Nicole Stark, MS

I have six years of experience in conducting research with a focus on patient populations.  For my master’s thesis, I used finite element analysis to build a model of the tongue to research dysphagia. During my undergraduate career, I conducted research in Widener University Rehabilitation Biomechanics Lab with lower limb amputees. While I was a member of the lab, I learned many different data collection methods as well as how to formulate a research question and then follow a project through to completion. Additionally, I have completed course work in advanced biomechanics where I was trained in motion capture data collection and processing. I completed three internships during my undergraduate and graduate studies in the areas of mechanical engineering, project management, and physical therapy. While interning as a mechanical engineer and a project manager, I learned valuable team skills such as team coordination and goal setting in order to complete projects. My time at the physical therapy clinic allowed me to observe the treatment of various patient populations including patients with joint replacements, back pain, and various overuse injuries that altered movement mechanics. After the completion of my undergraduate and master's degrees, I moved to Virginia Tech to peruse my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering working in the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab.