Amanuel Matias is the president of the QL+ Student Chapter at Loyola Marymount University. He is senior, graduating in 2021, and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is also the founder of the chapter at his university! Amanual is working on the Collapsible Prosthetic Shower Leg Challenge. The goal of this project is to create a prosthetic shower leg that can collapse into a small container for easy use and travel. This project was specifically requested by Challenger Phil Tamoush, a transtibial amputee.
Question & Answer
Why did you choose your major? I enjoy collaborating with people to solve problems that can make an impact on others’ lives. Mechanical engineering has many different applications, and it allows me to pursue my passions.
Describe your experience working with QL+ so far. What is the biggest challenge? What has been rewarding? The biggest challenge so far has been starting, running, and maintaining the club in a completely virtual setting. However, it has been extremely rewarding hearing from the club members how enjoyable being a part of QL+ at LMU has been for them.
What was it like working with your Challenger? Did you learn anything from this experience? It has been a great experience working with our Challenger. Working with him as we adjust our designs has expanded my perspective to recognize many considerations a transtibial amputee takes into account during daily life.
What would you say to other students about QL+? QL+ is a great way to apply your engineering education to projects that can make a positive impact in community members’ lives.
What are your plans after graduation? I’ll be moving to Connecticut to work as a Design Quality Engineer on Medtronic’s Surgical Robotics team.
What has been the proudest moment of your college career? Establishing this QL+ student chapter and seeing all the engagement from the students throughout the entire school year.
List three ways you have changed as a person, student, and future engineer since working on this project.
a. I’ve been able to strengthen my leadership skills by developing this club with the other E-Board members as we had authority over the club decisions throughout the year.
b. I have been able to improve my mentorship as I advised many of the younger students in our club.
c. I have improved the efficiency of my communication as I regularly arranged meetings and events for students in many different physical locations during the virtual year.
