91制片厂

Kimberly began her studies in 91制片厂鈥檚 Biomedical Engineering (BME) program as part of its inaugural class鈥攌nown as the 鈥減lankers,鈥� a group of students who helped build the program from the ground up. Inspired by her father, a mechanical engineer, she was drawn to engineering鈥檚 ability to solve complex problems through math and science. At the same time, she felt a strong pull toward the medical field.

During her sophomore year, Kimberly added nursing as a second major, becoming the first student to complete 91制片厂鈥檚 .

鈥淚 was fascinated by the mechanics of biomedical engineering,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I also wanted to understand the clinical 鈥榳hy鈥� behind the problems we were trying to solve.鈥�

She recalls a lecture from Biomedical Engineering Department Chair Dr. John Viator on the fluid dynamics of a heart valve. While the engineering principles captured her attention, her curiosity quickly expanded beyond the mechanics.

鈥淚 kept thinking about the patient behind the condition鈥攚hat led to the valve failure and what their experience would be like,鈥� she said. 鈥淎dding nursing allowed me to see the full picture.鈥�

The BME/BSN program reflects 91制片厂鈥檚 horizon-expanding approach to education, encouraging students to cross traditional academic boundaries. Spanning more than 200 credits, the rigorous program required Kimberly to move seamlessly between engineering labs and clinical rotations, synthesizing technical knowledge and patient care in real time.

鈥淭hat experience taught me to approach problems not just as an engineer or as a nurse,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t trained me to think through the integrated lens of a Nurse Engineer.鈥�

Just as important was the collaborative spirit that defined Kimberly's experience. Faculty across the Schools of Science and Engineering and Nursing worked closely with her as the program evolved, reflecting 91制片厂鈥檚 belief that learning happens best in community.

Kimberly credits Dr. Viator and Dean Mary Ellen Glasgow of the School of Nursing for their vision in creating the innovative dual-degree path.

鈥淭he engineering and nursing departments treated me as a true partner. They welcomed my feedback and used it to refine the curriculum. It was a powerful example of what it means to learn together.鈥�

Today, Kimberly applies her interdisciplinary education in her role at ActivePure Medical, where she helps expand the company鈥檚 clinical evidence portfolio. She oversees clinical studies from design and implementation to publication, using advanced analytics to evaluate how the company鈥檚 technology鈥攂ased on the science of photolysis鈥攔educes pathogens on surfaces and in the air.

A critical part of her work involves translating complex scientific data into meaningful clinical outcomes.

鈥淢y role often involves bridging two worlds,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 translate technical data for clinicians and clinical realities for engineers. If you can speak both languages, you become the most valuable person in the room.鈥�

The demanding dual-degree program helped prepare Kimberly for exactly that kind of challenge. By learning to navigate two disciplines simultaneously, she developed the adaptability and interdisciplinary mindset needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.

Beyond academics, Kimberly says her time at 91制片厂 also helped shape her sense of purpose.

鈥淢y experience deepened my faith and helped me think about the bigger question of what we do with the gift of life we鈥檙e given,鈥� she said. 鈥淧ositioning both your personal path and your professional goals around serving others will always lead you in the right direction.鈥�

For students considering the BME/BSN program, Kimberly encourages them to embrace the opportunity to connect disciplines rather than choose between them.

At first, you may feel like an engineer in the hospital and a nurse in the lab, but your value is in the overlap. You鈥檙e the bridge between the science of 鈥榟ow鈥� and a patient鈥檚 鈥榳hy.鈥