Embracing Uncertainty

My research project in the Robotics Rehabilitation Lab focuses on identifying divergence points in the neuromotor development of infants aged 3-9 months. The primary goal is to determine when neurodevelopment begins to go off-track for infants suffering from cerebral palsy (CP) or similar neuromotor conditions. This research, which lies at the intersection of neuroscience, robotics, and rehabilitation engineering, has been both intellectually challenging and personally meaningful.

I first joined the lab as part of the Play and Neuro-Development Assessment (PANDA) project, researching the impact of emotion on movement under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Johnson and Dr. Melanie Segado. My background in electrical engineering and data science, combined with my long-standing passion for mathematics and engineering, gave me the technical tools to contribute to this project. But what truly drew me to the lab was something deeper: a sense of purpose in helping others through scientific discovery. For the past two summers, research has been not only a professional steppingstone but also a personal journey of growth that is shaping the trajectory of my career.

This past summer was particularly meaningful because it marked my last one before graduating in 2026. At the start, I had several questions: Where do I see myself after graduation? Should I pursue a PhD or enter industry? Which path would bring me the most fulfillment? These questions lingered in the back of my mind, and as the summer progressed, I realized the answers were already taking shape. Every time I engaged with topics in robotics and neuroscience, I felt a natural sense of excitement and curiosity. I found myself diving deep into literature, drawing connections between studies, analyzing results, and, above all, feeling that my research had purpose.

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