Maria Lugo-Fagundo, Senior
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Maria Lugo-Fagundo is a senior from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. She is Materials Science and Engineering major.
How did you get interested in materials science and engineering? What interests you the most about the field?
As an incoming freshman, I always knew I wanted to pursue an engineering major. What really convinced me about Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) was the wide spectrum of opportunities within the field and the flexibility that it offers in being able to pursue a range of different graduate degrees. As a Material Science Engineer, you can work in almost anything, from the fashion industry to the highly dynamic technology world and medical field.
What made you decide to come to Johns Hopkins?
My sisters. Both of them were studying at Johns Hopkins University when I applied, one was a sophomore and the other a junior at the time. When I got admitted into the university, I didn’t think twice about accepting the offer because not only would I be able to attend a prestigious engineering program, but also be able to spend time with my sisters. In addition, I would also have access to clinical shadowing and research in one of the most highly respected hospitals in the world. So, for me, the offer couldn’t be any better.
Are you involved in any research? If so, what’s your role?
I am currently a member of Dr. John Laterra’s Neuro-Oncology research lab team at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and a Design Team Leader for the MSE design class. In Dr. Laterra’s Lab, under the supervision of senior post-doctorate fellow Dr. Hernando Lopez, we study and analyze the molecular and cellular biology of malignant brain tumors in order to further understand tumor mechanisms of cell growth. The lab’s goal is to develop therapeutic treatments for high-grade brain tumors and minimize the negative impacts of these tumors on patients.
As Design Team Leader, I work with a team of seven undergraduate students in developing a hydrogel embolic agent for embolization procedures, with the hope of making this technology available to Dr. Mao, Dr. Gu and Dr. Georgiades in May 2018.
What impact do you hope to make through your research?
I hope to positively impact the way medicine is practiced around the world.
Outside of lab and class: what are you involved with (groups, organizations, intramurals, etc.)?
I am part of the Johns Hopkins University Ethics Board, Puerto Rico Student Association, and AIDS Alliance.
What sort of impact do you hope to have either as an engineer or in a STEM field?
As a future physician, I hope to improve the quality of life of patients around the world. The reason I want to become a doctor is to help people, and I plan to use my engineering background, critical thinking skills, and creative nature to improve healthcare and the practice of medicine.
What are your plans or goals for the rest of your time in the program at JHU?
For the rest of my time in the program, I plan to make the most of the opportunities MSE and JHU have to offer, spend more time with my MSE classmates, and work hard in my Senior Design Team project.