Angel G Enriquez Mujica — Puerto Rico
Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D.
Graduation: May 2023
Magnetism provides numerous advantages to interact with biological systems due to its wireless energy transfer, scalability to the microscale, and large energy capacity. My research leverages the capabilities of magnetism to create novel devices for biomedical applications such as studying cancer cell progression and increasing the functional lifetime of catheters and sensors.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
I want to keep expanding my research knowledge as a postdoctoral scholar in a lab where I can apply my device making/characterization skills to answer fundamental biological questions. My goal is to become a faculty in the future where I can interact with students as well as researching ways microsystems can provide new avenues to answer key biomedical questions.
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
I was told that the PhD experience was going to be about persistence, that of course research skills will be a factor, but that the most important thing is to not get discouraged when things don't go your way and keep trying. A PhD really shows you how to think about tackling a complex problem and when faced with failure how to think about it as a learning opportunity and overcome it.
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
I had the opportunity to attend summer undergraduate research at Purdue the year before applying to graduate school. My experience that summer was extremely positive and it had to do with the open atmosphere for collaboration, all the resources that were available to students, and the caring faculty, staff and administrators I encountered. In the end, Purdue also had the exact research I was looking for.
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Collaboration, Resourceful, Achievement
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
The ability to contact other labs or professors and their willingness to help with task at hand. I have yet to have a lab that was not able to be resourceful. Although Purdue is in a small college town, the best thing about Purdue is the international community. The chance to meet very smart people from around the world and learn from their cultures was something unexpected and eye-opening about the graduate school experience at Purdue.
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
I really enjoy playing basketball at the Corec with friends! The Corec is also filled with many fun activities to do from weightlifting to cooking classes. I'm also in a band with friends as a drummer and its been a lot of fun playing around the area and we even had an event at Purdue's Latin Cultural Center celebration for the day of the dead.
Q
Favorite food and why:
A
Mofongo con caldo y masitas de pescado. Tranlsation: Fried and then mashed plantains with a chicken or fish broth with breaded fried fish. This dish transports me to a happy place every time I have it. It typically means I am at Puerto Rico next to a beach and having a good time.
Q
Favorite vacation spot and why:
A
Puerto Rico is my favorite vacation spot! Yes, my family is there, and I love being with them, but there are so many things to do and explore in Puerto Rico. From the natural destinations such as beaches, waterfalls, and mountains to our beautiful culture with food and dancing, I always discover something new every time I go.
