BME Alumni, Mahender Avula Discusses how his work at the University of Utah has shaped his career as a Sensor Product Owner at Dexcom and offers advice and guidance to future U of U BME Graduates.
How did your Biomedical Engineering education and research at the University of Utah impact your vision for your career?
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics in India, I relocated to Utah to pursue my Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, with a specialization in Robotics. During that time, I was interested in pursuing a career in industrial robotics, particularly in closed-loop control systems. I was captivated by automated systems equipped with sensing capabilities that could gather pertinent data from their surroundings and generate suitable responses to attain desired outcomes.
During my Utah Master’s coursework, I was introduced to the field of biomedical engineering and related research conducted at the University. I learned about the pioneering work done historically at the University: developing artificial organs and other applied research projects with real-world impacts, such as the Utah Electrode Array. The idea of using a physical sensor to not only probe and understand the activity of a specific region or analyte of interest (such as neural tissue recordings, glucose measurements, or pH measurements) but also to leverage this acquired data to drive outcomes that can improve the quality of life of individuals was incredibly enlightening and prompted me to shift my career interests. This new knowledge propelled me to explore and gravitate towards Biomedical Engineering, and I focused on developing a microfabricated glucose biosensor for in vitro and in vivo testing as a part of my Master’s project. During this project, I began to understand the complexities of device-tissue interactions and decided to pursue my PhD in Biomedical Engineering to comprehensively understand and work on technologies that could mitigate device-tissue interactions.
During my Utah doctoral research, I gained extensive knowledge of the rich history of biomaterials and drug delivery at the University. Under the guidance of Dr. Grainger and Dr. Solzbacher, I drafted and submitted several research proposals and successfully secured funding that facilitated the study of the mechanisms underlying physiological responses to foreign bodies, such as implants. As a part of my project, I collaborated with my colleagues in biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical chemistry to develop a drug-releasing coating on implanted sensors, aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of tissue responses to biomaterials. I utilized commercially available continuous glucose monitoring sensors to validate the efficacy of this technology. My professional experience in the industry has been profoundly influenced by these insights gained from my research at the University of Utah, particularly in the areas of host response, tissue-material interactions, and the mechanisms driving physiological responses to foreign bodies.
Plot your career development to your current point for me: Looking back, what were major determinants to put you where you are now?
After my PhD, I began working as a design and manufacturing engineer at Catheter Connections, Inc., a startup that was based in the University Research Park. They had recently commercialized a revolutionary disinfection product that was intended to reduce the rates of catheter-related bloodstream infections in hospitals. As is often the case with startups, Catheter Connections experienced rapid growth but faced challenges in staffing, which meant that employees had to wear multiple hats. While some areas, such as quality assurance and regulatory compliance, were unfamiliar to me at the time, I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors, particularly Dr. Bob Hitchcock, who provided me with the essential tools and guidance necessary to excel in both my primary engineering role and gain valuable insights into the business operations of the organization. This experience proved invaluable and has played a pivotal role in my career advancement.
When Catheter Connections was acquired by Merit Medical, I was offered a position to lead product development for their infection prevention portfolio. During my two-year tenure at Merit Medical, I leveraged the knowledge and skills I acquired at Catheter Connections to enhance my technical and project management abilities. I was subsequently approached by Dexcom, one of the leading continuous glucose monitoring companies, to explore opportunities for a technical leadership role in researching novel technologies to understand tissue-device interactions. This position enabled me to continue my PhD research with an end goal of real-world applications and represented my dream job. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career that aligns so well with my passions. Over the past six years at Dexcom, I have progressed from a project lead working on a specific technology within the product to a Sensor Product Owner, overseeing the development of several next-generation sensor technologies that have the potential to enhance the quality of life for millions of users.
What recommendations do you have for BME students regarding their coursework, research, presentations, or any other assets for their future employment?
My advice would be to seek knowledge from experienced professionals whenever possible. This can be achieved while taking courses at the university or attending research conferences. Platforms like LinkedIn are a great way to connect with people in the positions you’re interested in and learn what skills they need to succeed in those roles. Keep up with the latest trends and developments in your field. The business world changes fast, and having knowledge in different areas related to your field can really boost your job chances and help you advance your career. Always be curious and keep learning!
What do you value in the best quality people who work for you?
Some of my most valued colleagues have exceptional communication skills and possess robust technical expertise. They are also pragmatic problem solvers who may not always find the perfect solution, but they are adept at identifying the most suitable approach for a particular situation. Individuals who recognize their strengths and weaknesses, actively seek knowledge from others, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goals are highly effective in driving results.
What do you enjoy in your leisure time?
During my time in Salt Lake City, I developed a deep love for outdoor exploration, especially hiking and visiting national parks. I try to find new places to explore around San Diego where I currently live. When I am not hiking, I love traveling to new places, cooking and spending time with my family.
What do the next 10 years of your career look like to you?
I am committed to advancing the development and commercialization of novel technologies and products that empower individuals to enhance their quality of life. Diabetes, for instance, is experiencing exponential growth globally, and many individuals affected by this condition remain undiagnosed. Reliable tools, such as continuous glucose monitors for glucose and weight management, provide individuals with valuable insights into their unique challenges, enabling them to detect such conditions sooner, make personalized lifestyle modifications that work and lead to improved health outcomes. My objective is to contribute to the creation of user-friendly and reliable tools that assist individuals in leading fulfilling and healthy lives.