Meet Manuela
Meet a Handler Scholar!
Name: Manuela Montes de Oca
What are you studying at Rochester?
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Mechanical Engineering and Material Science
From: Trinidad, Uruguay
Extracurricular Activities: Biomedical Engineering Society President, Engineers Without Borders Vice-President, Society of Women in Engineering outreach chair, Gamma Phi Betta community service chair
How has the Handler Scholarship impacted your life?
The Handler Scholarship has profoundly altered the course of my life, giving me the remarkable opportunity to pursue my academic passions in a country replete with an abundance of opportunities for personal and professional advancement. This scholarship not only facilitated my academic pursuits but also played a prominent role in fostering my personal growth, instilling in me a profound sense of purpose, and empowering me to aspire to greater personal and professional achievements.
What are your plans after Rochester?
After graduating from the University of Rochester I would like to continue my graduate studies to become a professor of Biomechanics so I can return back to my country to apply all the knowledge I have gained during my academic experiences and help grow a new generation of Biomechanics!
What has been your most meaningful experience as a Handler Scholar?
The induction ceremony held a paramount significance in my experience. It offered a unique occasion to connect with fellow Handler scholars, where we had the opportunity to gain insights into their life experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This collective encounter served as a reminder that while our individual backgrounds and journeys vary, we share a common thread of diligence and commitment that has propelled us to our current achievements.
What research opportunities have you participated in?
I am really passionate about the research I do! In Dr. Lerner’s Laboratory I work in conjunction with radiologists from the Hospital of Special Surgeries to segment anatomical geometries of the knee from MR Images using software like MeVisLab and Amira with the goal of developing Finite Element Models as well as comparing subject specific measurements of the knees. Statistical analysis is used to study the role of uncertainty in effective prediction of the contact patterns in the knee.
What does Meliora mean to you?
Meliora for me is a constant motivation to do better and work harder, no matter how small our actions are they have a huge impact on people’s lives. Meliora also inspires me to be more creative and innovative in my academic pursuits.