ABOUT LYNDIE MITCHELL ZOLLINGER
Engineering PhD Researcher, University of Cambridge
I am a PhD researcher studying biomechanics in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. I graduated from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received the Gates Cambridge scholarship for my PhD research. I study gait and force loading patterns in human knees and canine stifle joints. In addition to research, I also love to teach and plan to pursue a career in academia researching and teaching about biomechanics.
I grew up in the USA and love to explore new places. I also love to cook and am an experimental baker. I’m always excited to try new things (just ask me about the time I ran inside a giant human hamster wheel).Â
You can find examples of my design projects and work below.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
My Experience
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Bio-mechanics, engineering education, fluid dynamics, medical devices, thermodynamics, assistive technology, mechanics of materials
EDUCATION
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
PhD in Engineering
Anticipated completion: September 2023​
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, May 2020
Cumulative GPA: 5.0/5.0
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
October 2020-Present
PhD Research, Biomechanics
Project: Joint Biomechanics in Humans and Canines
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Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sep 2019 –May 2020
Undergraduate Thesis, Therapeutic Technology Design and Development Group
Project: Comparing the Efficacy of Fiber Reinforced Actuators to Replicate Inhalation vs. Exhalation
Manufacturing previously designed custom fiber reinforced actuators and designing an apparatus to test and compare them to natural motions of the human diaphragm.
Supervisor: Prof. Ellen Roche
Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland
Jun 2019 –Aug 2019
Undergraduate Research Student, Implantable Devices Group
Project: Modeling an implantable medical sensor
Used Finite Element Analysis software to model the mechanical deformation, fluid flow, and heat transfer of an implantable medical sensor for the brain.
Supervisor: Dr. Bryon Wright
Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Aug 2018 –Jan 2019
Undergraduate Research Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project: Development of Advanced Metal Anodes for Rechargeable Batteries Using Electrochemical Calorimetry
Redesigned and troubleshot an electrochemical calorimeter to detect harmful undesired reactions in lithium batteries and better understand their processes.
Supervisor: Prof. Betar Gallant
Jun 2017 – Jan 2018
Undergraduate Research Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project: Dynamics and Control Educational Research
Developed educational demonstrations to help students better understand difficult concepts to visualize in Dynamics and Controls, such as the motion of a planetary gear.
Supervisor: Prof. Dick Yue
Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jun 2017 – Aug 2017
Undergraduate Research Student, Learning Initiative
Project: Refugee Learning Accelerator UROP
Developed a website for interested Middle Eastern students to learn more and apply to a tech accelerator program to improve educational access and quality for refugees.
Supervisors: Mitchel Resnick, Genevieve Barrons
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Gates Cambridge Scholarship, University of Cambridge, 2020
2.007 Thomas Edison Award, MIT, 2018
Science Sterling Scholar, Brighton High School, Utah, USA, 2014
5A Volleyball Academic All-State Team, Utah High School Athletic Association, 2013-2014
Salt Lake Valley Regional Science Fair, Utah, USA, 2011​
2nd Place in Medical and Health Sciences Category for seniors as a freshman.
Designed and built knee models to study the effects of Excessive Lateral Patellar Syndrome on the stability of other ligaments in the knee
TEACHINGÂ EXPERIENCE
Supervisor, St. Catherine's College, University of Cambridge
October 2020-Present
Holding small group supervisions with students covering topics in Materials and Mechanics
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT
Aug 2019 – Dec 2019
2.001, Mechanics and Materials I
Hosted office hours, review sessions, mentor hours, and answering questions for an online forum for
a class of over 130 students
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT
2.007 Pappalardo Apprentice, Design and Manufacturing Feb 2019 – May 2019
Assisting students in designing and manufacturing a robot
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT
2.001, Mechanics and Materials I, Aug 2018 – Dec 2018
Residential Tutor, Women’s Technology Program in ME, MIT
Teaching Assistant and Fluid Dynamics Instructor, Jun 2018– Aug 2018
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Experimental Study Group, MIT
8.01, Physics I: Classical Mechanics, Aug 2017 – Dec 2017
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Pappalardo Apprenticeship, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Feb. 2019-May 2019
One of only seven juniors selected to be a part of the highly competitive apprenticeship program.
Designing and manufacturing a Sterling engine
Relief Society Presidency, Mount Auburn YSA, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints​, Jun 2017 – Sep 2018
Voluntarily assisting in leading the congregational women’s group of 150 members
Weekly meetings to discuss the needs of all members
Organizing and managing a program to check in on the well-being of each member
Collecting reports from each member for how the program was going, and if the member they were visiting required any additional assistance
Missionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jul 2015 –Dec 2016
Providing service within various Denver communities through local charities
Going door to door to offer service to those in need and to teach others about our beliefs
Served for 7.5 of the 18 months as a leader responsible for training, supervising, and assisting all missionaries in the area
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society
Member 2018–Present
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
ORSEL Student Advisory Board, MIT
Chair and founder Sep. 2019 - July 2020
Addir Interfaith Engagement Association, MIT
President. Aug 2017 – July 2019
Latter-Day Saint Student Association, MIT
Family Dinner Chair July 2019- July 2020
Vice President July 2018 – July 2019
Family Dinner Chair Jan. 2017-July 2018
Leave and Return Mentor, MIT Student Support Services
2017 – 2018
Women’s Lightweight Crew, MIT
2014 – 2017
Bengal Robotics, Brighton High School
Founder and Captain of the FIRST Robotics Team. 2013 – 2014
SKILLS
MATLAB, Solidworks, Autodesk Fusion 360, COMSOL, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D Printing, Injection
Molding, Thermoforming, Arduino (basic), Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop Lightroom), Microsoft Office
INTERESTS
Teaching, running, hiking, baking, travel, music, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, chemistry, photography.