
Who am I
Name: Clàudia Archer
Email: claudia-archer@uiowa.edu
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Year: Third-year
Hometown: Omaha, NE
A Little More About Me
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman?
Try everything once (within reason)! It might just be the thing you thought you'd never enjoy that sparks an idea for your future.
What organizations outside the college of engineering do you belong to?
I am mostly involved in student organizations within the College of Engineering. This includes Iowa 3D Club (President) and Society of Women Engineers.
Have you had any international experience? If so, where did you go, for how long, and what did you do?
My mother is from Barcelona and I have traveled there to see my family at least once every year since I was months old. I have also spent time in Shanghai, China to see a foreign exchange student my family hosted at the time and his family. I have also traveled with my family to Mexico, Jamaica, Sicily, Puerto Rico, and Menorca.
How are you an "engineer ... and something more"?
I found my "something more" in 3D printing! It was something I got very involved in during high school and have merged with my goals for my professional career. 3D printing gives me a creativity break from rigorous coursework and opportunities to problem solve.
Have you done any research with a professor? If so, what department was the professor and what was your research about?
I have not done research with a University of Iowa professor, but I have done research through Boys Town National Research Hospital's Institute for Human Neuroscience. The study I was involved in explored the differences in cortical activity associated with motor action in persons with Down Syndrome, where they showed a significantly weaker PMBR. We also found behavioral effects in reaction time and accuracy. We speculate PMBR may be a biomarker for accelerated aging and/or preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Is there something else you'd like to tell us about yourself?
I ride my own 2016 Harley Davidson Street 750! My parents also have their own Harleys and we ride together.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Colleen Mitchell and Matthew Bognar have been my favorite professors so far because they explain difficult concepts in a way that is fun and understandable.
What has been your favorite course?
So far, my favorite courses have been Introduction to Engineering Computing and Engineering Drawing, Design, and Solid Modeling. I also really like Sculpture I ("Be Creative" General Education course).
What do you enjoy doing in your free time at The University of Iowa?
In my free time at the University of Iowa, I really enjoy exploring downtown Iowa City. There are so many places to visit, including restaurants!
A fun picture of me.