Honor Society® member
Christopher Garland
Healthcare Technician at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Hospital in Loma Linda Emergency Department
- University of California-Riverside
- bioengineering
- Class of 2022
- Mentone, California
Member since October 2020
About
I am currently a bioengineering student at the Bourns College of Engineering at University of California Riverside. My path began with a fascination with robots from a young age, and a special teacher in high school who nurtured that curiosity. I joined the Army as a medic and served a couple of tours all over the world including Afghanistan with some of the finest combat engineers to ever hold the name. When I decided to separate from the Army, I found a new home at the VA hospital in Loma Linda where I continued to serve as a medic. My intention was to work hard, go to school, and eventually become a physician or physician assistant, however, after a few years I decided that hospital life wasn't for me. I continued to work in the Emergency Department and set my sights on a degree in engineering instead. As soon as I made the change, I knew it was the right decision, and even though things got hard I wasn't going to let go of it. I struggled for years at a local community college while working at the ER, and in 2019 I had earned my place at UCR. I was taken almost immediately into a research program where I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Freedman in his nanotechnology lab. Unfortunately, I only had one full quarter at UCR before COVID closed down the campus. I'm continuing to work hard and look forward to my return to the lab, but I also know that this degree is only the first step in a bright future. I am grateful to my wonderful partner Sam who has been with me this entire journey and my mother Carole who has always believed in me.
Education
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University of California Riverside
bioengineering
2019 – 2022
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San Bernardino Valley College
Physics
2017 – 2019
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Crafton Hills College
multidisciplinary science
2016 – 2019
Honors and awards
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SC Edison STEM Award for Excellence
Award granted on a yearly basis for academic excellence in the STEM field.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Robotics are my future, and I believe hold many answers for humanities problems. I intend to work for the VA again upon graduation. The have an exciting new program that is provides veterans with robotic prosthetics and using neural interfacing electronics they hope to restore 90% function to amputees. The program is in its infancy, and many of the brightest minds are working to make this a success.
After I've learned what I can and done what I can, I will set my eyes on biomimicry. I want to design space components and submersibles that are different from anything we currently have. I want to use my knowledge and resources to invent and change the world for the better.
- Graduate school interests
I am currently not considering grad school. I am eager to get into the field, and work as an engineer. I never plan to stop learning, and do foresee myself returning to get my PhD at some point.
- Outside the classroom
Crafting/DIY: I have a small workshop in my garage where I love to build, invent, and follow my curiosity. I have designed and built bookshelves, gopher traps, bongs, grinders, small robots, and many other projects. Proficient in soldering, woodworking, metalworking (not welding... yet), and becoming proficient in 3D printing, which will open up many possibilities.
Chess: Avid chess player since high school. Come friend request me on chess.com <cgarland88>
Outdoors: I enjoy being in nature tremendously. I am an avid hiker and generally love exploring.
Games: I'm a sucker for a good game and love a little friendly competition. From pool and beer pong, to monopoly and Magic the Gathering, to Super Smash Bros and Starcraft and a million others. Come at me bro.
Experience
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Healthcare Technician
Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Hospital in Loma Linda Emergency Department
Apr 2009 – Jun 2019
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Medic
US Army, California National Guard Rank: E4 Corporal Title: Medical Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Afghanistan 2013-2014 Kosovo 2008-2009
Nov 2007 – Nov 2014
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
