Vanessa Cabral Martins, M.Eng. Student

Vanessa Cabral Martins

 

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
BME Degree: Masters of Engineering
Advisor: Newton de Faria

Vanessa Cabral Martins in the BME design lab
Vanessa Cabral Martins  in the BME design lab.

Why Cornell?
When I decided to apply for my Master’s in the U.S. I started researching the best Universities and encountered Cornell. Its reputation is prestigious, and I also had the opportunity to talk with an alumna that shared her amazing experience. She also shared that Professors and Staff were attentive and resourceful. For me, that is valuable because when learning, having that support can make a difference in my personal and professional development.

Why biomedical engineering?
Biomedical engineering is a fascinating field which to me is the perfect combination of science and medicine, blending traditional engineering with issues of health care. Moreover, being part of a project that can change people’s lives would be fulfilling.

What is your area of focus and why is it important? 
I am focusing on electrical engineering during my master’s program to complement my undergraduate focus in chemical engineering. Furthermore, our design project’s objective is to develop a proof of principle prototype for detecting early onset equine laminitis. The overall experience will improve my ability to apply my skills to the medical device industry.

What stands out to you about your CornellBME experience so far and why?
What I like the most is the opportunity to work in our design project as if we were working in industry because it gives us the opportunity to experience how it is going to be when we start working, both technically and collaboratively. Moreover, it has helped me develop my skills and I feel ready and comfortable to enter the workforce.

Any interests outside of or in relationship to your scholarship? 
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and playing handball, soccer, and other games that incentivize critical thinking.

What advice might you give other students considering Cornell or BME? 
I am loving Cornell and the BME program. I am learning and improving myself professionally and personally every day. I wasn’t sure if I should do a master’s or a Ph.D. and I was advised to do a master’s first and it was the best decision I have ever made.

What’s the next step for you and who or what has led you in this direction?
I aspire to work in R&D in the biomedical engineering field preferably in medical devices. My design project confirmed my passion to solve problems and the desire to develop the solutions. Professors and staff at Cornell helped me to grow and I will always be grateful to them for all the help and advice that they have given.

Favorite quote that helps inspire you in your work/life?
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela

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