Steven Peckham, Biomedical Engineering Alum
Degree(s)
MS Biomedical Engineering (1995), PhD Engineering (2000)
Current Residence
Memphis, TN
Current Employer
S M Peckham Consulting LLC
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
When I enrolled, the graduate Biomedical Engineering program was just getting started. It was an exciting opportunity to be part of something new and to play a small part in a growing academic area.
How did Herff prepare you for your career?
The program provided a solid foundation in both technical and problem-solving skills, preparing me for the challenges of a fast-paced industry. There was a great mix of learning self-reliance in some areas, and the need for peer support in others. I was fortunate to have both academic and collaborative industry projects to develop my ability to work across disciplines—a skill I use daily.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Throughout my career, I have often worked in areas where there were no established procedures or precedent on which to rely. Forging new development or regulatory paths is an exciting challenge. Learning how to approach complex problems and adapt quickly to new challenges in my graduate research was invaluable.
Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. Steven Slack was a great mentor and friend. He was an inspiring teacher and research advisor. Dr Slack challenged me to deeply understand research outcomes rather than just reporting results. He was not my primary advisor, but I would not have completed my PhD without his guidance.
Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
I was a member of BMES, but most of my peer interaction came through the more informal daily engagement with our lab team.
What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I was fortunate to have fellowship support to offset the financial side. Through those long years, my wife Elizabeth was a constant source of encouragement. Connie Hall was a PhD student at the same time, and her friendship and guidance were instrumental to my success. I think having a close group of peers with common goals helped keep us all focused.
What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
One of my greatest memories was when the university hosted the Biomedical Engineering Society annual fall meeting on campus. It was a great opportunity to see the students, faculty, and administration all work together to put on a first class meeting and showcase the emerging BME program.
What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you, especially research and networking. The program equips you with more than just technical skills—it teaches you how to think critically and innovate.
What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish I had understood the importance of networking and building relationships beyond your core research team early on. The connections you make during your studies can have a lasting impact on your career.
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
My experience at the University of Memphis was absolutely worth the investment. It was a tremendous time of learning and growth, both personal and professional. If I could do it over again, I would hope to view the experience as more than a means to an end. I would more greatly value and appreciate the opportunity while in the middle of it rather than in reflection.