When Smith arrived on campus in the summer of 2002 on a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) funded by The National Science Foundation, he was interested in leaning more about Biomedical Engineering. "I had heard nothing but great things about Purdue's Biomedical Engineering program," Smith said upon receiving a Mechanical Engineering degree from Louisiana Tech. "I wanted to get into graduate school at Purdue and if I didn't get into Purdue, I did not want to go to graduate school." Luckily for Smith and the Weldon School, both parties found a mutually beneficial relationship.

Like many of the graduate students at Weldon, Smith thinks the people are what make Purdue and Weldon. "Everyone from students, faculty, and staff has been very supportive of my research. It is one big family."

Smith's research, under the direction of Prof. Eric Nauman, is enthesis regeneration, or developing a multi-component scaffold for the insertion of ligaments into the bone. He likes the dynamics of the faculty and describes it as "Informally professional."

Smith chose Biomedical Engineering at Purdue because he likes how the School fosters the concept of taking an idea from abstract to market. The "life-changing concepts and marketability" of his research make it interesting and exciting.

One thing Smith would change about his experience? "I wouldn't change anything really. I just hope the dynamics do not change when we move into the new building. Everyone has been great here," says Smith. "I can't thank people enough for the opportunity for the education I am receiving. These are exciting times and the family dynamic that exists in Potter will hopefully carry over into our new building."

If Weldon keeps attracting high character faculty and students like Smith, that dynamic will continue to resonate in the new building.