I have a general interest in both the academic pursuit of fundamental science and the research & development of novel technologies. As such, I am driven by a desire to solve hard problems using a holistic approach, with the goal of bridging the gap between science and engineering. Such an approach leads me to wonder how longstanding problems can be solved in ways that have yet to be considered. Why are we doing something the same way it has always been done? What can we do to make it better? What have we not yet thought of? More globally, I ask myself how we can use science and technology to better humanity without taking advantage of humans or resources in the process. I firmly believe that developing new, successful technologies and helping those who are most in need are not mutually exclusive goals.