What are your primary job responsibilities?

I lead cross-functional R&D projects focused on the design, development, and process optimization of single-use medical devices. This includes overseeing experimental design, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating closely with teams from quality assurance, manufacturing, and clinical affairs.

What is a typical work day-in-your-life like?

My day is a mix of strategic planning, hands-on lab work, and team meetings. I spend time troubleshooting technical challenges, refining prototypes, and analyzing data to align our projects with both market and patient needs.

How did you find your first job?

I leveraged the University of Minnesota’s career services and built a network through academic events and internships, which helped open doors into the competitive field of medical device R&D.

What level of education (Bachelor's, Masters, PhD, etc.) is required to do your job? 

A Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field is typically required. Advanced degrees (such as an M.S. or Ph.D.) are often preferred for tackling complex R&D challenges in this field

What is your work schedule like? Do you ever work weekends or nights?

I try to keep it 9-5, but when duty calls I answer. 

Do you travel for work? If so, in what capacity, and how often?

Yes, I travel occasionally—about 3–5 times a year. Usually long-haul or overseas trips to conduct studies, participate in collaborative project reviews, or to just stay in tune with manufacturing operations.

What is your work environment like? Do you work mostly with a team or mostly independently? Do you stand, sit, or move most of the day?

I work in a hybrid environment that blends lab-based experimental work with office-based strategic planning. I collaborate closely with a dedicated team while also engaging in focused, independent analysis and problem solving.

What do you like most about your job?

I appreciate the tangible impact my work has on patient outcomes and the opportunity to drive innovation in medical device design. Solving complex technical challenges and seeing ideas come to life is incredibly rewarding.

What are some tools or skills that you can't live without? These can be technologies, soft skills, hardware, or anything else you can think of.

I rely on advanced lab equipment, data analytics software, robust project management platforms, and a strong foundation in cross-disciplinary problem solving.

What skills, traits, talents do you have that you think make you a good fit for your job?

My analytical mindset, technical expertise in both chemistry and engineering, and my ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams enable me to excel in R&D. I also value clear communication, creative problem solving, and a keen attention to detail.

What's your best productivity trick?

Nothing beats a good playlist.

Do you have any habits that are essential to your professional success that you wish you started earlier?

I wish I had adopted consistent time management and continuous learning practices earlier. Establishing a regular routine and committing to professional growth have been key to my success so far.

What's the best career advice you've ever received? What career advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?

The best advice I received was to build a strong technical foundation while remaining adaptable to change. For newcomers, I recommend embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and not being afraid to pivot when new interests or opportunities arise. Also, pick your hill wisely.

How do you build community in your career field? Are you part of any professional organizations?

Stay connected with coworkers and mentors.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at the University of Minnesota?

Meeting my wife.