Contact Information:
Name:
Mr. Michael Cooper

E-mail address:
mike.cooper@smith-nephew.com

Education Information
Undergraduate Major:
Engineering Science and Mechanics

Degree Received:
BS

Graduation Year:
1991

Advanced Degrees:
Master's in Engineering Science and Mechanics

Activities, student organizations, leadership roles, etc. in which I was involved at UT:
Biomedical Engineering Society
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Society for Engineering Science
Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity

Job Information
Employer Name:
Smith & Nephew Inc.

Employer Web Site:
http://www.ortho.smith-nephew.com

Present Job Title:
Manager Research Projects II

Brief description of my job responsibilities, e.g. a typical week in my job:
Manage a group of 6 onsite material science and biomedical engineers and 18 offsite biologists and chemists in England to research, develop, and manufacture novel bone graft substitutes and biological solutions for bone healing for orthopaedic applications.

Suggestions I would give to undergraduate students with regard to courses, internships, and other means of preparation for my career field:
Definately participate in an internship or co-op program.  Even if it is not in your major discipline.  I interned for Westinghouse Nuclear Engineering Division and I am a Biomedical engineer.  If you want to pursue bioengineering you should take material science courses in polymers, take more than the required biology courses (maybe get a minor), and in general take a couple of finance course and an intro. to accounting course.  An economics course is also beneficial.  The business courses are of utmost importance as every engineer will be expected to develop and manage budgets and project spending.

My career path in getting to this position:
Interned for 2 summers at Westinghouse Nuclear Energy Divison, Graduated with BS and MS in Engineering Science and Mechanics (biomedical engineering).  MS thesis was relevant to industry (this is important).  Hired by Smith & Nephew Inc. Orthopaedic Division in 1993.  Currently work for Smith & Nephew Inc.

Other advice for students interested in gaining entry into and pursuing a career in this field:
Work Experience is a necessity.  The biomedical field is limited in hiring fresh newly graduated engineers.  The more work experience of any kind in engineering you have the better you are.  Internships and Co-ops are a necessity.  Also, your GPA better be at least a 3.0.  This field is demanding.


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