Thomas Palazzolo

Background

About Thomas Palazzolo

I am a PhD student at Drexel University studying Biomedical Engineering under Dr. Amy Throckmorton. Our lab works on the cutting edge of mechanical circulatory assist technology for pediatric patients. I am assisting with the design and testing of novel ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts which will introduce many innovations to the industry. Previously, I taught as an adjunct at Villanova University, receiving very positive feedback from both students and faculty colleagues. Before that I worked as an associate project engineer at Globus Medical, and a mechanical engineer at Stryker Spine's Specialty Instruments division. In these positions I worked as the project leader for multiple different spine surgery instrumentation projects, creating designs, drafting design controls, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality management, and working with manufacturing to create and ship products. I have launched over 20 specialty instruments at Stryker and have multiple pending patent applications for designs with Globus Medical. Before my field work and current academic pursuits, I was a graduate student and teacher's assistant attending Villanova University. In May 2017, I graduated from Villanova with a B.S. in mechanical engineering, magna cum laude, and a minor in bioengineering. I stayed at Villanova another year after being granted a scholarship through the 5 Year BS / MS program and graduated in May 2018 with a Masters in mechanical engineering and a 3.93 graduate GPA. While the accelerated nature of the program made the pursuit of a thesis impossible, I tailored my course study aggressively to biomechanics and participated in many research-intensive projects through my coursework. Before college I attended the prestigious Regis High School in New York City, recently ranked as the #1 Catholic high school in the country. Outside of academics and field work, I have demonstrated my leadership capabilities in many ways. I have successfully organized and taught a course to students without assistance from other faculty. I participated in many music-based activities at Villanova, acting as director for two musical organizations: the Villanova Singers, Villanova's all-male choir, and my college a cappella group, Vocal Minority. I have continued to sing in choirs and assume leadership roles outside of college. I have self written and released two complete albums myself, demonstrating my passion and drive to have my voice heard. As an Eagle Scout, I have proven myself to be a competent leader and dedicated to service.