College of Graduate Studies

Jethro Suarez

Clermont, Florida

College:

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Degree Programs:

Biomedical Engineering MSBME, Biomechanics Track
Biomedical Engineering PhD

Research Focus:

Biomechanics

Growing up, Jethro Suarez was inspired by his parents to give back to those around him. Both his mother and father have served as nurses for years, and his father uses his engineering background to help others through medicine. “My love for engineering and the medical field comes from them,” he says. “I have always admired their perseverance, drive, and positive outlook on life.”

Suarez began his college career at UCF in 2017. He knew he wanted to be an engineer, but he wanted to incorporate his interest in the medical field into his studies. He chose to pursue an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. In the program, his instruction was about basic principles that would apply to all engineering fields. However, in 2020, he discovered biomedical engineering and wanted to specialize in the discipline by pursuing a graduate degree.

Suarez graduated with his master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics Track in 2022 and is now working on his PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Currently, he is working as a graduate research assistant in the College of Nursing, where he manages all physical activity measurement devices in the Healthy Aging Lab, overseeing their operation and maintenance. His doctoral research focuses on biomechanics and the development of rehabilitative assistive devices designed to enhance the well-being of older adults.

Suarez praises UCF and the College of Engineering and Computer Science for providing him with various resources that have helped him work toward his dream career. “UCF provides multiple engineering-related computer programs to students at no cost. As well as, Teaching Assistants to help with learning coursework, networking events to connect with industry partners and other students within my field, and faculty members that would help guide students throughout their college careers,” he says.

In addition, Suarez says that the clubs and programs he has been involved in have helped him throughout his time at the university. He describes his work with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), H2O UCF, eli2 (Engineering Leadership & Innovation Institute at UCF), UCF STEM Ambassadors, and the Graduate Student Advisory Council as highly beneficial to his academic journey.

Aside from being a full-time graduate student, Suarez takes time to participate in STEM outreach opportunities for K-12 and college students. He describes how being a member of the STEM Ambassador program allowed him to assist in judging middle and high school science fair projects, talk about the engineering field at career expos, and share engineering topics with students in classrooms. Along with the UCF STEM Ambassador program, he dedicates time to ensuring that UCF students have opportunities to be heard and engaged in the university community.

Suarez advises fellow students to do what they love. “Many times, students become anxious and refrain from pursuing a certain career field due to the amount of time that comes with it (e.g., graduate school, medical school). However, time will always pass, no matter what you do. With this in mind, you might as well spend your time working towards your dream career and doing what you love,” he says.

Suarez’s goal is to further research on biomechanical research. In the future, he aspires to work in the research and development (R&D) field for robotics, whether for prosthetics or robotic exoskeletons. He also aims to be involved with academia and teach biomedical engineering topics to students of all ages.