Helping millions of people worldwide with bionic devices

Sabrina Meikle| Biomedical Engineering

Sabrina is a current PHD student who is undertaking research in the development of bionic devices.

Sabrina was initially attracted to studying engineering at Monash by the groundbreaking advancements that the university was making in the world of bionic eyes, and is now working within the Monash Vision Group on improving the artificial vision created by cortical vision prosthetics.
In the future, her goal is to help millions of people worldwide by restoring eyesight to blind patients.

“When I graduated high school, I knew that I enjoyed applied Maths and Science. I wanted to be able to use these core subjects to help people and so I was drawn to biomedical engineering where I could learn about prosthetics, bionics and tissue engineering. I completed my bachelor’s degree and decided to continue my studies by commencing a PHD at Monash so that I could move into research and development of bionic devices.”

“A highlight of my PHD so far has been learning how to complete neural surgeries for implanting electronics that integrate with the brain. These electronics are then intended to stimulate visual neurons, bringing about sight to the blind. I really enjoy the combination of engineering and physiology within this project,” Sabrina said.

One particular facet of Sabrina’s PHD experience at Monash that has stood out has been the supportive, thorough and hands-on approach of supervisors, and the collaborative approach to learning in the lab.

After her PHD, Sabrina hopes to remain in research and development of bionic devices.

“I’m unsure whether I will move into industry or stay in academia, but I will base my decision around the projects being offered and the available jobs. I know I want to work in the field of brain stimulation. So many disabilities stem from the brain, and for those who have a disability or injury where other treatments haven’t worked, brain stimulation technology could be life changing.”

For students interested in studying Biomedical Engineering at Monash, Sabrina highly recommends exploring all the opportunities available to enhance your learning and experience, especially the international student exchange programs.

“I completed an international internship as a part of my Bachelor’s degree where I designed a prosthetic hand. This trip was another highlight of my degree; I loved the project, the new country I got to explore and the friends that I made along the way.”

Find out more about Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering and Graduate Research degrees (PhD).