Jackson Carter
Major
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Award
College of Engineering and Applied Science Research Award
Post-graduation plans
Pursue a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Associated Lab
Assistant Professor Wyatt Shields
Shields Lab
Tell me about your research
The research I am doing involves 3D printing microparticles which move in response to external forces. We use sound waves to cause these particles to move in consistent, replicable manners.
How could your research make a difference in everyday life?
As we work to characterize and better understand this movement, our goal is for these particles to be employed in biomedical applications. These particles, with their highly predictable movement, could be guided to specific targets within the body using only external forces—such as Iocally applied sound waves. By attaching a drug to such a particle, researchers could achieve precise and effective drug delivery using a simple, clinically established technology like ultrasound.
What keeps you busy outside of research?
While in college, I worked at the CU Bookstore and for a time was a member of the professional fraternity Tau Beta Pi. Outside of school, I love to snowboard, golf and go to concerts whenever time permits.
What is your favorite CU Boulder memory?
One of my favorite memories from CU Boulder is attending football games at Folsom Field last semester. Cheering on the Buffs under the lights on a beautiful Friday night in Boulder is an experience I’ll never forget.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Academically, I am most proud of receiving this research award and for being recognized for the GPA I maintained during my time at CU. Being acknowledged for my efforts in both research and academics has been very heartwarming and a meaningful reminder to keep working hard toward my professional goals—even when recognition isn’t immediate.
Tell us about a moment when you felt like you were “officially” an engineer.
I felt like a true engineer during my internship in the summer of 2023 at a local biotech company. I was trusted to complete a complex, multistage project and given the autonomy to apply my knowledge while still receiving support when needed. That sense of responsibility—being relied on and respected for my skills—was a defining moment that affirmed my identity as an engineer.
What was your biggest challenge during your time at CU Boulder?
My biggest challenge during my undergraduate education has been balancing academics with work, research and a life outside of the classroom, especially over the past year. While the coursework has always been difficult, adding these extra responsibilities significantly increased my workload and made it harder to focus. That’s not to say students shouldn’t pursue outside opportunities, but it’s important to be mindful of the time and stress they can add.
What is your biggest piece of advice for future engineering buffs?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming engineers is to find a group of peers within your major or engineering in general who you enjoy spending time with both inside and outside of school. Immersing yourself with people who are willing to work hard alongside you while maintaining a life outside of academics can make your hard work much more tolerable and give you something to look forward to. Building a strong support system of friends in this major has kept me going throughout my time here and has made the academic challenges much easier and more fun!