Hi!

My name is Valerie and I am currently a fourth year Biomedical Engineering student at the University of California, Davis. I choose this major with the goal of creating innovative medical devices that address pressing health concerns to improve patient's quality of life.

Skills

• SOLIDWORKS
• MATLAB
• Machining (mill, lathe, drill press, laser cutting)
• Arduino
• Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Visio)
• 3D printing

Projects

Currently, I am working on my senior design project, which is a device that is meant to improve that current feeding method for premature babies. Currently, there is a syringe that connects to the NG (nasogastric) tube, which goes from the babies nose to the stomach. The nurses can fill the syringe with the nutrition and gravity allows the food to travel directly to the baby's stomach. This method is shown on the left.

However, the problem with this method is that the nurses can not control the flow rate of the food. If the flow rate of the food is too high, it may cause the baby to vomit. Thus, my team and I designed an automated stopcock valve that will go between the syringe and NG tube to better control the fluid flow rate. An image of our prototype is is shown on the right, We are still currently in the process of prototyping and testing this design. Our goal is to have a fully functional prototype for the Senior Design Showcase in June 2024.

Repair Experience

I do not have a lot of experience with repairs. I usually try to fix small things around the house. For example, if an appliance stops working, I try my best to troubleshoot and figure out whats wrong with it and try to find tutorials to fix it. I also have basic sewing skills so I can mend holes in clothes and tailor pants. One thing that I would like to know how to repair are cars because I feel like it is a useful skill to have.

Hobbies

• Skiing: During the winter, I enjoy heading up to Tahoe to go skiing with my family. To the left is a picture I took on our most recent trip.

• Crochet: During my free time, I also enjoy crocheting. My most recent project was a flower bouquet, which is shown to the right.