An engaged citizen not only recognizes the needs of their community but also takes action to address them. My journey into orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) began with a desire to bridge the gap between engineering and patient care—ensuring that individuals with limb loss receive functional prostheses AND compassionate support. While volunteering at Magnolia Medical, I witnessed firsthand the challenges amputees face beyond their physical mobility, from navigating insurance barriers to accessing personalized rehabilitation. These experiences reinforced my belief that engineering solutions in healthcare must be both technically sound and deeply human-centered. With a Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering and a minor in Robotics, I am committed to leveraging my skills to develop innovative, accessible solutions that improve the quality of life for amputees and underserved populations. At Magnolia Medical, I gained hands-on knowledge about treating amputees and fabricating prosthetic limbs. Throughout my time there, I learned essential skills such as modifying molds, pulling test sockets, and constructing various types of prostheses. My mentors illustrated that being an engineer in the medical field transcends numbers and data; it requires a personal touch to truly connect with patients. I witnessed the clinicians going above and beyond for their patients—accompanying them to physical therapy or medical appointments, or providing in-home care for those without transportation. I realized that patients aren’t concerned with the engineering intricacies of their prostheses; they care about being treated with respect and compassion. Quantitative motion analysis is a missing (yet critical) component in O&P clinical workflows. Currently, clinicians rely on visual gait observation, patient-reported feedback, and AMP tests to evaluate amputee mobility. However, these methods lack precision, consistency, and detailed biomechanical insight. The gold-standard alternatives, such as motion capture labs equipped with marker-based systems and force plates, are costly, time-consuming, and impractical for widespread clinical use. This leads to a significant gap in the ability to track patient progress, optimize prosthetic designs, and justify medical necessity to insurance providers. Additionally, the lack of quantifiable data can delay or deny insurance approvals, preventing patients from receiving the prosthetic devices or physical therapy they need in a timely manner. A validated markerless motion capture system, capable of providing clinically relevant data, would revolutionize amputee care by offering an objective, scalable, and cost-effective solution. I am currently pursuing my master’s to leverage markerless motion capture technologies, using pose estimation algorithms to quantify joint angles, joint forces, and ground reaction forces in amputees. By comparing these results to gold-standard methods—foot force plates and traditional marker-based motion capture systems—I aim to bridge a significant data gap in the field of O&P. There is a lack of numerical data to objectively assess patient mobility. By providing clinicians with a validated, markerless system, I hope to equip CPOs with a cost-effective solution that can be easily integrated into clinical practice, making quantitative mobility analysis more accessible and actionable. Validating OpenCap for O&P would represent a paradigm shift in how amputee mobility is assessed and managed, ultimately leading to more personalized, data-driven, and effective treatments for patients with limb loss. My goal is to quickly and efficiently analyze data, giving CPOs real-time insights to track patient progress, personalize physical therapy regimens, and improve overall patient care. I also aim to streamline the insurance approval process, helping reduce wait times for the equipment patients need. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical applications in O&P, I hope to make a meaningful impact on both the clinical and administrative aspects of patient care. As I move forward, I carry with me the invaluable lessons of service, advocacy, and the power of community.

Like many middle school girls, I dreamed of becoming a forensic scientist. I was captivated by high-profile unsolved cases like JonBenét Ramsey, Jack the Ripper, and Lizzie Borden. I devoured books such as The Cases That Haunt Us by John Douglas, former chief of the FBI. My interest initially veered toward criminal psychology, but as I dug deeper into the cases, I found myself drawn more to forensic science, especially the process of collecting evidence from crime scenes. To gain some hands-on experience, I shadowed an investigator at the New Orleans drug lab for a day. While the experience was exciting, it revealed an important truth: the people who collect the evidence aren’t always the ones who analyze it. Often, different pieces of evidence are sent to various departments, with multiple experts examining specific aspects of a case. In high school, I considered forensic pathology, where I would perform autopsies and determine the cause of death using evidence. Before my senior year, I was accepted into the STAR (Science, Technology, Academics, and Research) program at Ochsner in New Orleans, a one-month program with shadowing opportunities. I shadowed two pathologists, and while their work was fascinating, it mostly involved looking at cells through a microscope in a small room. I realized I wanted to work on bigger projects, using my hands, getting involved in the investigation, using my brain to come up with interesting theories. I discovered that pathology relied heavily on pattern recognition, which I admired, but it wasn’t the hands-on, dynamic work I was seeking. During my senior year, I took a dual-enrollment introductory engineering class at LSU, where I explored various engineering fields. The one that intrigued me most was biological engineering. Its