Professional MS Alumni Feature: Connor Kerstetter
I recently spoke with MS-MPE ‘23 alumni Connor Kerstetter about his experience at the University of Pittsburgh.
Connor Kerstetter began his academic career at Penn State University where he studied neuroscience with the goal of attending medical school. As he progressed through his undergraduate degree, he realized he was drawn to a career in medical technology. This passion for medical technology prompted him to switch paths. He knew he wanted to pursue a degree that would guide him in reaching his new career goals.
Since Connor did not have a background in engineering, he set out to find master’s programs that would help fill the gaps for him to pursue a career in the medical technology industry. He was introduced to the MS-MPE program at the University of Pittsburgh through family and other personal connections. He noted, “The MS-MPE program is tailored to students who come from different backgrounds, which was a perfect fit for me.” He began his studies at the University of Pittsburgh in Fall 2022.
During his time in the MS-MPE program, Connor was a Graduate Education Engineering Scholar (GEES) within the Human Movement and Balance Laboratory. “This was a really good experience because it allowed me to work directly with patients and medical technology to reach our project goal.” The project that Connor participated in was a study that validated sensors that could potentially be used to detect concussions in the battlefield. This application is one that could be extended into the world of sports one day. Over the course of two semesters, Connor’s primary role was data collection and some data analysis. He described his favorite aspect of the GEES program as follows: “I thought it was great having one-on-one mentorship through the GEES program. From day one they wanted us to have a written plan which helped me get the most out of my time at Pitt.”
“One of my favorite aspects of the MS-MPE program was working with teams of other students alongside physicians on various projects. Getting to go and see different procedures and learn about clinical workflow and how technology either enhances or hinders an experience was very interesting.” Connor noted that the project he completed in Medical Product Prototyping was one of his favorite project experiences in the program. During this project, his team had to make crucial pivots which resulted in a project that not only solved the original unmet clinical need but also another relevant clinical issue.
In May 2022, Connor began as an Associate Clinical Account Specialist with Biosense Webster. He spent 8 months in the associate position before completing his training. At the beginning of this year, he was promoted to a Clinical Account Specialist position. Operating with the Johnson & Johnson Medical Technology Division, Biosense Webster focuses on cardiac ablations. Specifically, Connor is responsible for knowing all the technology within the company’s portfolio and how to operate software to develop a 3D anatomical model of the heart which physicians can use to determine how to treat cardiac arrythmias.
Reflecting on his time in the MS-MPE program, Connor advised current and prospective students to, “Come into the program with an open mind and be willing to try different experiences. You will get out of the program what you put into it.”
Check out Connor’s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-kerstetter/.