Elizabeth Hubler, B.S. ’14, can likely be found in George Washington University’s Biofluid Dynamics Laboratory, where she is improving machines that closely simulate a human vocal tract. If perfected, these models could help treat the more than 30 percent of people who suffer from voice disorders.
It was a freshman year course with Michael Plesniak, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, which sparked Ms. Hubler’s interest in experimental fluid dynamics. When she began working in his lab in 2011, the then rising sophomore never intended to pursue an advanced degree.
Three years later, Ms. Hubler is continuing her research with Dr. Plesniak and will begin a master’s degree program in mechanical engineering at GW this fall.
“Being involved in research allowed me to become more engaged in my classes, as well as within the engineering school itself,” Ms. Hubler said.
Research opportunities can be found in almost every department at GW—from natural science to the arts and humanities—said Paul Hoyt-O’Connor, director of the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research.