Consultant Spotlight - June 2023

 

Ignacio Blanco Varela

PhD Student in Chemical Engineering and Scientific Computing

 

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

Since Fall 2022.

What is the focus of your research?

My research focuses on developing computational self-propelled amoeboid-inspired robotics. The goal is to understand the mechanism behind ameboid movement and develop robotics for drug delivery therapeutics.

What are your current career goals?

I aspire to work in the consulting and Venture Capital sectors, especially in the area of research commercialization.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I have been a consultant on two projects. My first project was a primary research project. My second project was a secondary research consulting project. The first project was in the healthcare industry and the second one is in the transportation industry.

What led you to seek out milead?

I wanted to explore the area of consulting and connect with start-ups and companies around the US, and I wanted to connect with like-minded students at the University of Michigan.

Since joining miLEAD, what skills have you been able to develop?

I have been able to learn how to break complex problems into small and actionable steps, and I have gained high-quality presentation skills. I have taken many soft and transferrable skills from miLEAD into my research journey.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences thus far working with miLEAD? 

Taking a project from beginning to end and seeing how we can make an impact as students. I also enjoyed working with people from different backgrounds and learned so much from my peers.