Emily D
- Research Program Mentor
MS candidate at Tufts University
Expertise
biomaterials, engineering, tissue engineering, mechanical characterization, material properties
Bio
Hi everyone, my name is Emily Day! I am a current masters student at Tufts University and I am originally from a small town in New Hampshire. Given how small my town was, the school system didn't really have the resources for a robust science and math program but nevertheless, I took every class that I possibly could as I really became interested in math and science once I entered into high school. During one of those math courses, when I was struggling with a problem, my teacher told me that I should not pursue a degree involving mathematics as I "was not that good at it". This really lit a fire in me and I became determined to prove everyone wrong. As such, I have since earned a bachelors degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Vermont (UVM) and am currently pursuing a masters degree with the goal of transitioning into a doctorate program in the next couple of months. My goal is to ensure the next generation doesn't feel discouraged the way I did. This experience has really motivated me to pursue my passions no matter what and I want to teach the younger generation to do the same. In terms of research interests my mentor, Rachael Floreani, inspired my love for biomaterials and I have been obsessed ever since. My eagerness to learn more about these materials and their applications in the medical field has contributed greatly to my decision to pursue a higher education and I am very happy to see what I can accomplish in the future. While at UVM, I was an undergraduate researcher in the Weiss pulmonary lab where I worked on a hydrogel patch used for sealing pulmonary wounds. This experience gave me an idea of what it was like to work in research and ever since then, I have never wanted to leave. When I am not in the lab you can find me hanging out with my golden retrievers, Zoe and Izzabell, usually hiking or going for long walks. I love to read (when I have time) and cook! My dad is a chef and an ice carver and I grew up working in our family restaurant so my upbringing was definitely not normal. However, I loved meeting new people and the customers at our diner became like family and even helped me when I was applying to colleges. So, thats a little about me! I look forward to helping students pursue their passions in the same way I have been able to.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Characteristics of Biomaterials and their medical applications
Investigating the mechanical characteristics of certain biomaterials and researching ways in which these materials could be applied to medical applications. I have experience in both mechanical characterization and biomaterials and work with biomaterials in my research now. This topic could be investigated through journal research, resulting in a review article or a prototype could be created given the available resources.
Coding skills
MATLABTeaching experience
At my previous university, the University of Vermont (UVM), I was involved in a program aimed towards exposing middle school students to engineering concepts such as creating prosthetics out of recyclable materials. The program was aimed towards young female students and each session began with a video of current UVM female faculty describing their research and any advice about being a female in STEM. This experience was incredibly rewarding and I felt that I was helping the next generation of female engineers.Credentials
Work experience
Weiss Pulmonary Laboratory at the University of Vermont Medical School (2020 - 2022)
Undergraduate researcherEducation
University of Vermont
BS Bachelor of Science (2022)
Biomedical Engineering with in emphasis on cell, tissue, and organ biomechanicsTufts University
MS Master of Science candidate
Biomedical Engineering