University Of Miami Work Values

Daily Duties at University Of Miami:

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE/PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS • Design and implement novel atomic force microscopy (AFM) instrumentation and sample preparation techniques for: o Mechanical characterization of human and porcine cornea o Efficacy testing of a new treatment method for keratoconus • Conduct research on the scientific review of atomic force microscopy technology as a viable characterization technique for multi-layered biological tissues as well as existing applications • Conduct research on the scientific review of atomic force microscopy instrumentation in efforts to develop a custom atomic force microscopy system and expand its application capability to measure the mechanical properties at multiple length scales • Increase mechanical characterization capability of atomic force microscopy instrumentation to viscoelastic characterization • Achieve successful development of tissue preparation techniques and experimental protocol execution with problem-solving and critical thinking skills • Review research protocols in literature, such as developed contact mechanical models, to evaluate their efficacy in describing the measured corneal biomechanical response obtained from atomic force microscopy testing • Review research experimental protocols of atomic force microscopy biomechanics testing published in literature to determine its applicability to corneal biomechanics using the atomic force microscopy technology • Exercise creativity skills in designing custom devices to enable effective biomechanical measurement of ex vivo cornea in a near-physiological experimental setting • Conduct research on the scientific review of corneal crosslinking as a treatment method for keratoconus to determine whether the results of my experimental studies align to the scientific findings published in literature • Implement project management and critical thinking skills to design, execute, and analyze the results of experimentation in a timely manner resulting in numerous published manuscripts and awarded research fellowships • Troubleshoot and resolve technical, electrical, and software complications of complex analysis machinery in a methodological manner with problem-solving and critical thinking skillset • Improve understanding of relating biomechanical implications to tissue function through implementing pre-existing technologies in new applications • Collaborate with university faculty, physicians, and students to design and implement AFM experimental protocols to investigate: o Biological applications: stem cells, trabecular meshwork, vein o Non-biological applications: Metal thin-films • Modify existing guidelines and protocols for stem cell culture proliferation to ensure that enough cells are available to perform biomechanical measurements of the stem cells using atomic force microscopy system for studying the effect of nicotine on stem cells • Modify existing guidelines and protocols for trabecular meshwork sample manipulation to enable the ability to conduct accurate biomechanical testing using the atomic force microscopy system for studying the effect of different treatments on the mechanical properties of the trabecular meshwork • Modify existing guidelines and protocols for metal thin-film orientation as well as atomic force microscopy cantilever specifications to enable the ability to conduct accurate biomechanical testing using the atomic force microscopy system • Recommend solutions for research experimental protocol discrepancies to the partnering scientists in collaborative studies so that successful mechanical testing can be performed • Adept in literature review, comprehension of new concepts, and implementation of its application toward research goals • Integrate time-management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills to successfully handle and complete multiple projects simultaneously within project deadlines WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS • Adept in independently composing and editing various literary formats including reports, PowerPoint presentations, journal manuscripts, and research grant proposals • Provide information to researchers of the scientific community regarding the findigs obtained from my experiments through accepted and published peer-reviewed journal publications (to date: 2 first-authored; 2 coauthored) • Reduce financial burden of engineering department by applying for and acquiring two highly competitive and selective fellowship awards through producing award-winning research grant proposals (over $50,000 a year) • Selected as a recipient of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Predoctoral Fellowships to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (F31) • Selected one of twelve recipients within the United States to obtain the UNCF/MERCK Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowship • Promote awareness of laboratory research efforts through giving lab tours and demonstrations to visiting students, faculty, and potential collaborators of the department • Present scientific research findings to the community through oral and poster presentations at numerous scientific conferences • Analyze scientific data of other researchers to provide feedback regarding the accuracy and sufficiency of their investigation methods and findings as a selected peer journal manuscript reviewer MANAGEMENT/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS • Promote awareness of laboratory research efforts through giving lab tours and demonstrations to visiting students, faculty, and potential collaborators of the department • Manage, motivate, and supervise the assignment and progress of undergraduate student projects in the lab • Train and mentor undergraduate students in the operation of machinery in laboratory to enable project development and execution • Work closely and harmoniously with fellow lab associates in accomplishing research laboratory directives • Supervise the procurement and availability of laboratory resources and supplies

What they like about University Of Miami:

You highly value a work environment built on a formal structure, rules, and regulations. You do not enjoy the unpredictability of shifting priorities and deadlines that upset your routine. You require and enjoy direction, input and accountability as part of your work environment. You have a strong need to participate in making key decisions and feel left out if your superiors or co-workers do not seek your input when making decisions. You thrive on providing good customer service to both internal or external customers, and doing so makes you feel good.

Tags

biomechanics, project management, research and development, New York, Washington DC, Boston, North Carolina, Biomedical Engineering, MATLAB, Experimental Design

Skills

Scientific Literature Review, Experimental Protocol Development, Atomic Force Microscopy, Data Analysis, Biomechanics, Image characterization, Microsoft Office, MATLAB, SolidWorks, C++, IgorPro, Laboratory Management, Grant Proposal Writing, Scientific Journal Manuscript Writing, COMSOL Multiphysics

These are some of the questions we asked our climbers about their experiences with University Of Miami: