"If we look closely, nature provides the most elegant and optimal solutions to many or even all engineering problems."
Justin Wyss
- Degree:
- Master of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2020
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
Justin Wyss is a graduate student in the School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC. Originally from Zürich, Switzerland, he conducts research in the Molecular Mechatronics Laboratory supervised by Dr. John Madden. His master’s research focused on flexible sensors and smart materials with their applications in healthcare. He developed a soft, flexible and stretchable pressure sensor array designed to warn of pressure ulcer (aka pressure injury, bedsore or decubitus ulcer) formation, one of the most prevalent and costly preventable secondary complications for individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI). He is an alumnus of the Engineers in Scrubs (EiS) and e@UBC’s Lean Launchpad Program (LLP) and former President of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Association (BMEGA).
Molecular Mechatronics Laboratory Dr. John Madden Engineers in Scrubs (EiS)
What has made your time at UBC memorable?
As an international student, my time at UBC and in Canada has been an amazing adventure filled with many great memories that I will always cherish and remember. From meeting people on campus such as my peers, professors and researchers, I have formed life-long friendships. I have also loved learning about new cultures, getting involved within the community such as through the Electrical and Computer Engineering Student Society (ECESS) and the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Association (BMEGA). UBC and Vancouver have become my second home.
Tell us about your experience in your program. What have you learned that is most valuable?
During my master’s degree, I gained valuable experience in research, medical innovation and entrepreneurship. From the Engineers in Scrubs (EiS) Program, I was exposed to clinical environments, where I was able to shadow healthcare professionals and observe current state-of-the art procedures and technologies first-hand. This experience helped me to understand the needs and applications of technology in healthcare. From e@UBC’s Lean Launchpad Program (LLP), I discovered my interest in entrepreneurship. I entered LLP with my research project, SomaSense, completing the 5-week program with the most potential to succeed based on the mentors and peers in my cohort.
What advice would you give a student entering your degree program?
Be creative, resilient and open minded.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Inspiration comes to me in many forms, and at times in the most unexpected ways. I can find it in people, music, movies, quotes and many more.
However, if I would have to narrow it down to two main sources, it would have to be my family and nature itself.
I am lucky to have such amazing parents and brothers that continuously support me. They are my true role models that I look up to and learn from every day. The inspiration I find from nature is through simple observation. If we look closely, nature provides the most elegant and optimal solutions to many or even all engineering problems. After all, Mother Nature is the greatest engineer.
What are your future plans to make a difference in our world?
With my current and future research, I am trying to lessen the burden experienced by individuals in need and ultimately improve their quality of life, may that be through academia or industry.
