Melanie Venderley
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Class of: 2016
E-mail: mvenderl@purdue.edu
Why I chose Purdue?
Watching my two older siblings not only attend Purdue, but also grow as adults, instilled within me a desire to also apply. I had determined that engineering was the right field for me, so why not attend one of the top engineering schools in the nation, which is conveniently located in Indiana? The sense of community and top-level research solidified my decision in attending Purdue.
Why I chose Engineering and BME?
Ever since middle school, my parents and family friends would comment as to how I always ‘thought like an engineer’. I never gave this much consideration until it came to applying to college. I researched into the field of engineering and was thrilled to see such a focus on science and mathematics, which really motivated me into applying to First Year Engineering at Purdue.
To me, none of the engineering majors outside of biomedical engineering was an option. I knew I wanted to use my knowledge and expertise to engage in the life of others and make a positive impact on their health and lifestyle. Biomedical engineering provided me the opportunity to combine my strengths of science and math into my life goal of aiding others.
Extra-curricular activities:
BME Ambassador, Women in Engineering Mentors and Mentees Program, Women in Engineering I2D2 K-5 outreach program, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day 2012, Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader, Intramural volleyball
Engineering-related experience/CO-OP/Intern/Research:
BME Weldon Ambassador, Alpha Eta Mu Beta (AEMB) – Biomedical Engineering Honors Society – Secretary
Post-graduation plans:
Since 2013, I have been a student research in the Human Injury Research and Regenerative Technologies (HIRRT) Laboratory at Purdue under the guidance of Dr. Nauman. Additionally, I worked as a Quality Engineering Co-op for the year of 2014 at Biomet, Inc. Most recently, I participated in a summer research fellowship at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) in Vail, CO, where I aided in biomechanics research.