Meet Sara Sacher

Sara Sacher
  • Materials Science and Engineering

Sara was recently awarded the Kappa Delta "travel" award (converted to a career development award this year due to Covid) for her podium presentation at the 2021 Orthopedic Research Society Annual Meeting. The award is given to a comprehensive body of work that is grounded in basic science and has potential for significant clinical impact, and is expected to continue as a major focus of the applicant's career. 

Sara has also recently accepted a position as a Research Engineer in the MRI Lab in the Department of Radiology at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. In this position Sara will conduct research developing novel MRI techniques and utilizing MRI to noninvasively predict and evaluate tissue damage. The ultimate objective of the lab is to be able to diagnose patients earlier in their disease and intervene before it is too late. 

Learn more about Sara and her Cornell experience...

Why did you choose Cornell?

After completing my BS in MSE at Virginia Tech, I wanted to continue my education and explore research in the field but focus on biomedical applications. Cornell was one of few schools who offered comprehensive biomaterials / biomedical research within the materials science department.

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

I was a competitive figure skater my entire life and experienced two stress fractures in my tibia which ultimately led to the end of my skating career. My experience as an athlete and dealing with injury fostered my interest in the human body and biomechanics. My current research involves characterizing bone tissue affected by disease and understanding how damage forms on the bone in response to stress and loading. 

What hobbies do you have in your spare time?

In undergrad I stopped skating due to the fact that there was no rink in Blacksburg, VA. But now that I am at Cornell I have joined the figure skating team and am back out on the ice every week. I also love to cook and go hiking.

Do you have any advice for current Engineering students?

Follow what excites you! It is much easier to work hard when you care / are interested in the work you are doing

What is next for you?

Joining the MRI lab at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC as a research engineer

Graduation Year?

May 2021 (MS in Materials Science and Engineering)

 

More Spotlights