Meet the Team
Left to right: Magda Benavides, their professor Dr. Adam Hseih, Alvin Yew, Ryan Schmidt
Alvin, Ryan and Magda study biomechanical engineering, a subject that combines engineering with biology, medicine, and health. Here's what they say about science.
Alvin Yew - graduate, River Hill High, Clarksville, MD
Why he studies bioengineering: "Though I have a mechanical engineering background, I believe that the most interesting and complicated mechanical systems are biological in nature. There is so much more to learn with regard to how and why living systems function the way that they do. Also, I think that the impact that one can make in the bioengineering field (for those who are less fortunate) is more direct than many of the traditional mechanical engineering jobs."
What he likes about his research: "The most interesting aspect of my research is the opportunity to apply principles that I have learned for traditional materials and to translate that into applications for living tissues. Furthermore, knowing that the work I produce may potentially help improve the lives of the physically handicapped is satisfying."
What he wants to do in his career:
"I plan to finish my master's degree in mechanical engineering. Then I hope to enter into the industry for two to three years to get a little exposure in product development and to solidify my understanding of the design process. Beyond that, I may pursue my PhD, start up a company, or do something else exciting. I have so many interests, so I'm just really excited about the different kinds of opportunities that are out there. Most of all, I want to do something in my life that is worthwhile. I want to improve the lives of others and to help those who are most at need."
Ryan Schmidt -
graduate, Collingswood High, Collingswood, NJ
How he got interested in bioengineering: "I had two lab internships in biology after my freshman and sophomore years and the second one primary dealt with stem cells. When I came back to Maryland for my junior year I looked around to see what labs worked with similar cells and because I enjoyed the research a lot."
Why he likes his research: "I find the stem cell work I'm doing pretty interesting stuff. It's fun to be doing research in an area that is such a hot topic in science today."
What he wants to do after he graduates from Maryland in 2008: "After Maryland I hope to either enroll in a MD or PhD program but I have not determined what specific field research I want to do."
Read more about the Bioengineering at Maryland
Here's what undergraduates like the Real Lab team study in bioengineering
Information provided by the Office of University Communications
