Akemi Zollinger Portfolio

I am a pursuing a Bachelor's degree with a Mechanical Engineering major and Biomedical Engineering minor at Boston University, where I proudly maintain a 4.0 GPA. My passion lies at the intersection of engineering and healthcare, particularly in developing innovative medical devices that can make a difference in patients' lives.

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Last summer, I interned at Siemens Healthineers, where I contributed to the development of the next generation of ICE catheters. These catheters are aimed at enhancing complex structural heart and electrophysiology procedures. As part of the R&D team, I optimized the mechanical and electrical properties of the catheter, adjusting its durometer and enhancing its testing methods to extend its life expectancy. It was incredibly rewarding to play a role in creating groundbreaking solutions for cardiology.

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I currently work in BU's machine shop, the Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC), teaching classes on each of the machines and helping students with their projects. I also am researching in the medical soft robotics lab to fabricate a pneumatically driven semi-autonomous soft continuum body to improve navigation during bronchoscopy procedures.

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My journey into the world of cutting-edge technology began during high school, where I interned at Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign to create a clinician-validated protocol focused on concussion recovery. Witnessing my peers struggle with the impacts of concussions inspired me to apply a structured biodesign process to identify gaps in current practices. After researching the problem and inventing a solution, I ultimately distributed my concussion protocol nationally.

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I am excited to continue my journey in engineering, driven by a commitment to innovation and a desire to improve patient outcomes through technology.