The goal of the Prof. Robert A. Peura Founder Scholarship in Biomedical Engineering is to provide recognition and reward to a student majoring in BME at WPI at the junior or senior level who has achieved truly outstanding academic credentials. Preferably, the awardee shall also be a well-rounded student who has graduated from a high school in Worcester County or New England, has distinguished himself/herself in at least one university student activity and has provided exemplary service to the BME Department, the University, or the community, and possesses outstanding potential for professional success as a biomedical engineer. This year’s recipients are Lexis Emma '24 and Guinevere Ferreira '24. The BME Department thanks the Potvin and Peura Families for their generosity to endow these scholarships.
Lexis Emma is a member of the class of 2024, majoring in biomedical engineering on the path of biomechanics and minoring in mechanical engineering. She has had her heart set on biomedical engineering since high school, where she discovered an interest in engineering and design. Biomedical engineering combined that interest with her passion for helping others and interest in the medical field. On campus, she is involved in the Society of Women Engineers. She also works part-time at Vivitide, a biotechnology lab in Garnder, MA. She started as an intern during her senior year of high school and has continued to work throughout the pandemic. In the future, she hopes to use her focus in biomechanics and minor in mechanical engineering to pursue a career in either prosthetics or forensic analysis.
"This scholarship is an honor to receive and encourages my studies in BME at WPI. I hope to be an example for other young women looking to pursue an education and career in the engineering field. Thank you to Professor Peura, the BME staff, faculty, and scholarship committee for recognizing me as this year's scholar."
Guinevere Ferreira is a member of the class of 2024, majoring in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering. Last summer, she participated in WPIs VIBE program creating a solar charged thermometer for triage medicine in countries without power access with two students from the University of Florida. She also worked on a GPS project on coral reef conservation with a focus in sustainability. She works as an emergency medical technician for WPI EMS as well as a neighboring fire department. On campus, Guinevere is a current chair for WPI Cheerleading, a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society.
"I am extremely grateful to be part of such a supportive department at WPI and I am incredibly humbled to receive this award. In the future, I would like to develop more sustainable emergency medical equipment to be used by EMTs, paramedics and fire departments. I plan on pursuing further education in biomedical engineering in the form of a master’s degree or Ph.D. "
On behalf of the entire Biomedical Engineering Dept., CONGRATULATIONS to Lexis and Guinevere!!!