Teresa Lau

Mechatronic Systems Engineering master's student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am pursuing a MASc in Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) at the NeuroSpine Lab. My co-op experiences and undergraduate studies have deeply inspired me, particularly in how engineering principles can be applied to biomedical applications, and the positive impacts of developing meaningful and innovative solutions have fueled my passion for this field.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

My journey at SFU began with the integrated co-op program and the unique experiences offered by the MSE program, which is a blend of engineering disciplines. Furthermore, the opportunities at the NeuroSpine Lab aligns with my career development goals and my passion for biomedical applications.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My current research at the NeuroSpine Lab involves developing innovative laundry hampers for hospitals. I am collaborating with end-users to create prototypes aimed at preventing injuries among healthcare workers.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Injury Prevention, Biomechatronics, Ergonomics

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My co-op experiences and student leadership roles have largely contributed to my professional development beyond academics. In my co-op positions, I collaborated within multidisciplinary teams to bridge the gap between ideation, theoretical knowledge, and practical applications. Concurrently, my student leadership roles allowed me to refine my interpersonal skills through leading initiatives, organizing events, and managing projects effectively. These experiences gave me opportunities to interact with industry professionals, medical experts, and fellow students, significantly enhancing my professionalism and communication skills.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I am incredibly thankful to have received the BC Graduate Scholarship and Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship. These awards allow me to focus on my thesis research and further develop as an engineering researcher.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

While networking, I enjoy listening to other people share their stories first as it allows me to appreciate their wisdom and insights. My favourite type of networking experiences happen when I make meaningful connections with others in unexpected ways, often through a shared passion.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

We often tend to be our own toughest critic and one of my tips for balancing academic and personal life is to embrace imperfection and give it your best effort. Another tip is to embrace flexibility and adaptability; it is okay when not everything goes exactly as planned in your personal life and academic research.

Contact Teresa:tla150@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn