Role at aMDI:

As a Graduate Assistant, I work on three projects that include medical device design, prototyping, and manufacturing. Two projects focus on design while the other project focuses on manufacturing. The projects include: (i) designing and implementing an automated system that measures bone density; (ii) designing an optimal medical device packaging unit; and (iii) installing and validating an additive manufacturing (3D printing) process for medical device components. This manufacturing project also includes conducting process feasibility studies from a cost, dimensional, and mechanical standpoint.

Education and career track so far:

Currently, I am enrolled in the combined degree program at Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Prior to joining aMDI in January 2018, my career experience included three internships at a contract medical device manufacturing company, formally known as MedPlast. At MedPlast, I worked alongside manufacturing engineers on product sustainment and continuous improvement, while also working on product launches, developing and executing validation protocols (IQs, OQs, PQs, TMVs), creating fixtures, running TAKT times, and optimizing the line layout for Lean manufacturing.

What would your ideal career look like?

My ideal career involves working as a biomedical engineer in the medical industry. I aspire to begin my post-school career as a design or manufacturing engineer for medical devices. Ideally, I want to spend 2 to 5 years in such a position and hope to quickly climb the corporate ladder to someday acquire the position of a director of engineering or some equivalent role. I am interested in the biomedical industry because I feel improving and prolonging human health through the use of innovation and engineering is a fascinating, enticing, and challenging subject that I am passionate to partake in.

How do you think aMDI has helped you?

aMDI has helped prepare me for my future goals by providing me with more product design and prototyping experience, expanding my knowledge in manufacturing (specifically additive manufacturing), and further developing and improving my professional skills as an engineer. The mechanical, electrical, and software engineers at aMDI are in constant collaboration with one another and with the industrial client to make sure each project is completed efficiently and in a timely manner. I enjoy this atmosphere and feel it has helped build professionalism. aMDI has also provided me with the project for my master’s thesis, which involves additive manufacturing.

Outside of school and work, how do you spend your time?

During my free time that is rather scarce, I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with friends, and visiting my family on the east side of Michigan. I try to get the best of both seasons in Michigan by swimming, tubing, and jet skiing in the summer and snowmobiling, sledding, and snowboarding in the winter. My hobbies include playing euchre, watching sports, and shooting still photography (although my camera is currently broken).

What motivates you?

God, my family, and making a positive impact on the world has motivated me to pursue and do what I love most. God has blessed me with certain talents that I feel I will be able to optimize by pursuing a career in biomedical engineering. I hope to someday provide for my family, especially my mother and father, who have sacrificed so much to help me get to where I am today. Finally, I aspire to impact society in a positive manner by getting involved with solutions towards prolonging and preserving human life.

The craziest thing and the most challenging thing that you have done:

Off the top of my head, the craziest thing I have ever done is cliff jumping in Mexico. The most challenging thing I am currently doing is completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years, which I am on track of doing so.

One unusual fact about yourself:

I write with my right hand and I do everything else with my left hand. If that is not unusual enough, I can also touch the tip of my nose with my tongue.

Find Aldo Fanelli on LinkedIn