With this professor, you can be the research star.
Two undergraduate students assisted Anita Vasavada, assistant professor of bioengineering, by performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on humans in conjunction with the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Then they presented their results at the American Society of Biomechanics National Conference.
“By involving students in research and talking about my research in class, I hope to motivate students,” says Vasavada. In the classroom, she emphasizes problem-solving methods and group involvement to help you fully understand the basic analytical skills needed to become a bioengineer.
When not in the classroom, Vasavada researches human movement disorders and head and neck biomechanics, including whiplash injury. Vasavada is widely published on the human head and neck, and her current research applies engineering methods and computer models to analyze human head and neck movements. The objective is to guide clinical interventions. Vasavada says, “The overarching goal of my research is to integrate mechanical engineering methods with biology and physiology to improve our understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.”
Vasavada teaches three courses in the bioengineering program, a new addition to WSU’s degree options. The program began in 2002 and now houses about 60 students, and women are a significant part. Vasavada says, “Nationally, bioengineering has the highest percentage of women among engineering disciplines, and that trend is reflected in our program at WSU.”
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