John Alfred Smythe Memorial Scholarship

I was 11 when I first heard the term ‘organ transplant.’ I was 13 when my uncle passed away on dialysis, in the hospital awaiting his new kidney, and the term ‘organ transplant’ took on a new meaning. I was 16 when I proudly checked the organ donor box on my driver’s license. I was 18 when my grandma died due to complications from her lung cancer. I was 19 when I attended a symposium on 3D bioprinting research held by the college of engineering at the University of Florida. I listened with fascination as the materials science PhD candidate explained the future applications of soft matter engineering, and the ongoing research aimed at addressing the current organ donor shortage. He spoke of artificial kidneys with the potential to replace dialysis, and bioprinted tumors being developed in order to personalize cancer treatments. The very next day, I emailed my advisor about switching my major to materials science engineering. If I could possess any superpower, what would it be? That’s a tough one. The ability to teleport into my little brother’s room in the middle of the night to pay back the many years of practical jokes that he played on me is quite appealing. Super speed is also tempting, given the years I spent sweating it out on the field during cross-country season. Talking to animals (my cats specifically) would be high on the list as well. But if I could choose only one, it would be the power to heal. The power to take away someone’s pain or illness and to give them more time with their loved ones. Another person is added to the nation's organ transplant waiting list every 10 minutes. In the United States alone, there are over 107,000 people waiting for an organ. On average, 17 people die each day, waiting for that life-saving transplant. That is someone else’s grandmother, uncle, or brother. I’ve been in the helpless position of watching a loved one’s own body fail them and wishing that there was something I could do. With my newfound superpower, I would make the transplant waiting list a thing of the past. I would make sure that no one else would ever have to wait, hoping to receive an organ and wondering if they’re going to be here to walk their daughter down the aisle, or see their son graduate. I will be 22 when I graduate with a bachelor’s degree in materials science engineering. At that point, I plan to focus on 3D bioprinting capabilities and designing products to help revolutionize the medical device industry. There is a vast amount of research that goes into the design and synthesis of materials to guarantee they are suitable for medical implants. Longer-lasting joint replacements, nanoparticle agents used to improve MRI visibility, even 3D printed tissues and organs, all have to be thoroughly screened to ensure the material has the properties to function as intended and is compatible with the human body. There are so many innovative ideas that arise from academic institutions and research centers, but having functional, biocompatible materials is essential for their success. Maybe I don’t have a superpower, but I have the next best thing-- the ability to harness the power of science and technology to improve lives.