Allison Fetz Palazola, Biomedical Engineering Alum
Degree(s)
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (2016)
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (2021)
Current Residence
Memphis, TN
Current Employer
Medtronic
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I was looking for a high quality, affordable education at a medium-sized university where I could connect with my professors and my peers. I was very impressed with how welcoming the faculty, staff, and students were when I visited the Herff College of Engineering – and I could not say no to the incredible scholarships and fellowships offered by the college and university.
How did Herff prepare you for your career?
Herff prepared me for my career by giving me access to courses, resources, and experiences that let me discover what I loved most about Biomedical Engineering. Through these diverse interactions, Herff helped me build skills integral for a successful career, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication, leadership, and a passion for lifelong learning.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Although I am only in the early stages of my career, I have found that a passion for lifelong learning has been most beneficial skill for me so far. Being a PhD can often mean that one is hyper focused on a very particular knowledge area. While I do have very specific knowledge from my PhD, I never lost sight of wanting to learn about other technologies. Having a desire to continue learning throughout life has opened many doors and let me traverse various therapeutic and technical areas in my career, including immunology, orthopedics, and most recently, spinal technologies. Herff encouraged this exploration and helped me hone in on my skill for lifelong learning.
Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. Gary Bowlin was my most impactful professor because he welcomed me into his Tissue Template Engineering and Regeneration Lab and let me discover what I love most about Biomedical Engineering – research and the clinical application of biomedical technologies. Dr. Bowlin mentored me through my entire research experience at Herff from an eager and inexperienced sophomore to a still eager, although slightly more tired, and confident researcher with a PhD. Dr. Bowlin’s support helped me flourish during my time at Herff and continue to flourish now in the early stages of my career.
Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Kappy Delta Sorority, Frosh Camp, Engineering Student Council, Engineering Ambassador, Alpha Eta Mu Beta, and Tau Beta Pi
What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
My greatest support during college came from my family and friends. Because they were understanding and encouraging, it was easy to stay focused on the goal of making the most of my education through prioritization and time management.
What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
My greatest memory from my time at Herff was my hooding ceremony for completing my PhD during commencement on the field of the Liberty Bowl Stadium. After 9 years as a Memphis Tiger – 4 as an undergraduate and 5 as a graduate student – and finishing graduate school during the challenges of a global pandemic, it was a bittersweet moment of reflection and celebration for everything I had accomplished and everything yet to come.
What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
The return on your investment during your time at Herff is directly proportional to what you chose to put into the experience. If you want to make the most of your education, get plugged in, and you will find that the opportunities are limitless.
What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
You will never feel fully prepared for the first job after graduating, or the second, or the third. However, trust that your engineering knowledge and the skills you developed will help you learn what you need on the job to be successful.
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely! Walking away with 3 degrees and an incredible experience debt free is one of the best choices I have ever made.