broad scope allowed for work in medicine, agriculture, cancer research, and biomechanics. I began college as a biological engineering student, and by my sophomore year, I focused on orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). Over three summers, I interned at Magnolia Medical (an O&P company), which solidified my goal of becoming a certified prosthetist and orthotist (CPO). In my senior year of college, I became fascinated by the engineering applications in healthcare, using machines, programs, and advanced tools. I was torn between pursuing a career as a CPO and designing the components for prosthetics, like sensors for myoelectric arms and feedback loops for adjustable ankles. I began coding MATLAB programs for Ochsner’s physical therapy and wellness center to help clinicians and therapists access clear, actionable data without sifting through millions of data points. Marker-based motion capture technology was a fascinating way to study an individual’s biomechanics. I wanted to apply this to orthotics and prosthetics to assist CPOs. During my third summer at Magnolia Medical, I was exposed to the administrative side and insurance challenges of O&P healthcare. I decided to explore markerless motion capture technology to collect data from O&P patients. However, this approach hasn’t been done before, with one inconclusive study published in December 2024. I am currently pursuing my master’s to leverage markerless motion capture technologies, utilizing pose estimation algorithms to collect data from O&P patients. My goal is to quickly and efficiently analyze this data, providing CPOs with real-time insights to track patient progress, personalize physical therapy regimens, and ultimately improve patient care. I also aim to streamline the process for insurance approvals, helping reduce wait times for the equipment patients need. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical applications in O&P, I hope to make a meaningful impact on both the clinical and administrative aspects of patient care in this field.

An engaged citizen actively participates in their community, advocating for those who may not have the voice or means to do so themselves. This commitment goes beyond participation; it involves understanding and addressing the needs of individuals facing challenges, such as the elderly, disabled, or underserved populations. We should work to create positive change by leveraging our skills and resources to bridge gaps in healthcare, education, and social services, ensuring equitable access to support. I had the profound opportunity to volunteer at Magnolia Medical, where I gained hands-on knowledge about treating amputees and fabricating prosthetic limbs. Throughout my time there, I learned essential skills such as modifying molds, pulling test sockets, and constructing various types of prostheses. My mentors illustrated that being an engineer in the medical field transcends numbers and data; it requires a personal touch to truly connect with patients. Through my volunteering experience at Magnolia Medical, I contributed to the well-being of patients while gaining invaluable insights into resilience, empathy, and the significance of human connection. I witnessed the clinicians going above and beyond for their patients—accompanying them to physical therapy or medical appointments, or providing in-home care for those without transportation. I realized that patients aren’t concerned with the engineering intricacies of their prostheses; they care about being treated with respect and compassion. I was particularly influenced by one of my mentors, a prosthetist who is also an amputee. He lost his leg to a gunshot wound during an accident, and his journey has shaped him into one of the best prosthetists I know. His unique perspective allowed him to empathize with patients on a deep level. He taught me that losing a limb is akin to losing a family member; the physical challenges are daunting, but the psychological toll can be even heavier. He emphasized that amputees are not just patients or individuals with a disability; they are mourners experiencing a significant loss. This understanding reinforced the importance of being a friend, a listening ear, and a source of support for those navigating their new realities. My experiences at Magnolia Medical significantly influenced my academic work. Knowledge gained from my Biomechanics lectures and my volunteer experience provided invaluable insight for my term project in Assistive Robotics. My team and I designed a teleoperated AFO aimed at helping drop-foot patients in rural areas or those lacking transportation receive necessary adjustments in their homes. The goal was for an orthotist to control the angle of flexion or extension of the AFO via an app on their phone while the patient remained at home. Despite time constraints, we managed to develop a pseudo-working prototype! As I began to explore how my classroom learning could impact patient care, I found myself gravitating toward biomechanics as a potential career path, driven by the desire to leverage engineering solutions to improve patient outcomes. Through research, innovation, and patient-centered care, I aim to create assistive devices and systems that address the unique needs of individuals, particularly those with limited access to advanced care. My work will reflect both technical expertise and a dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that those I serve feel supported and valued. I aspire to engineer innovative solutions for rehabilitation, internal muscle force analysis, and the development of prosthetics and orthotics. My career will be guided by the principles of empathy, resilience, and community engagement, as I seek to push the boundaries of what is possible in biomechanics. As I move forward, I carry with me the invaluable lessons of service, advocacy, and the power of community. Ultimately, my life’s goal is to be happy, healthy, and, above all, helpful.

