Biography
Sophie Polidoro is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in History and Philosophy of Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She is deeply engaged in research at the intersection of mechanical engineering, materials science, and biomedical applications, with a focus on developing biocompatible materials and devices.
Her research spans multiple disciplines, including bioastronautics, biomechanics, and aerospace engineering. She has worked on projects such as analyzing the dermal mechanical strength of mice exposed to spaceflight with researchers at NASA Ames, designing ultrasonic bioreporters in the Shapiro Lab, and developing satellite stabilization techniques under Professor Soon-Jo Chung. Additionally, she has worked with the Yang Research Group on studying architected biocompatible analogous lung tissue samples to analyze how pathological conditions like pulmonary edema affect the mechanical properties of alveoli. This work aims to improve the understanding of lung tissue mechanics and their response to disease.
Beyond research, Sophie is actively involved in teaching and mentorship. She has served as a Teaching Assistant for ME11abc Thermal Sciences, an introductory thermodynamics and fluid dynamics course, as well as ME/EE/EST 117 Energy Technology and Policy, where she helped students explore sustainable energy solutions. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, drawing from her own experiences as a student and mentor.
Her passion for combining engineering with societal impact extends to her role as Vice President of Caltech's Arts Club, where she fosters interdisciplinary creativity, and her involvement in Caltech Ballet. She is dedicated to diversity and inclusivity in STEM, actively mentoring students and engaging in outreach initiatives to support underrepresented groups.
Education
B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Minor in History and Philosophy of Science, California Institute of Technology (Expected 2025)
Publications & Upcoming Publications
1.) "Solar Powered Array for Melting Materials on the Moon". Manuscript published by AIAA as a conference proceeding (https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-71914). 2nd runner-up AIAA Regional Student Conference. Coauthored with Parul R. Singh, Nathan Ng, et al.
2.) "High-Speed, Full-Field Measurements of Large Deformations Near Needle-Induced Cavitation Bubbles within Biological Soft Materials". Upcoming (Spring 2025): Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics. Full manuscript to be submitted Fall 2025 for journal review. Coauthored with Lehu Bu, Zhaobang Hou, Jin Yang.
3.) "Exploring the Interplay of Alveolar Mechanics and Fluid Accumulation in Pulmonary Edema: Insights from Soft Metamaterials 3D Printing and Mechanical Testing". Upcoming (Spring 2025): Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics. Full manuscript to be submitted Fall 2025 for journal review. Coauthored with Zixiang Tong, Zhaobang Hou, Jin Yang.
Additional Skills
- CAD & Modeling: SolidWorks, ANSYS & ANSYS Fluent, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD
- Programming: MATLAB, Python, Java, R
- Foreign Languages: Fluent in Portuguese & Spanish