Hello, my name is Maxime Larsen and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering at UMass Dartmouth. I recently moved to the United States from Haiti and am excited to study in a field that combines my passion for science and technology with my desire to positively impact people's lives.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to work well in a team and lead others toward a common goal. I am actively involved in two student organizations on campus - SWB (Stemming while Black) and NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) - where I have the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and work alongside other like-minded individuals who are passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
During my freshman year engineering class, my team and I designed and built a small-scale wind turbine project from common materials, to generate the most amount of power from paper blades. We faced a lot of challenges during the construction process, such as finding the right blade shape and size, as well as ensuring that the motor and electrical wiring was properly connected. Despite these obstacles, we worked together to troubleshoot and come up with solutions, ultimately creating a functioning wind turbine that was able to generate enough power to light up a small LED bulb. This project taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a hands-on learning environment.
In addition to my leadership and teamwork skills, I am also fluent in four languages and have experience in public speaking. I am comfortable presenting to large groups and enjoy the challenge of communicating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I am an avid fan of Real Madrid and enjoy following their matches. I am also interested in immunology and am fascinated by the human body's immune system and its ability to fight off diseases. Another area of interest for me is the development of artificial limbs, as I believe that technology has the power to transform people's lives and make a significant difference in the world.
I am working on a recombinant DNA lab that has been so important in helping me finally enjoy my passion for biology. As someone who has always been interested in the health sciences, I found that I struggled to connect with the material in traditional classroom settings. However, through my work in the cell growth lab, I have been able to gain hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in biology research, like cell culturing, pipetting, and data analysis.
Finally, I enjoy delving into pop culture franchises such as Star Wars and Game of Thrones, and I find it fascinating to break down the intricate storylines and characters to understand the underlying themes and messages better. If you're interested in learning more about me or getting in touch, please feel free to reach out via email at mlarsen@umassd.edu.