Electrical engineering student encourages young women in STEM
Brooke Campbell has mentored 60 engineering students
For four years, University of Cincinnati doctoral student Brooke Campbell has been a graduate assistant in the UC Undergraduates Pursuing Research in Science and Engineering (UPRISE) program. After working for five years in the tech industry, she returned to school to pursue a graduate degree. Her research work focuses on using a process called electrospinning to create nanofibers loaded with medicine for targeted drug delivery.
She was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.
How did you end up choosing UC?
Brooke Campbell. Photo/provided
I graduated from UC with my bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2015. After working for a local tech/engineering company for several years, I decided to return to UC to begin my own Ph.D. journey. My mentor at the company received his Ph.D. from UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, and I’ve always liked that the university had a strong engineering program that prioritizes applied research with many industry connections.
Why did you choose your field of study?
First and foremost, I chose electrical engineering professor Andrew Steckl as my adviser, and so I enrolled in the Ph.D. program in electrical engineering. I wanted a mentor who had experience collaborating with industry, sourcing funding and pursuing interdisciplinary research. When we first met, I told Dr. Steckl that I didn’t mind so much what my research focused on, I just wanted it to be relevant and related to materials. Approaching graduate research with an open mind has allowed me to explore various collaborative projects, all of which address critical medical problems.
Briefly and simply describe your research work. Why does it interest you?
My research focuses on a fabrication technique known as electrospinning. Electrospinning allows us to make nanofibers from polymer solutions. What makes these nanofibers unique is the ability to load them with useful compounds, such as medicine, for targeted drug delivery. My dissertation work primarily focuses on loading these nanofibers with bioagents to keep transplanted cells alive and applying this to treatments for Type-1 diabetes.
Solving tangible problems interests me. Working through iterations to find a direct solution to a problem that is sustainable is a very rewarding part of my research.
I've always liked that the university had a strong engineering program that prioritizes applied research with many industry connections.
Brooke Campbell, UC electrical engineering Ph.D. student
What are some of the most impactful experiences during your time at UC?
The UC Undergraduates Pursuing Research in Science and Engineering (UPRISE) program has had a significant impact on me. This program provides STEM research opportunities to UC undergraduate students from groups that have been historically excluded from the field. Most of my involvement with UPRISE has been with women students in STEM. Witnessing them get their feet wet in research and become passionate about the field is very encouraging. When I look around in engineering classrooms as a student, or when I speak at technical engineering conferences as a professional, I mainly see men. I once spoke at an aerospace conference in Seattle, and of the 300 attendees, only five were women.
After that experience I made it a personal mission to engage with younger women. I wanted to share with them the many professional avenues of STEM and encourage them to believe they have the capacity to pursue these types of degrees. My graduate assistantship with UPRISE has given me a place to get involved with young women in STEM and support them during their undergraduate careers.
What are a few of your accomplishments of which you are most proud?
I am proud that I took the step of coming back to school in my 30s. It may not seem like much but leaving the known for the unknown and embarking on a new and uncertain path takes courage. I’m also proud of the technical accomplishments in my career. Recently, I was selected as a 3-minute thesis finalist and competed in the final competition at UC. Under Dr. Steckl, I was a part of interesting research and had the opportunity to share my knowledge through consulting and numerous conferences.
What are your plans after earning your degree?
I am expecting to graduate in Fall 2023. After my degree I hope to work at a national laboratory or go back into industry.
How do you like to spend your free time outside of the lab?
In my free time I like to keep a vegetable/herb garden and collect orchids and house plants. When there is time for vacation my husband and I enjoy traveling to new cities or taking our two German Shepherds camping and hiking. My favorite travel experience was my trip to Iceland, the landscape is unlike anything else!
Featured image at top: Brooke Campbell in the lab. Photo/provided
Interested in engineering graduate programs?
Discover the advantages of a graduate degree from the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Related Stories
UC study examines impact of incarceration on youth health
July 19, 2024
Samantha Boch, PhD, at the UC College onf Nursing, has studied the impact of incarceration on child and family health for more than a decade. Her latest research examines youth health in Cincinnati and relies on collaboration with Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
UC professor awarded for lifetime achievement in photocatalysis
July 19, 2024
Panagiotis (Peter) Smirniotis has been at the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science since 1994. He is known for impactful, interdisciplinary research focusing on various environmental and energy problems. Recently, he was honored with the inaugural David F. Ollis Award for lifelong achievements from the International Scientific Society of Semiconductor Photocatalysis and Solar Energy Conversion. The award is named after the influential professor and pioneer in the field.
We love ‘Lucy’ — the AI avatar redefining UC tech transfer
July 17, 2024
In a visionary leap at the University of Cincinnati, the marriage of artificial intelligence and interactive technology has birthed "Lucy," a Smarthelp AI avatar poised to revolutionize how regional industries engage with UC's tech transfer initiatives.
NIS program opens new horizons for international student
July 17, 2024
In his pursuit of physics and a taste for research, Akash Khanikor ventured from his hometown in India's Assam to the University of Cincinnati, drawn by the promise of hands-on exploration early in his undergraduate career as a NEXT Innovation Scholar.
Camp aims to empower children, teens who stutter
July 17, 2024
A one-week, evidence-based program for children and teens who stutter at the University of Cincinnati will teach kids to communicate effectively, advocate for themselves and develop confidence about their communication abilities. Camp Dream. Speak. Live., which is coming to Cincinnati for the first time July 22-26, began in 2014 at the University of Texas at Austin. The Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research at UT expects to serve more than 2,000 children at camps across the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe this year.
UC Blue Ash takes next step in major renovation project
July 17, 2024
Muntz Hall, the flagship building on the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College campus, is in the next phase of a major renovation project that will dramatically transform the main entrance, enhance access to student support services and add new spaces for students to study or meet between classes.
UC archivist explores Troy’s invisible workers
July 17, 2024
UC Classics archivist Jeff Kramer examined the unheralded and largely uncredited role laborers played in the 1930s excavation at Troy in Turkey.
U.S. stroke survival is improving, but race still plays role
July 16, 2024
U.S. News & World Report, HealthDay and Real Health covered new research from the University of Cincinnati that found overall rates of long-term survival following stroke are improving, but Black individuals experience worse long-term outcomes compared to white individuals.
Presidential challenge to UC: Join Ride Cincinnati to fight cancer
July 16, 2024
UC President Neville Pinto has again challenged every UC college and unit to send at least one rider to the September 14 Ride Cincinnati event to help fundraise for cancer research and cancer care. UC students ride free. Signup by July 31 for free UC-branded cycling jersey.
Building potential
July 16, 2024
Unexpected advice led to a new area of interest and growth for Andrew Matthews, leading him to the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, construction management and cooperative education experiences at Turner Construction.