Outside of her course requirements, Bridgette serves as STEM mentor to high school students. This is part of an effort to recruit future STEM students to Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. Additionally, Bridgette conducts pancreatic cancer research for the Johns Hopkins University Institute of NanoBioTechnology (INBT). She states, “I [want to] help find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Even though the pancreatic cancer research is totally different from my mechanical engineering studies, I find the research interesting and fulfilling.” Bridgette’s motivation is to help change the world, a path she’s already taken part in with her research into pancreatic cancer and passion for mechanical engineering.
The SMART Program has assisted Bridgette’s career development in many ways, including connecting her with mentor Dr. Timothy Coats, who provided beneficial guidance during her summer internship onboarding. Through SMART, Bridgette has expanded her scope of knowledge and engaged in enriching academic experiences. She states the SMART Program “has given me the confidence to pursue academic research” at Johns Hopkins University in addition to participating in her summer internship. We’re looking forward to hearing more about Bridgette’s journey as she continues to progress within the program.
