Hello, I’m Jess, a senior at Columbia University pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, graduating May 2025. I’m passionate about advancing mechanical systems and biotechnology, inspired by innovations like the LUCAS device, which automates CPR to overcome human fatigue. My interests lie in developing mechanical assistive devices such as cardiac implants, exoskeletal limbs, and pump systems, with a focus on bridging biomedical research and product development.

This passion has driven my work as a research fellow at Mayo Clinic, where I studied CT volume modeling and the fluid dynamics of aerated irrigation in the paranasal sinuses. At Columbia, I’ve been deeply involved with the Columbia Space Initiative (CSI), contributing to NASA’s Micro-G NEXT design challenge program as a way to build my product development skillset. I’ve helped design the SEA LION, an autonomous water rescue vehicle, and now lead the team developing the ASTROID, a lunar contact sampling device recognized as a NASA National Finalist for 2024-2025.

As a woman in STEM, I’m dedicated to mentoring and supporting other women in the field, whether through CSI’s female mentorship program, being an engineering orientation leader, or as a teaching assistant within the mechanical engineering department. Outside of engineering, you’ll find me eating dim sum, doing arts and crafts, or shopping for shoes!