Kyla Rodger
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Class of 2015
  • Westfield, N.J.

Westfield Resident Kyla Rodger Returns from Worcester Following Intensive Research Project

2014 May 27

Kyla Rodger of Westfield, N.J., a senior majoring in biomedical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), recently completed an intense, hands-on research project in Worcester. The project was titled Worcester Earn-A-Bike: Creating an Adaptive Bicycle.

At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that applies science and technology to addresses an important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of students complete a project at one of the university's 35 off-campus project centers, which are located around the world. A signature element of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI, the project-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to develop thoughtful solutions to real problems that affect the quality of people's lives--and make a difference before they graduate.

"The WPI project-based curriculum brings students out of the classroom and their comfort zones and into the global community to apply their knowledge to solve real problems," said Professor Richard Vaz, dean of WPI's Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division. "Students are immersed in a new setting, solving open-ended problems and working with people of different backgrounds--all valuable perspectives for surviving and thriving in today's global marketplace. They also learn the meaning and magic of teamwork; make a real and meaningful difference in their host community; and gain a competitive edge for any resume, or graduate or professional school application."

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 35 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.