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My lateral transition in the medical device field from autofluorescence endomicroscopy to bionic devices is at the human-machine interface. I functioned in two full-time roles as a Research Scientist and the Lab Manager with the Biomechatronics Group. I took management courses to continue strengthening the organization, structure, and evolution within our group and with the public. Simultaneously, I conducted independent research. My experience in diagnostic tissue imaging and clinical research is necessary for working with human participants in measuring skin strain of an unloaded residual limb. Despite being the largest organ of the body, distinct characteristics make skin very challenging to work with, due in part to intricate hardware, software, and environmental conditions required for in vivo study. The multi-layered composition of fibrous, gelatinous, and glandular tissues, as well as nerves and blood vessels, cause skin to behave as a fluid-solid mixture. Furthermore, skin biomechanical properties are subject to variation based on dermal thickness, age, sun exposure, tissue composition, and location on the body. Our team worked to develop quantitative methodologies that map residual limb biomechanical measurements to an interface design that enables prolonged, comfortable wear of a prosthesis. It is imperative that the synthetic interface be customized with patient-specific biomechanical data for an exact fit, critical to injury prevention yet non-existent in today's traditional prosthetic devices.
I also love teaching and learning at the intersection of technology, innovation, and management within high energy, forward thinking communities. I joined the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab to manage teams and create structure in support of our mission developing data-driven bionic technology. No technical background? No problem. As the public relations liaison, I communicate with people across the spectrum of technical experience, from novice to expert. I write technical documents and conduct independent research while supporting the Director in all cross-operational aspects of our group, including budget, IT, procurement, and educational management – all at the same time.
My current role demands technical and interpersonal agility within academia, industry, and entrepreneurial partners. I enrolled in Organizational Behavior and Enterprise Management courses at Harvard Extension School to further advance my skills in team dynamics, negotiation, and decision-making. My strategy for change management is to first understand the needs of individuals, then of groups, in order to scale productivity. I design and improve methodologies and managerial tools for communication and transparency. This initiative has resulted in collaborative learning and growth across a dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.
My current role demands technical and interpersonal agility within academia, industry, and entrepreneurial partners. I enrolled in Organizational Behavior and Enterprise Management courses at Harvard Extension School to further advance my skills in team dynamics, negotiation, and decision-making. My strategy for change management is to first understand the needs of individuals, then of groups, in order to scale productivity. I design and improve methodologies and managerial tools for communication and transparency. This initiative has resulted in collaborative learning and growth across a dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.
One of the best aspects of being part of the Media Lab community, besides creativity and talent unconstrained by conventional approaches, is the volume of opportunity for eternal learning...hackathons, workshops, speakers, training sessions...education meets recreation!
I also got to meet Anderson Cooper (left) of CNN:
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...alas, no. The Silver Fox was not interviewing me (maybe someday). He was visiting our lab to document a Boston bombing survivor who was working with our director, Hugh Herr, on his TED 50th anniversary presentation, which received a shout-out from Bill Gates.
