Emily Herring — Distinguished Service Award

Emily Herring B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering Graduated from Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona Originally from Litchfield Park, Arizona Emily Herring, a biomedical engineering and honors student, chose to become an engineer because she wanted to be able to develop tools that would enhance the lives of others. As part of that desire, Herring was involved in the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program for two and a half years and worked with Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS). She noticed individuals with cerebral palsy who had the ability to read were often unable to do so due to physical disabilities. Simply turning pages could require the assistance of a STARS staff member. “Our last tool was an adapted e-reader to allow people with cerebral palsy the ability to read on their own,” says Herring. “This e-reader offers more than reading time, it can encourage feelings of independence and an improved quality of life.” It was for that device that her team applied for and received an Edson Entrepreneurship grant allowing them to bring to device to more people. Outside of the research lab, Herring found other ways to enhance lives while at ASU. She served as an E2 camp counselor and worked as a lead tutor at the Fulton Schools Tutoring Center. Additionally she was the treasurer for Alpha Eta Mu Beta, the Biomedical Engineering Honors Society. Her accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed or unrewarded as she also received the Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Fellowship. The Fellowship will give full funding for five years to complete a Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences at University of Notre Dame.