BRIDGETTE BOWYER '24
Report on philanthropy:
STUDENT spotlight
The following is an excerpt from Bridgette Bowyer's speech at the 2023 Let It Shine Gala.
"I knew I wanted a college with strong science programs, as well as a community that would be supportive of a first-generation student like me. When I saw Regis is a Catholic university, I knew it was the school for me.
Throughout my time at Regis, I have had my hands in some intense science and math courses with wonderful professors. I also worked as an intern at Ranfac Corporation, a medical device company that makes bone marrow taps. These tools are critical in diagnosing types of cancer, as well as collecting adult stem cells for cancer or HIV patients.
Earlier this year, Ranfac acquired a laser etching machine that puts marks on parts so surgeons know how far down they have tapped into the patient during their procedure. There was an issue when the marks left a residue on the parts even after cleaning. This was a serious non-compliance, and these parts could not be produced or used on patients until the problem was fixed.
As the sole team member with chemistry knowledge, I spearheaded this project. I knew failure wasn’t an option because I had children, adults, immunocompromised patients, and those living with debilitating osteoarthritis counting on our devices. I used chemical methods to perform root-cause analysis and tried to figure out how to fix the problem. And eventually, I did.
"Regis is a community built on service and aid. We are the future healers this world needs—nurses, dentists, physical therapists, nuclear medicine technicians, biologists, biomedical engineers, and so much more."
The fact that I was able to do all of this before I even had my bachelor’s degree is empowering to me, as it tells me I have the potential to be a really good engineer in the future. Ranfac produces over half a million finished medical products each year for patients of all ages in the United States, and in more than 20 countries worldwide, which puts into perspective that our work—as scientists, as researchers and as engineers—is always greater than us on every scale.
After I graduate, I’m applying for biomedical engineering PhD programs in Boston, and I want my research to continue to reflect my work in orthopedics. My scholarships will allow me to walk across the commencement stage in 2024, where I will make my family proud and continue to save lives as a biomedical engineer."