Graduate Student Profiles
Erina Baynojir Joyee Heading link
Industrial Engineering, PhD ’21 | Dhaka, Bangladesh
What is your academic focus within your department? Additive manufacturing (3D printing) and soft robotics
How (and why) did you choose your faculty advisor? I was interested in working on additive manufacturing for my PhD research. Dr. Yayue Pan is a accomplished scientist in this field. I also liked how passionate she is about research and mentoring her students. I initially joined the lab as a summer research volunteer but later interviewed for a permanent PhD position.
What has been the most rewarding part of doing research at UIC? To learn the true essence of graduate research. At the end of my program, I will get a PhD degree, but the learning curve and the hard work have been truly rewarding for me and will be a life-lesson for my professional journey.
How do you hope your research will create positive change in the world? My work on soft robotics will create a novel way to fabricate untethered, multi-scale, multi-modal soft robots. I also show a direct application in controlled drug delivery that can have a positive effect in healthcare.
Favorite place in Chicago: The beaches along Lake Shore Drive.
Jaqueline Rojas Robles Heading link
Mechanical Engineering, BS ’18, PhD ’22 | Cicero, IL
Name one thing you think UIC does better than anywhere else: Fostering independence. UIC has a great faculty and resources for students to access. At the same time, the curriculum at UIC and research opportunities challenge students to become independent thinkers and to be innovative.
Most challenging engineering project/assignment you’ve conquered so far: Testing surface coatings for antibacterial properties.
Student organizations you’ve joined: The Society of Women Engineers. I’ve enjoyed being a general member as an undergraduate because of the peer support and career opportunities it provides. Recently, I have accepted the role of being GradSWE president and look forward to building connections and the leadership opportunities this new role will bring.
Favorite place in Chicago: The Chicago Lakefront Trail. You can find a lot of other attractions along the way and get a great view of the lake and city.