What science careers are available today? Follow rising stars from MIT, MGH and the private sector as they work on everything from building adaptable robots to using science to solve crimes and, in their spare time, dance, cheerlead, and play in rock bands.
Eduardo Torres-Jara is a postdoctoral associate in the MIT artificial intelligence laboratory working on a major innovation in robotic manipulation. He developed "sensitive manipulation," which enables robots to use tactile feedback to locate and grasp objects. A native of Ecuador, Eduardo enjoys playing sports in his spare time.
Romiya Glover, a chemist working at PointCare Technologies Inc. in Marlboro, Mass., helps develop HIV/AIDS testing devices for countries in critical need of them. A former cheerleader, she coaches the cheer squad at her alma mater, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Jennifer Hannaford is a forensic scientist. As the director of the Latent Print Unit at the Boston Police Department, she recovers, analyzes, and identifies hidden fingerprints. Jennifer's interest in prints goes beyond solving crimes she creates intricate portraits using her own fingertip impressions.
Shaundra Bryant Daily is an electrical engineer and a Ph.D. student at MIT. She created G.I.R.L.S Talk, a computer program that helps kids understand their emotions. As a member of the MIT Dance Troupe, Shaundra sustains a passion for dance that she has had since age 13.
Kerri-Ann Richard, an environmental engineer at GeoHydroCycle in Newton, Mass., works to find clean drinking water, clean up hazardous waste sites, and dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner. She is the singer and guitarist for the band Apple Betty.