Why did you become an engineer?

I always liked building things with my dad, but it was only after I attended a summer program at the University of Illinois that I decided to become an engineer. I was fascinated by the possibilities of Autocad, and I had great dreams of designing cars, airplanes, and space shuttles.

Why did you choose to go into academia?

After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I worked in industry for about four years before returning for a PhD. I decided to switch to academia because I wanted the freedom to follow my own ideas, a greater sense of discovery, and the feeling that my life’s work would make the world a better place.

What do you like best (in reference to the above question)?

I enjoy the intellectual flexibility of academia, which includes the choice to focus my efforts both in the classroom and the laboratory on projects that I feel are worthwhile. I also love the variety of people I meet and the incredible knowledge I am able to learn from them.

Explain your area of research(in layman’s terms)

My research examines how diabetes can lead to accelerated cardiovascular disease. I approach the problem from an engineering perspective, studying how the combination of altered mechanical and biochemical stimuli in blood vessels leads to cellular dysfunction and eventually disease.

Who was your favorite teacher/professor and why?

Many of my favorite high school teachers were English teachers because they truly challenged me to become a better writer. My favorite engineering professor was in heat transfer at MIT. I went to his office to ask him about a perplexing problem, and as I started writing equation after equation, he stopped me to point out that every problem in heat transfer simplifies to: energy in + change in internal energy = energy out. I continually try to apply his simple strategy to problems in both engineering and life in general.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspirations are people who dedicate themselves entirely to one goal, whether it be an Olympic gold medal, a Nobel prize, or bettering the lives of the underserved. I enjoy so many things that I can never focus on just one goal for too long, so I admire that type of driven pursuit.

What was your favorite class (and why)?

My favorite engineering classes at Stanford involved building things. I loved our machine shop class, especially when we did welding. Now that was cool!

What do you like to do to relax? What are your hobbies?

I play volleyball and enjoy outdoor activities like biking and hiking. I love to make things, from cookies to furniture to afghans. I also love losing myself in a great book, the theater, and some addictive reality TV shows.

Favorite book?

Just one favorite? That’s too hard. Some recent favorites are Three Junes and The Life of Pi.

Favorite song?

I wear your love by Kathy Mattea

Favorite movie?

Again, that’s way too hard. But I do love Witness, Top Gun, and Like Water for Chocolate.

Any advice for new students?

I think the best part of college is opening up your mind to new ideas, so I hope that students take classes that are challenging, build quality relationships with peers and professors, and become involved in diverse extracurricular activities.