Throughout my time at UC, there have been many moments where I felt my research truly made a difference. One of them was during the deployment of the CranialRebuild software. CranialRebuild is a computation software that we developed in collaboration with the UC Department of Neurosurgery that automatically generates cranial implants for patients with skull injuries. The software could automatically generate cranial implants in just three minutes — a process that would typically take a skilled professional several days to complete. It not only dramatically reduced time and effort but also allowed implants to be produced with minimal expertise, allowing advanced medical solutions to be more accessible and efficient.
We worked with a group of neurosurgeons from Ukraine to deploy the software in the hospital to generate quick cranial flaps for injured soldiers. The software was deployed in war-torn areas and provided a critical solution for neurosurgeons treating wounded soldiers. The knowledge of having my research translated from the lab into a real-world scenario was incredibly rewarding. It reaffirmed that all the hard and long hours in the lab were truly worth it, showing that innovation can drive meaningful, real-world change.
In addition, I have had the opportunity to contribute to multiple high-impact research projects in collaboration with industry leaders at companies including Raytheon Technologies, Eaton Corporation, and Siemens Inc. My research efforts have resulted in several peer-reviewed publications, posters, conference papers, and patents at top mechanical engineering conferences such as the North American Manufacturing Research Conferences. I have also served as a peer-reviewer for prestigious journals (such as IJIDeM, PIAM, and JBSME) and contributed to the academic society.
My journey here at UC has been enriched by receiving numerous UC scholarships, such as Professor Kirti “Karman” Ghia Endowed Graduate Student Scholarship, the Youngblood Richard Hagedorn Scholarship, and the Fenton D. Snodgrass Memorial Scholarship. In addition, I was honored to be selected as an IRiS Graduate Research Fellow for the 2023-24 academic year, an interdisciplinary experience that allows me to broaden my horizons. These experiences have played a pivotal role in my academic and professional growth, and I am proud of my time at UC.