I am reminded of the Parable of the Talents: A man entrusted his possessions to his servants. Two of them took their “talents” and multiplied them, while another buried his, afraid to take risks. The master was pleased with the first two and rewarded them with greater responsibilities, while the third had his talent taken away and given to one of the others who had proven capable of growth. This parable serves as a reminder that success is about how we choose to use what we are given. Success is Service. As stewards of our communities, we should strive to serve others with kindness and integrity. Small acts of service can create a ripple effect of positivity. Helping patients take their first steps with a prosthesis was more than just a technical process; it was about restoring their confidence and dignity. One patient recovering from an above-the-knee amputation, inspired me with her determination despite facing additional health challenges. Supporting her as she took her first steps in a test socket reinforced my belief that success isn’t measured by what we accomplish for ourselves but by how we uplift others. Success is Understanding. True success comes from empathy, patience, and making people feel valued. To create meaningful change, we must first understand the challenges people face. My work at an orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) clinic taught me that technical expertise alone is not enough in healthcare. My mentor, a prosthetist who had lost his own leg, once told me that amputation is not just a physical loss but an emotional one, akin to mourning a family member. Engineering precision matters, but understanding a patient’s emotional, financial, social, and psychological challenges is just as critical. Success is Commitment to action. Understanding alone is not enough. We must take deliberate steps toward positive change. Growth happens in discomfort, in the moments when we push beyond what is easy or familiar. Witnessing the challenges in O&P healthcare motivated me to begin my Master’s program, where I work on quantifying the O&P field to improve personalized healthcare plans and insurance coverage. My research reinforces my belief that true success lies in applying my knowledge and experiences to create real-world solutions. Success is Consistency. Whether in education, career, or relationships, showing up every day and striving for progress is what leads to meaningful accomplishments. Working at the O&P clinic for three summers, I remained committed to researching the field’s gaps and learning the nuances of patient care. Progress is not always linear, but persistence leads to meaningful accomplishments. Success is Extension. Looking beyond ourselves allows us to act with wisdom and purpose. We must think critically, analyze situations from all angles, and ensure that our actions align with our intentions. Inspired by the need for greater accessibility, I am now creating a business plan to support O&P patients in Louisiana. I aim to hold informational sessions at community and health centers, educate patients on their insurance rights, and establish support groups for those navigating the physical and financial challenges of prosthetic care. Success is about broadening my perspective and ensuring that my work truly serves those who need it. Success is Self-motivation. Striving for excellence means continuously pushing ourselves to grow academically, personally, and professionally. External validation is fleeting, but the drive to learn and improve sustains long-term success. My passion for biomechanics stems from this mindset. I seek to merge engineering with patient-centered care, using my skills to develop innovative solutions in O&P. Success is a Sum. As the Greek saying goes, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Success is an accumulation of experiences, values, and support of others. No one succeeds alone. Just as in the Parable of the Talents, we are given opportunities—not to hoard, but to cultivate and share. Investing in others creates a chain reaction of success that extends beyond the individual. Financial support would allow me to continue my research and advance solutions that improve patient care and accessibility in O&P. My journey, from volunteering at a clinic to interning for three summers, has evolved from aspiring to be a CPO to developing quantitative methods that revolutionize patient care and insurance coverage. Just as the master entrusted his servants with talents, I have been entrusted with unique abilities. My responsibility is to cultivate them, maximize their impact, and pay it forward.

I am determined to make a meaningful contribution to the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) field and improve healthcare in Louisiana by developing technologies that enhance patient outcomes for amputees and those with musculoskeletal disabilities. My immediate goal as a graduate student is to compare OpenCap (markerless motion capture) data and traditional measurements from foot force plates and marker-based systems. In the first year of this project, I will refine my methods, obtain IRB approval, and familiarize myself with high-quality motion capture systems and portable foot force plates. The second and third years will be dedicated to data collection, involving 100 participants, including sound-limb individuals and amputees. The overall budget for my graduate project is estimated at $500,000, covering equipment and participant recruitment. In the fourth and fifth years, I will analyze the joint angles and ground reaction forces to develop a normative model for amputees performing sit-to-stand movements. I will publish my research and present at conferences, such as the Louisiana Association of Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference. I hope to provide clinicians with more accurate data specific to amputees, improving patient care and decision-making. My experience at Ochsner's Therapy and Wellness Center in Baton Rouge has reinforced my goal of improving data analysis for healthcare providers. I developed a MATLAB program that reduced a seven-hour data analysis process to just four