Andrea Lehn

Resume

My Journey

I am a PhD candidate whose research integrates analytical science, solid mechanics, and environmental chemistry to investigate microplastics, which pose a serious and growing threat to the health of our planet. Through my studies in mechanical and biomedical engineering, I also possess background knowledge in fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and biology.

I am passionate about applying my skills to find sustainable solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, and I am seeking a career that will give me opportunities to grow as a critical thinker, expand my data science skills, and contribute to the health of people and planet.

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Doctorate, Mechanical Engineering

Feb 2019 - May 2024 (expected) - Cambridge MA

Cumulative GPA: 4.5

Courses

Fluid Dynamics 2.20, 2.25, 2.26, 18.355, 18.357

Heat And Mass Transfer 2.52, 2.55, 2.58

Solid Mechanics 2.071, 2.075

Fields, Forces and Flows in Biological Systems 2.795

Polymer Physics 3.942

Introduction to Energy in Global Development EC.791

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Mechanical Engineering,

Sep 2015 - Feb 2019 - Cambridge MA

George Washington University

Bachelors, School of Engineering & Applied Science

Aug 2011 - May 2015 - Washington DC

Major in Biomedical Engineering Minor in Philosophy Cumulative GPA: 3.7

Work and Volunteer Experience

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Communication Lab Fellow

May 2020 - Sep 2023 (3 years, 5 months) - Cambridge MA

As a CommLab Fellow I served as a coach to help mechanical engineers improve their technical communication skills. I facilitated workshops, contributed to public facing online content, and worked with clients in one-on-one settings. Content focused on all aspects of technical communication, such as fellowship applications, job talks, inclusive mentorship strategies, and more.

Dow Chemical

Research Intern

Jun 2023 - Sep 2023 (4 months) - Midland MI I worked on a project in Core R&D’s Analytical Science capability to understand and model geometry-dependent degradation in polyethylene subjected to = weathering. I used a combination of experimental measurements and data science to understand degradation at the molecular scale.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Assistant video producer

Sep 2019 - Jun 2023 (3 years, 10 months) - Cambridge MA

I worked with the Mechanical Engineering creative lead John Freidah to create video content showcasing the department’s courses, students, and academic activities. I contributed to filming, interviewing, editing and post production for multiple course videos and student profiles, which are featured on MechE’s YouTube channel.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Fellow

Jun 2018 - Aug 2018 (3 months) - Woods Hole MA Through this summer fellowship, focused on sustainable fluid dynamics, I performed a systematic experimental study on the role of background rotation on the dynamics of turbulent fountains and jets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Instructor

Jun 2017 - Aug 2017 (3 months) - Cambridge MA I served as a graduate instructor in the mechanical engineering track for the women’s technology program (WTP), a summer outreach program aimed at introducing basic concepts in mechanical engineering to rising high school seniors. I contributed to lesson plans and delivered lectures with interactive, hands-on demos.

The George Washington University

Undergraduate Research Assistant

May 2012 - May 2015 (3 years, 1 month) - Washington DC

I designed and performed experiments investigating physical processes during the final stage of labor and delivery. In particular, I studied the role of amniotic fluid properties in force transfer from the uterus to fetus during labor, including the influence of fetal lie (position). This work was conducted in the Leftwich Lab in the GW School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Harvard University

Visiting Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jun 2014 - Aug 2014 (3 months) - Cambridge MA

I conducted experiments studying the relationship between mechanical properties (flexural stiffness), unsteady motion, and propulsive efficiency of hydrofoils in a circulating flow tank. In particular, we were focused on the role of unsteady perturbations’ to foil motion pathways. This work was a collaboration between Lauder Laboratory (Harvard University) and Leftwich Lab (GW), conducted at Lauder Lab.

Organizations & Extracurriculars

MechE ENGAGE

Co-creator and student liaison

Sep 2020 - Jun 2023 (2 years, 10 months) - Cambridge MA, United States

MechE ENGAGE (Empowering New Grads to Achieve Graduate Excellence) is a mentorship program for incoming graduate students from traditionally underserved populations. The program aims to foster trusting relationships, build networks, and equip students with the skills to thrive in graduate study. I led program design and assisted with logistics over three program implementations. As of 2023, the program continues with new student leadership.

MIT Outing Club

Gear Librarian

May 2022 - May 2023 (1 year, 1 month) - Cambridge MA, United States

I helped coordinate individual and group gear rentals to support official programs hosted by the MIT Outing Club and other MIT affiliated groups who are hosting outdoor-oriented events

MIT MEGAWomen

Co-president

Sep 2017 - Sep 2021 (4 years, 1 month) - Cambridge, MA, United States

As co-president of the mechanical engineering graduate association of women (MEGAWomen), I co-led the leadership team to host programming for graduate women focused on community building, academic support, and professional development. I worked with departmental leadership to improve the graduate experience for women in mechanical engineering.

MISTI Global Teaching Lab

Instructor

Jan 2019 - Jan 2019 (1 month) - Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

I co-taught a course in physics to students in a summer outreach program, which included curriculum development, delivering lectures, and working with students on exploratory projects in hand-on lab sessions.