I find robotics to be the perfect mixture of hardware and software

I find robotics to be the perfect mixture of hardware and software. The interaction between a processor manipulating data from a variety of sensors to control a system is incredibly fascinating to me. The areas of rehabilitation robotics and prosthetics are particularly interesting, not only because the engineering aspect of the research is challenging and intriguing, but also because the outcome of the research has the potential to change the lives of amputees, stroke victims, or other rehabilitation patients. I have always felt a strong need to use my knowledge and skills to help others, and to make contributions to society that improve the quality of life for its members. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, worked as a professional engineer for the Department of Defense at Edwards AFB in California as an Electronics Test Engineer, and I am currently in my first year as a graduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. During my undergraduate career and early career as a practicing engineer I have gained knowledge and experience through classes, laboratory projects, research, and real world practice that have prepared me for success in my future endeavors.