Danielle Ornelas, M.S. Bioengineering Email & Phone Number

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲:After completing my Master's in Bioengineering and taking a break, I decided to explore my love for interior design and DIY home renovation.Alongside my engineering consulting work, I took a part-time job at Crate & Barrel in Pasadena, the smallest store in the US, which exposed me to various business and operational functions compared to a larger retail front.As a member of the merchandising time, I manage, organize, and verify customer orders, both… Show more 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲:After completing my Master's in Bioengineering and taking a break, I decided to explore my love for interior design and DIY home renovation.Alongside my engineering consulting work, I took a part-time job at Crate & Barrel in Pasadena, the smallest store in the US, which exposed me to various business and operational functions compared to a larger retail front.As a member of the merchandising time, I manage, organize, and verify customer orders, both in-store and curbside pickups, perform regular stock checks, and create merchandise labels. My favorite part is the visual aspects—creating displays, strategizing floor plans, and organizing seasonal store setups.𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:In April 2024, I received the 𝘖𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 for going above and beyond in exceeding expectations and contributing to a positive workplace culture by embodying the values of reliability, punctuality, and capability.𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦: I stepped up during a manager's 2.5-week absence, identifying and executing tasks that alleviated a backlog of work and ensured a smoother workflow upon their return.𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺:I maintained accurate inventory and purchase order records using an advanced inventory management system, ensuring zero stock discrepancies, efficient order fulfillment and replenishment routines, and streamlined operations.This experience has built upon my creative problem-solving skills while learning about a new industry. Show less

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:A few grad school colleagues recruited me to join an engineering consulting company they formed, which specialized in writing grants to spin off into new companies. My recruitment was based on word-of-mouth referrals.My bioengineering background and attention to detail were instrumental in supporting multiple documentation efforts for 3 different projects involving medical device design and development technologies for military… Show more 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:A few grad school colleagues recruited me to join an engineering consulting company they formed, which specialized in writing grants to spin off into new companies. My recruitment was based on word-of-mouth referrals.My bioengineering background and attention to detail were instrumental in supporting multiple documentation efforts for 3 different projects involving medical device design and development technologies for military applications.This included design inputs/outputs, risk management, and mitigation strategies—all essential for submission to federal agencies like the FDA and the Department of Defense.𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹:One of my key takeaways in grad school was that you do not know everything but can quickly learn to find the answers.I was challenged to quickly learn aspects of design control specific to the medical device field. This process requires extensively researching every single design input and output and meticulously documenting every potential risk.Working closely with engineering consultants, I asked a lot of questions. Drawing on my technical background, particularly in applying optical neural imaging methods to human health, I quickly grasped the necessary concepts and effectively incorporated them into design documentation. I completed design documentation for numerous projects, enabling successful grant submissions and helping our clients meet critical project milestones. This experience highlighted my ability to leverage my technical training and attention to detail to overcome complex challenges and manage sensitive NDA information. Show less

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:I joined the Optical Neural Imaging Lab, working independently and collaboratively with internal research groups and external institutions while gaining mentorship under my advisor.My focus was on applying optical coherence tomography (OCT) to human health issues, including early onset detection of seizure activity and quantifying the growth of artificial human skin constructs.I managed research projects from initial problem… Show more 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:I joined the Optical Neural Imaging Lab, working independently and collaboratively with internal research groups and external institutions while gaining mentorship under my advisor.My focus was on applying optical coherence tomography (OCT) to human health issues, including early onset detection of seizure activity and quantifying the growth of artificial human skin constructs.I managed research projects from initial problem investigation, project planning, and experimental design to data analysis and reporting. Additionally, I supervised 2 undergraduate researchers and managed research grant funds.𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗖𝗧 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:For my main project, I worked on a particular OCT system for measuring 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘰 seizure-like activity.I presented this novel work at SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco multiple times, strengthening my public speaking skills in front of large audiences of academic and industry experts in optics.These speaking engagements also increased recognition for our lab's research efforts.𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀:I supported an internal bioengineering lab on STEM cell skin constructs.I was challenged to find an imaging method to measure the thickness of different skin layers over time, leading all hardware and optical engineering efforts, coordinating experiments, and programming custom MATLAB scripts to analyze TBs of volumetric data.My efforts culminated in co-authoring a scientific manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:I led and coordinated 2 lab relocations, ensuring seamless transitions and continual research productivity.Additionally, I provided input on safety and infrastructure requirements for our new facility, conducting yearly safety walk-throughs and ensuring compliance with campus EH&S regulations. Show less

