Hometown? Boise, Idaho
What year are you in your graduate program? 3rd year
What year did you complete your undergraduate degree and what did you study? I completed my undergrad degrees in December 2022, I did a BS in Biochemistry and BS in Microbiology
How did you choose Iowa for graduate school? Dr. Guymon visited weber state university while I was taking a class on medicinal chemistry and presented on his research involving polymers. I thought I would really enjoy working with polymers and becoming a chemical engineer.
What professor are you working with? Dr. Guymon is my research advisor, Dr. Kristan Worthington is my primary advisor.
Please describe your research. My research is on thin film coatings of biomaterials using photopolymerization. I get to work with high energy lights to make hydrogel coatings of medical devices like cochlear implants. I work on coating the materials, testing the material properties, and testing how they interact with cells and tissues in vivo and in vitro. The goal of the project I'm on is to improve the efficacy of medical devices by reducing biofouling on the surface of these devices.
Who has been an influential or inspiring person during your time in engineering at Iowa? Dr. Eric Nuxoll has been a very influential person while at the University of Iowa. I enjoyed taking his classes and having the opportunity to talk to him one on one. He has a wealth of knowledge in various subjects and is always willing to have a conversation.
Favorite class you have taken at Iowa? Heat & Mass Transfer or Bioseparations - These two classes taught me so much about engineering and helped connect a majority of my studies in undergrad to my studies in graduate school.
What are you interested in pursuing after graduation? I would like to get a job in industry, workout a lot, and read a lot.
Do you have any advice for incoming graduate students? Read a lot of peer-reviewed literature and take detailed notes where possible. There is no way to catch up on the numerous papers being published now, but broadening your base is always useful.
What's your favorite place you have traveled to? I visited Seattle and Portland this summer with my girlfriend, I think Seattle is absolutely beautiful and I love the mountains.
What are some of your hobbies? I love hiking (hard to do in Iowa), I've recently started Brazilian jiu jitsu, I love lifting and making workout programs, I enjoy listening to audiobooks, and I enjoy video games
What's your favorite place to eat in Iowa City? Java House in Iowa City has my favorite breakfast sandwich of all time, the morning muscle.
Fun fact about you? I played football in undergrad on an athletic scholarship.