Carlos M. Wells, Biomedical Engineering Alum
Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (2021)
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (2017)
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (2015)
Current Residence:
Memphis, TN
Current Employer:
Department of Defense - Defense Health Agency
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
The diverse student population, scholarship opportunities, degree options, Herff College prestige and reputation, ability to learn from and collaborate with industry professionals, the location, and the closeness of the community and with the community.
How did Herff prepare you for your career?
Herff prepared me with translatable skills that allowed me to thrive in and adapt to any environment. Herff presented real life applications/situations while having the support necessary to overcome any challenges that were present.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Necessity of collaboration, how to lead, participate in, and navigate any type of team and an ability to work with individuals from a multitude of backgrounds individually and concurrently. The ability to apply and translate skills in real world applications.
Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Drs. Amy DeJongh Curry and J. Amber Jennings because of their character and transparency about all aspects of the academic journey. They were forthcoming with opportunities within Herff, around the University, and in industry that they had knowledge of. They were extremely accessible to students and have continued to be supportive, if needed, after graduation.
Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Golden Key Honour Society, Adult Commuter Services, Alpha Eta Mu Beta, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Pi, Society for Biomaterials, Society of Women Engineers, Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Biomaterials Application of Memphis, Biomedical Engineering Society, Society for Biomaterials, Tau Beta Pi, National Society of Black Engineers, Helen Hardin Honors Program
What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I had the support of my professors, student peers, student groups, and mentors. I kept focused on the goal because of some peer groups that were formed early in my academic career in addition to personal ambitions.
What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
My greatest memory from my time at Herff revolves around a project I participated in for an individual living with a disability. The joy that the individual experienced and displayed when we delivered the finished product is one of the primary reasons I chose Biomedical Engineering. I do not know that I would have gotten this experience anywhere other than Herff.
What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Herff provides you with vast opportunities to participate in something that includes your passion. There are times when you have to assimilate due availability of options however, Herff has made tremendous efforts in addressing these gaps and closing them. There is always work to be done and I believe, based on my experiences, that Herff will make every effort possible once they are made aware of any persistent gap. Herff provides you opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone, address any known or perceived weaknesses, and engage with individuals from all backgrounds while treating everyone with respect and dignity.
What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I was extremely fortunate during my tenure at Herff. My experience was exceptional due to my peers, peer group, opportunities, professors, and the administration. I was provided relevant guidance, advice, and knowledge during my tenure that is still relevant now. There are no none instances where I can say I wish they informed me of this or I wish I had known that.
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
My Herff experience was, without any doubt, worth the price. If I could do it over again there is nothing that would be done differently.