My name is Chris Lowe and I’m a 5th year PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering department. I’m advised by Dr. David Shreiber and my work is focused on developing novel biomaterials for nervous system regeneration and repair. The bulk of my work is centered on developing a therapeutic polymer based system which incorporates short peptides that are able to mimic the activity of brain derived neurotrophic factor, a key modulator of neuronal development and survival. We are evaluating the ability of this therapeutic system to specifically target injured tissue and to enhance survival of primary neurons following brain injury. I performed my undergraduate work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. While there, I was able to begin two things that have shaped my early career: performing research and being involved with professional societies. I was fortunate to work in laboratories both at UMass and at other universities, including the University of Akron, Arizona State, and Rutgers, through NSF sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs. Much of this work was in materials science and polymer engineering and allowed me to get my feet wet in the laboratory. As I continued to work in the lab, I was able to work on projects with a biological focus and was introduced to biomaterials research. I had always had an interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and working with biomaterials was the perfect way for me to get involved with those fields. I was fascinated, excited, and motivated by the work and the learning I was able to do as part of these projects. After experiences like these, it was an easy decision to pursue my PhD in Biomedical Engineering here at Rutgers and launch my career as a scientist and engineer in biotechnology. Parallel to my work in the lab, I’ve become heavily involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). I currently serve on the Young Professionals Committee where we work to enhance the offerings and experience for over 7,000 early career professionals under the age of 35. It is rewarding because of the diverse group of people I’ve been able to meet and the work I’ve done on new and interesting projects as a volunteer leader with AIChE. It is also fulfilling to see how my contributions have positively impacted those programs I’ve been involved in. Overall, AIChE has provided me an exciting outlet to develop myself professionally since the time I was an undergrad and throughout my time here at Rutgers. My career goals lie in the realm of scientific business management. I hope to apply my expertise in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology firm where I can work my way up as a technical manager and unit director. These are roles where I can put my technical expertise and interpersonal skills to good use, all while performing meaningful work toward improving people’s lives. Further, this allows me to expand on my interests in business and management. I was able to begin growing these interests by completing a minor in Engineering Management at UMass, and I’ve been able to more fully explore them through my participation in iJOBS activities. Overall I’m excited to be writing for the iJOBS blog! I hope you all enjoy my perspective on career options and professional development over the next couple years. Please feel free to interact with me via LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjlowe) or Twitter (@christophjlowe)!
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