minutes. Inspired by this experience, I hope to create my own LLC, where I will process biomechanical data for healthcare agencies and biomechanics research institutions. The cost of registration and basic startup needs is only a few hundred dollars. My first pitch will be to Ochsner, as they already know my capabilities and my work’s impact. Then, I plan to expand into O&P clinics like Magnolia Medical and physical therapy clinics like Ochsner’s. I also plan to pursue funding opportunities through Louisiana-based grants like the Amber Grant Foundation, SBIR, and STTR grants to pay for the necessary high-performance computing systems. The goal of my LLC is to make data analysis quicker and more accurate for healthcare facilities, saving them time and resources while improving patient outcomes. I am committed to staying in Louisiana and contributing to the state’s healthcare system, particularly in the O&P field. Louisiana currently ranks among the lowest in healthcare nationwide, and I want to be part of the effort to improve it. Many talented professionals leave the state for better opportunities, but I believe we need to retain that talent to build a stronger future for Louisiana. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the state’s healthcare landscape and make a positive impact. I also plan to volunteer with the VA and support groups for amputees and individuals with other musculoskeletal disabilities. I want to give back by establishing a scholarship fund for students pursuing biomechanics research in Louisiana, encouraging them to stay in the state and contribute to its future growth. Through these efforts, I hope to build a community of researchers and clinicians who are dedicated to improving healthcare. To achieve success, I believe in staying grounded in my faith and staying connected with my family. By being present at birthdays, holidays, and spontaneous gatherings like last-minute crawfish boils, I maintain a sense of balance and support. My long-term goal is to use my skills to help others, whether it’s my own family and friends or those in the O&P community. To be truly successful, I need to stay happy, healthy, and helpful. This belief will guide me as I continue to strive to make a difference in the O&P field, in my community, and in the lives of those I serve.

Weighing roughly 16.68% of its owner’s body weight and spanning 47.9% of their height, the amputated leg in my hands symbolized more than a lost limb—it marked the beginning of my interests in biomechanics. As a specimen processor in Ochsner’s pathology department, one day, I received something unexpected: a large, heavy, red, and limp surgical bag. The leg was cold and firm, with the outline of a bony knee clearly discernible through the packaging. While receiving and handling amputated limbs isn’t a typical introduction to biomechanics, for me, it hallmarked my initial interest. It wasn’t until my work with Magnolia Medical that I realized the depth of potential in orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). I began shadowing in February 2022, and by my third visit, the clinicians let me grind down some old sockets. As a summer intern, I fabricated prosthetic legs and test sockets, laminated covers, and modified molds using cast saws to cut sockets. I also developed detailed prosthetic life care plans and calculated lifetime costs for prosthetic equipment and maintenance in collaboration with attorneys. My O&P mentors also taught me that sometimes, patients need a friend, someone to lend a hand (or a leg), to support them mentally as well as physically. My mentors attended physical therapy and doctor appointments with patients, provided in-home treatments for those without transportation, and even helped secure financial assistance for those struggling with the high cost of prosthetics. Their dedication showed me the importance of empathy and advocacy in the O&P field, values I intend to carry into my future education and career. Throughout my undergraduate curriculum, courses like Biomechanics, Instrumentation, and Assistive Robotics taught me about the mechanical and biological factors of movement and rehabilitation. In Assistive Robotics, my team and I designed a teleoperated ankle-foot orthosis that could be remotely controlled, allowing clinicians to assist patients in real-time, even if they were located in remote areas. For Senior Design, my team and I standardized the process for fabricating a low-cost prosthetic ear. We collaborated with an ENT surgeon to develop an affordable cosmetic ear. These courses drove my focus to developing innovative solutions for common challenges in O&P healthcare. Beyond my coursework, I also gained valuable insight into the clinical side of data analysis through my work at Ochsner and LSU’s Biological Engineering (BE) department. As a research assistant, I conducted interviews with prosthetists and orthotists, insurance directors, and an orthopedic surgeon to explore how biomechanical data can assist the O&P field. Working with a markerless motion capture system, I developed a strong interest in analyzing internal muscle forces and motion data. Automating data analysis for physical therapists and doctors, I refined my coding skills to process raw data that could guide treatment plans. In doing so, I condensed into minutes a process that once took hours. This efficiency in data processing showed me the potential for technology to enhance clinical workflows and improve patient outcomes. As I work through my Master’s, I hope to bridge the gap between biomechanics, data acquisition, and patient care while also learning how to integrate new technologies into the development of O&P devices. Through my coursework and experiences, I have discovered a niche where I can merge my passion for data analysis and O&P to develop innovative solutions that optimize patient performance, support clinical decisions, and streamline insurance approval processes. From storing amputated arms and legs in a fridge to fabricating prostheses for amputees to developing efficiencies in data analysis, I have witnessed the many facets of O&P, and I am ready to make my mark in it.