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:This role showed me I could thrive in a supportive environment and have a great time while impacting people.I brought my prior experience establishing successful programs from the ground up to the forefront.Drawing upon my planning, organization, and relationship management skills, I coordinated workshops and professional development events for graduate students with the career center, Graduate Student Division, Alumni Office, and college… Show more 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:This role showed me I could thrive in a supportive environment and have a great time while impacting people.I brought my prior experience establishing successful programs from the ground up to the forefront.Drawing upon my planning, organization, and relationship management skills, I coordinated workshops and professional development events for graduate students with the career center, Graduate Student Division, Alumni Office, and college deans. Building relationships with industry and academic professionals was key to my role.I wrote weekly newsletters and internal reports and tracked student engagement using Qualtrics surveys. I also managed a yearly budget to plan and organize professional development events.𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀:The career center primarily catered to undergraduates.I educated career center stakeholders about graduate students' unique challenges. Working with counselors, I established a comprehensive career program and launched a dedicated website for their needs.These efforts expanded our network of industry professionals with graduate-level experience and ensured the grad student community received critical support and professional development resources.𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:The career center was facing challenges with the low graduate student participation rates.To remedy this, I identified and targeted graduate student-specific environments to market the career center.I also used email newsletters, websites, and surveys and organized meetings to engage directly with the grad student population and gather feedback on their preferences for career center services. Working with career counselors, we leveraged this feedback to adapt and enhance our programs in alignment with grad student needs.My multifaceted approach increased grad students' awareness, utilization, and participation at the career center. Show less

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:I channeled my passion for mentoring to meet a need among the graduate student population.𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵? I established the Bioengineering Mentorship Program through the Graduate Student Association, providing a supportive, inclusive environment to connect graduate students with mentorship and leadership opportunities.𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵:Launching the program from the ground up, I developed a clear… Show more 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:I channeled my passion for mentoring to meet a need among the graduate student population.𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵? I established the Bioengineering Mentorship Program through the Graduate Student Association, providing a supportive, inclusive environment to connect graduate students with mentorship and leadership opportunities.𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵:Launching the program from the ground up, I developed a clear mission statement and objectives aligned with graduate student participants' needs and career aspirations.From there, I laid a solid foundation for productive mentor-mentee relationships by creating mentor training and mentee orientation programs and instituting quarterly check-ins and disciplinary protocols.These strategies ensured accountability while driving engagement among our growing participant base.𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘆-𝗜𝗻:I needed financial backing and institutional support to expand the program's impact.I strategically presented the program's goals and anticipated outcomes to campus stakeholders, highlighting the potential for industry partnerships and career-enhancing opportunities for graduate students.My approach secured initial funding and commitments for ongoing support to scale our initiatives and broaden our reach within the academic community.𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:I built upon the program's mission, optimizing the mentor-mentee pairing process with a small 1:2 ratio.I planned and organized professional development opportunities in collaboration with the campus career center and external industry partners, including resume/CV writing workshops and the Annual Biotech Career Dinner.Under my leadership, the program expanded from 50 to 100+ participants in 3 years without a single dropout. This program is still active today and was adopted as a model by other campus departments. Show less

Master Of Science – Ms, Bioengineering

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Bioengineering