KENNESAW, GA | December 10, 2024
From U.S. Army combat medic to student researcher, Vanessa Young’s journey at Kennesaw State University set her on a path to reshaping healthcare technology through human-centered designs.
Graduating this week with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Young has achieved significant success since arriving at Kennesaw State’s Marietta campus. Notably, she earned second place at the ASME IMECE 2024 Undergraduate Expo in Portland, Oregon. His presentation focused on the innovative approach to integrating human-centered design principles with technology to create safer and more efficient healthcare environments.
Young also worked in the laboratory of Ayse Tekes, associate professor at Southern Polytechnic College in Engineering and Engineering Technology, where she focuses on developing conformal joints and soft robots and designing affordable 3D printed laboratory equipment for undergraduate engineering courses to make engineering accessible to teachers and students.
“I feel fortunate to work with Vanessa, who has a deep passion for research and an ambitious vision for developing nature-inspired biomimetic exoskeleton designs,” said Tekes.
Raised in Gwinnett County, Georgia, Young joined the Army as a combat medic after high school, driven by a desire to help others. After completing her training at Fort Sam Houston, she deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, where she provided medical support in a high-pressure environment.
“Afghanistan was very demanding,” Young said. “But it taught me to think quickly and manage a team under stress.”
Upon her return, Young worked as a paramedic and continued her medical training. During this time, she realized her passion for problem solving and systems thinking. She saw how engineering could provide solutions to healthcare challenges, which inspired her to explore the field. A visit to Kennesaw State University confirmed his decision.
“I walked across campus and the more I thought about it, the more I realized engineering was my next step,” Young said.
Young quickly moved into mechanical engineering, where her passion for problem solving developed. It was then that she met Tekes, an expert in dynamics and controls, who introduced her to research into 3D printing. This experience became a turning point in Young’s academic career.
Young joined Tekes’ lab to participate in a project designed to make engineering more accessible through affordable 3D printed lab equipment. This project allowed him to combine his passion for helping others with his interest in innovation. Young credits Tekes with much of his success.
“She has been an incredible mentor and has shaped my career in ways I never imagined,” Young said.
Through her lab work, Young’s medical training led her to discover biomimetic joints and assistive devices such as exoskeletons and orthotics, intended to improve mobility for people with disabilities. Recently, their research team collaborated with Georgia Tech on biomimetic knee joints for exoskeletons.
“We are designing soft and flexible devices that better support natural movements, moving from rigid joints to adaptive and personalized assistive technologies,” Young said. We also use compliant mechanisms to create these biometric designs. This is a rapidly evolving field that offers a fundamentally new approach to engineering design.
Young presented at the ASME iMechE international engineering conference in Portland, Oregon, where she received valuable feedback on her work. She received a second place at the conference’s undergraduate exhibition.
“It was surreal to win second place in such a prestigious competition,” Young said. “It showed that all the hard work we had put into this project was paying off. I was excited to present in front of such a global audience. It fueled my passion and gave me more motivation to keep moving forward.”
According to Young, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is the unexpected opportunities that have come her way, including travel, access to the lab, and working with passionate peers.
“It’s a great feeling to work with other people who share the same passions,” Young said. “Being able to work with my lab members and present at conferences has been incredible. I didn’t expect any of this before coming to KSU.
After graduation, Young will pursue a doctorate in interdisciplinary engineering. She plans to continue to focus on developing soft and flexible designs for assistive technologies.
“My long-term goal is to expand the field of biomimetic design, particularly by creating adaptable, human-centered health devices,” Young said. “When I graduate, it won’t feel like completion; I’ll feel like I’m just getting started.
– Story by Raynard Churchwell
Photos by Darnell Wilburn
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global connections and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from across the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.