I began shadowing at Magnolia Medical in February 2022, and by my third visit, the clinicians let me grind down some old sockets. I fabricated prosthetic legs and test sockets, laminated covers, and modified molds using cast saws and the Trautman to cut sockets. I also developed detailed prosthetic life care plans and calculated lifetime costs for prosthetic equipment in collaboration with attorneys. Additionally, I managed authorizations for bone growth stimulators and resolved issues with insurance companies and the Veterans Affairs (VA). My experiences in the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) clinic were instrumental in shaping my understanding of how engineering and compassion directly impacts patient care. This realization became the foundation of my passion for O&P development and biomechanic data analysis. As a Biological Engineering (BE) major, with a minor in Robotics, two of my most favorite projects involved serving O&P patients. In Assistive Robotics, my team and I designed a teleoperated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) that could be remotely controlled, allowing clinicians to assist patients in real-time, even if they were located in remote areas. For Senior Design, my team and I standardized the fabrication process for a low-cost prosthetic ear by collaborating with an ENT surgeon to develop an affordable cosmetic solution. These courses drove my focus in pursuing a role as an engineer dedicated to developing innovative solutions for common challenges in O&P healthcare. My academic work complemented my clinical experiences, allowing me to deepen my understanding of data analysis in patient care through my work at Ochsner and LSU’s BE department. As a biomechanist research assistant, I conducted interviews with prosthetists and orthotists, insurance directors, and an orthopedic surgeon to explore how biomechanical data can assist the O&P field - primarily obtaining insurance coverage. Working with a markerless motion capture system, I developed a strong interest in analyzing internal muscle forces and motion data. Automating data analysis for physical therapists and doctors, I refined my coding skills to process raw data that could guide treatment plans. In doing so, I condensed into minutes a process that once took hours. This efficiency in data processing showed me the potential for technology to enhance clinical workflows and improve patient outcomes. Pursuing a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at LSU will allow me to refine my skills and bridge the gap between biomechanics, data acquisition, and patient care while also learning how to integrate new technologies into the development of O&P devices. I hope to use markerless motion capture data to “quantify the field” of O&P, assisting clinicians with documentation and insurance authorizations, supporting physical therapists in developing tailored care plans, and enhancing patient outcomes. Through my coursework and experiences, I have discovered a niche where I can merge my passion for data analysis and O&P to develop innovative solutions that optimize patient performance, support clinical decisions, and streamline insurance approval processes. My deep commitment to improving the O&P field stems from my firsthand experience with its many facets, and I am ready to be part of its future.

In 1990, my dad fell off a 52-foot building. After recovering, he went back to work, and an industrial gate fell on him. He is now disabled, suffering through the pain from the injuries and the back and bone surgeries which allowed him to walk and not be confined to a wheelchair or crutches. I am so much like my dad in that I'm determined and strong-willed. In the summer of 2015, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. If surgery was not our answer, I would be on oxygen by the time I was 18. Talk of surgery made everyone anxious and on edge. So, I decided I was the one that had to be strong. I had to be hopeful to give others the hope that everything would be okay. I told myself I would get through it without complaining and show as little pain as possible. July 11 will be my eighth anniversary of spine surgery. Surgeons fused my spine to two 15-inch metal rods, complete with screws and cadaver material. For five days, doctors came in and out of my room as I went in and out of consciousness. Recovery time would be four to six weeks at home and six months of following strict limitations. I had to start the academic year on time. I did all that I could to make it to the first day of school. Then, I found out I had to be at least two weeks off of the heavy painkillers before I could go back. Two weeks from the day of my surgery, I decided to quit the painkillers. The first day of school, I hit the ground running, not letting my healing process slow me down. After his injuries, my dad concerned himself with improving his strength so he could get back to work. The doctors told him he could not. Just because I'm named after my dad doesn't mean we share the same fate: I wanted to prove to him that my future had not dimmed. Months later, my scar healed nicely and was not sensitive to the touch. My rods strengthened my spine and allowed me to live a normal life. I learned the hard way that what doesn't kill you actually makes you stronger. I, like Iron Man, shall use my refined "suit of armor" to help those that are vulnerable. I figured the best way I could support others was to be a prosthetist, to be able to give others a hand (or a leg) when they need it most. I need to take care of myself and overcome the obstacles in my own life if I want to be able to truly help others who are unable to do the same. The dark line down my spine symbolizes my determination and ambition to overcome those things, past, present, and future, that seemed impossible. Now, my path has changed to be a biological engineer, focusing on biomechanics. I have worked in an orthotics and prosthetics clinic the past couple of summers. I realized that there are so many facets that can be improved upon, especially when it comes to arms and legs. Patients deserve the best treatment possible so they can get back on their feet. I’ve loved the connections I’ve made thus far and have thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the field has to offer.