Growing up, Holly Thomas '15 spent "hours upon hours," playing computer math games and puzzles. "My parents knew I was going to accomplish great things in my life and that my special talents were in mathematical problem solving," said Thomas.
As her high school years came to a close, the Sugar Grove, Ill., native was on the lookout for the perfect university. She stopped by for a visit to St. Ambrose to check out SAU engineering programs.
"During my one-on-one meeting with the department chair I was excited to hear him express his passion for engineering and the type of work his students were capable of," said Thomas. "That was when I knew I was meant to study engineering at St. Ambrose. The concepts and problem-solving utilized in engineering were exactly the challenging, stimulating and service-oriented type of work I aspired to do."
During her first year at St. Ambrose Thomas discovered the field of biomedical engineering. "As soon as I found it, I knew in my heart and soul that it was meant for me," she said. Working with Associate Professor of Engineering Jodi Prosise, Thomas was able to arrange a course schedule that would allow her to graduate in four years with a mechanical engineering degree and a biology minor, as well as some cutting-edge research opportunities.
Thomas first participated in SAU's Summer Research Institute, working with Prosise to explore how the human brain controls detailed movements of the hand. During her junior design course Thomas was able to further develop the project, working in a cross-disciplinary team to research and design a prosthetic socket that would be affordable and appropriate for use in underprivileged areas with hot, humid climates. Their research and design was ultimately published in the Journal of Young Investigators.
With Prosise's help, Thomas secured a place in the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, the summer before her senior year. She spent ten weeks at the Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science & Engineering, focused on measuring the glucose uptake in breast cancer cells as part of a biophotonics laboratory. "I felt a burst of happiness every morning knowing I was doing innovative, life-changing work," said Thomas.
And now Thomas will return to Vanderbilt for graduate school and a research position in the same lab.
"I am sad to be leaving St. Ambrose and my wonderful professors, and at the same time, I am extremely excited to begin my doctoral journey at Vanderbilt," said Thomas. "I can't wait to help others through my research and make a difference in the world!"
Prosise knows that St. Ambrose has prepared Thomas for a wonderful graduate school experience.
"Holly is a student who has truly benefited from what we offer at a small liberal-arts institution," said Prosise. "Holly is brilliant and kind, but shy, and may not not have thrived at a large school, as she has here. It's one of my joys to be able to push students like Holly out of their comfort zones and see them flourish, and it's only because of the great trusting relationships we build with our students here."
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