Full Job Title: Project Manager
Employer/Name of Company: Philips
Graduation Year from MSRT: 2008
1. What was your educational/professional background before coming to the MSRT program?
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester. I also interned at the Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, the Ithaca Movement Analysis Laboratory doing Gait research at the University of Rochester, and the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) doing wheelchair research at the University of Pittsburgh. It was during a summer internship at HERL that I decided to pursue a graduate degree.
2. How has your career progressed since you graduated from the MSRT program?
Since graduating from the MSRT program in 2008, I have been working for Philips in the Sleep and Respiratory Care Business. I started at Philips as an intern during my final semester in the MSRT program. After graduation, I joined Philips as a Software Engineer in the Advanced Research group. I leveraged my experience from the MSRT program and working at HERL to design and clinically test embedded algorithms to improve the comfort and compliance of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices. I also lead a team to develop and test a novel method for detecting sleep apnea during a daytime diagnostic test.
In 2013, I transitioned into a project management role and lead a team to develop Philips SmartSleep, which was announced at CES 2018. SmartSleep is the first clinically proven wearable and mobile application solution to improve deep sleep. The device provides audio tones to enhance the slow waves in your brain during deep sleep. The SmartSleep device monitors your sleep using two small sensors and responds with tones when you’re ready for a boost.
3. In your current employment, what are your duties and responsibilities?
As a Project Manager I am responsible for leading projects, typically product development projects, from beginning to end, and delivering on the project requirements. I work with the team to define clear roles and responsibilities, plan the project, as well as monitor and control project scope, schedule, budget, and risks. A critical aspect of project management is facilitating clear communication within the team and with project stakeholders.
4. Is there any information you would like to share, or any advice you would like to offer current and future MSRT students?
My advice is to talk to as many people as possible about their careers. Ask them what they like about what they do and the challenges they may have faced. The hindsight of those who precede you will become your foresight.