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Farzana Ansari is a graduate student studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in May 2012 and her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on retrievals analysis and novel material characterization for orthopedic devices, particularly those for shoulder replacement. Her work experiences in industry and government reflect her interest in the intersection between medical device innovation, development, and regulation. She also has educational experience in leadership studies through several training programs, including a vigorous course on “The Art and Adventure of Leadership” taught by recognized leadership gurus, Drs. Warren Bennis and Steven Sample.

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Jennifer Wang is a graduate student in the Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education, focusing on Engineering Education at the University of California, Berkeley. She also obtained her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Berkeley. Wang has several years of experience tutoring students and working with schools, and became interested in education through these experiences. Her primary interest is in informal learning environments and educational technologies. She currently conducts research with the Lawrence Hall of Science on their engineering exhibits and works to improve the facilitation and design of the exhibits. Her research focuses on how science center visitors engage and tinker at engineering activities and the impacts of these open-ended tinkering activities in terms of STEM learning and engineering understanding.

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Ryan Shelby is a joint 2013-2014 Millennium Challenge Corporation-Arizona State University Science and Technology Fellow at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
His research project at MCC focuses on the design and implementation of microgrids to aid the expansion of modern electricity services in six Sub Saharan African countries: (1) Sierra Leone, (2) Liberia, (3) Ghana, (4) Benin, (5) Tanzania, and (6) Malawi.
Prior to his current position at MCC, Shelby was a dual J. Herbert Hollomon and Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy fellow within the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) working on engineering education initiatives and the application of operational system engineering techniques for peace building and diplomacy endeavors in Libya, Kenya, and Haiti.
Shelby recently completed his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in mechanical engineering where he focused on the user needs analysis, co-design and implementation of sustainable homes and energy systems that meets the cultural sovereignty, economic, climate adaptation, and tribal sovereignty needs of Native American tribes in northern California.
Shelby received his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley with a concentration in design, and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University with a concentration in propulsion systems. Shelby also received certifications for his completion of the Engineering and Business for Sustainability and the Management of Technology programs at UC Berkeley in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
Shelby is an ardent supporter of engineering education and community based design research. He has received several awards for his teaching and community partnership activities such as the Center for Research on Social Change Graduate Fellows Award in 2011, the Chancellor's Awards for Public Service, Community Assessment of Renewable Energy and Sustainability-Pinoleville Pomo Nation Partnership in 2010, Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award in 2010, and the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance’s Advanced E-Team Community Assessment of Renewable Energy and Sustainability Award in 2007.

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Dr, Lisa Pruitt's research is focused on structure–property relationships in orthopedic tissues, biomaterials and medical polymers. Her current projects include the assessment of fatigue fracture mechanisms and tribological performance of orthopedic biomaterials, as well as characterization of tissues and associated devices. Surface modifications using plasma chemistry are used to optimize polymers for medical applications. Attention is focused on wear, fatigue, fracture and multiaxial loading. Retrievals of orthopedic implants are characterized to model in vivo degradation and physiological loading. Medical implant analysis for structure-function-performance is performed to optimize device design. Her pedagogical experience includes curriculum development in mechanical engineering and bioengineering. Dr. Pruitt's teaching experience includes the freshman course entitled Introduction to Engineering Design and Analysis, undergraduate courses on Mechanical Behavior Materials, Structural Aspects of Biomaterials, and Principles of Bioengineering; graduate courses on Fracture Mechanics, Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Polymer Engineering, and Teaching Methodologies for Graduate Student Instructors.

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