleport.”

Next up for our student spotlight is Emma Hixenbaugh, from Louisville, Kentucky!
Home Institution: Florida Gulf Coast University
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Summer Mentor: Dr. Ryan Wedge
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“I have enjoyed learning about many different techniques and systems not only in my own research but in my peers' research. I have also enjoyed the professional development that has helped me grow both as a student and as a future engineer and researcher.”
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
“My favorite genre of music is country because it reminds me of summer and the beach, which is one of my favorite places to be.”

Next up for our student spotlight is Connor Huggins, from Cedar Park, Texas!
Home Institution: Louisiana Technical University
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Summer Mentor: Dr. Swati Surkar
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“Learning how to use all the difference systems available in my research lab.”
If you could partake in any hobby, what would it be and why?
“Bow hunting. I love archery and hunting but have never been able to put the two together, I would love to try it.”

Next up for our student spotlight is Thomas Wenzel, from Salt Lake City, Utah!
Home Institution: Boise State University
Major: Kinesiology
Summer Mentor: Dr. Chia-Cheng Lin
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“Meeting many peers and professionals with a similar passion for biomedical engineering.”
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
“Adam Sandler, we have lots of similar interests.”

Next up for our student spotlight is Selina Banks, from Creedmoor, North Carolina!
Home Institution: East Carolina University
Major: Exercise Physiology
Summer Mentor: Dr. Stacey Meardon
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“The best part about the summer has been getting to learn how to use online systems to analyze data and create 3D bone models from 2D images as well as getting to see the different projects all the students are working on in the same lab as me.”
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
“Puerto Rican yellow rice. It is a comfort food with great flavor. My mom makes it for my family, and it makes me happy when eating it.”

Next up for our student spotlight is Madisen Sweatt, from Gorham, Maine!
Home Institution: Florida Gulf Coast University
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Summer Mentor: Dr. Zach Domire
What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“The best part of summer so far has been the opportunity to work in the biomechanics lab on my research project and gain hands-on experience with new instrumentation. I have also really enjoyed being in a new place and connecting with new people this summer!"
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
“If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Italy because of all of the history there and it looks like a beautiful place to visit.”

Our next student spotlight is Camille Carter, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina!
Home Institution: University of North Carolina at Asheville
Major: Mechatronics Engineering
Summer Mentor: Dr. Chris Mizelle
What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
“I’m looking forward to all the new things that I will be learning this summer. I am really excited to work on my project, which explores the differences in the brains of people who have healthy vs disordered earting.”
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
“I would probably want to have dinner with BTS because I love their music, but I also really love them as people. They are all really close with each other and are like a big family. Their music is also really inspiring and never fails to make me happy.”

Summer 2023 is off to a strong start with our outstanding group of students!
Our first student spotlight is Addie Harmon, from Longview, Texas:
Home Institution: LeTourneau University
Major: Engineering with a biomedical concentration
Summer Mentor: Dr. Nick Murray
What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
“I am most looking forward to learning new skills, especially in the realm of data processing and analysis.”
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
“If I would have any superpower, I would want the ability to speak and understand any language.”

Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Biomedical Engineering in Simulations, Imaging, and Modeling at is currently accepting applications for summer 2023! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Accepted students will participate in cutting edge research and receive a $6000 stipend along with room and board. Students will also be supported to attend the Biomedical Engineering Society - BMES Annual Meeting! Please see our website for more information and application instructions.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Society of Women Engineers - SWE AISES
ECU College of Engineering and Technology
Biomedical Engineering Society - BMES
American Society of Biomechanics
IEEE Women in Engineering
https://cet.ecu.edu/reu/

Last but not least, we have Peter Ogrinc, from New Hampshire.

Home Institution: University of Hartford
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Ceramics

What has been the best part about this summer so far?
“Being in NC and on a college campus. I like being busy and having a tight schedule.”

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
“I would go to Slovenian. It is a beautiful country and I would like to see some caves.”