From no technical subjects at school, to building a surgical prototype

Candela Cusnaider, an engineering student at Munster Technological University, once harbored dreams of becoming an astronaut or pilot, driven by a fascination with astronomy, physics, and mathematics. During the pandemic-induced lockdown, her interest shifted towards the mechanical engineering side of STEM, sparked by her exposure to Formula 1 racing through Netflix's "Drive to Survive."

Unfortunately, her secondary school's Leaving Cert curriculum lacked a diverse range of technical subjects, leaving her to enter college with limited practical experience in mechanical engineering and related fields. Despite this initial setback, Cusnaider quickly adapted, learning from her peers and realizing that a lack of background knowledge didn't hinder her ability to succeed.

One of her most significant contributions to her field came during her third year, when she joined TroSure, a group project aimed at addressing physical gaps experienced by surgeons during laparoscopic instrument insertion. Inspired by her father, a gynaecologist with expertise in laparoscopy, Cusnaider and her team developed a proof-of-concept device, TroSure.

This device utilized force and movement sensors to detect changes during instrument insertion, providing additional tactile feedback and alerting users via a buzzer and a small screen display.

Throughout the project, Cusnaider focused on refining the device's design, working with CAD software, researching components, and integrating electronics. Her efforts culminated in a compact and practical prototype that showcased the potential of mechanical engineering in the healthcare sector. The project not only deepened her understanding of mechanical engineering's applications but also demonstrated its potential to enhance existing processes and contribute to other fields.

Currently, Cusnaider works as a graduate engineer at Jones Engineering, supporting phase two of the Eli Lilly project. In her role, she primarily handles computer-based tasks, including quality assurance documentation and quality-related work. She collaborates closely with the quality assurance team, learning about the management of quality requirements on large engineering projects and the importance of adhering to required standards.

Despite her day-to-day work being predominantly computer-based, Cusnaider emphasizes the significance of quality assurance in engineering. She believes that proper checks, documentation, and processes are crucial for ensuring good design and construction. With her experience in various aspects of engineering, Cusnaider is excited about her future career prospects, with a particular interest in project management, where she can apply her technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.