A discussion between the Executive Director of the Blackstone LaunchPad, Linda Dickerson Hartsock, and aerospace engineering and Invent@SU alumna Kayla Simon ’19 about the many ways Syracuse University supports students in designing, prototyping and pitching their new businesses.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University Webinar
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Faculty Profile: Mary Beth Monroe
Name: Mary Beth Monroe
Title: Assistant Professor
Research Topics:
- Shape memory polymer foam hemostats for hemorrhage control in gunshot wounds
- Antimicrobial shape memory polymer hydrogels for Crohn’s fistula treatment
- Shape memory polymer hydrogel chronic wound dressings
Why did you chose to be part of the Orange Family?
I was drawn to BMCE at SU in large part because of the people. My colleagues are easy to talk with, fun, and supportive of me as a researcher, teacher, and human. The faculty in BMCE are well-balanced; they do great research and teaching while maintaining interesting hobbies and spending time with their families.
I also love the lab space within the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute. It is the perfect place to carry out my research on shape memory polymer-based biomaterials.
Finally, Syracuse is such a great place to live. As a native Texan, I think that the snow is beautiful, and winter activities are really fun. I also enjoy having distinct seasons. There are so many amazing parks, waterfalls, and activities in the area that allow us to explore outside year-round.
What is you advice for incoming freshman?
Get to know your professors! As I mentioned above, the BMCE faculty are interesting and fun, and we are all here because we love students. Show up to office hours, get involved in student organizations, and do undergraduate research (it’s never too early to join a research lab!) so that you can get to know us. It will make you more successful in college and as you choose a long-term career.
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Faculty Profile – Viktor J. Cybulskis
Name: Viktor J. Cybulskis
Title: Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering
Research Topics: Heterogeneous Catalysis, Zeolite Synthesis, Kinetics and Reaction Mechanisms, Chemicals Production and Environmental Remediation
Why you chose to be part of the Orange Family? From my very first interactions with Syracuse faculty, staff, and students I felt welcomed and like a valued member of the Orange community. The supportive culture, contagious energy, and exciting campus initiatives, such as the cross-disciplinary research clusters, make Syracuse the ideal place to launch a career as a new faculty member.
What advice do you have for incoming freshman? Be like a sponge and soak up as much as you can from your experiences here. Involve yourself beyond the classroom by getting to know your professors and learning about the latest advancements in your field of study. You never know what areas or topics may resonate with you and spark your interests for a lifetime to come.
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Professor Shikha Nangia Selected as Associate Editor for the ACS Applied Bio Materials Journal
Biomedical and chemical engineering Professor Shikha Nangia was selected as the associate editor for the ACS Applied Bio Materials journal.
ACS Applied Bio Materials is an interdisciplinary journal publishing original research covering all aspects of biomaterials and biointerfaces including and beyond the traditional biosensing, biomedical and therapeutic applications.
“It is my immense pleasure to join the editorial board of ACS Applied Bio Materials,” said Nangia. “I wish to use this opportunity to contribute to the scientific community and boost Syracuse University’s research in biomaterials.”
Nangia is an accomplished researcher who most recently has been studying the blood-brain barrier which blocks toxins, as well as crucial medications, from entering the brain. Her research group, which includes undergraduate and graduate students alike, uses computer modeling to identify ways to open and close the blood-brain barrier to deliver medical treatment to the brain non-invasively.
Chemical Engineering Alumni Profile: Jen Chen ’16
Name: Jen Chen
Current Job Title/Industry: Quality Operations Supervisor, Estee Lauder Companies / Cosmetic Industry
Major at SU: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Exercise Science, Dance
Graduation Year: 2016
Why did you chose to be part of the Syracuse University family?
I chose SU initially for how pretty the campus was but then I fell in love with SU for everything they had to offer. Let’s be honest, a Chemical Engineering curriculum is not the easiest to accomplish but what made it attainable was the support you have from the faculty, staff and, most importantly, your peers. I was attracted by the architecture but fell in love with the people.
Were you part of any clubs or organizations on campus?
- Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
- Pathfinders
- Career Ambassadors
- Off-Campus and Commuter Services – Community Ambassador
- Resident Advisor for Summer Start
- Study Abroad Hong Kong
Advice for incoming freshman?
Take every opportunity to try new things. You never know what you might find.
If I could go back, I would have studied abroad more or taken the opportunity to do so over the summers as the programs are well organized and there are so many places to go.