Student Spotlight – Steven Schwartz
An Arizona native from Scottsdale, Steven Schwartz grew up with a passion for creativity, exploring theatre, drawing, and film. As he began his undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University (NAU), he envisioned a career combining his love for entertainment with engineering. Inspired by the allure of Disney Imagineering, he initially pursued a path toward designing roller coasters.
However, witnessing his grandfather’s struggle following a stroke in 2013 deeply impacted Steven, and a pivotal encounter with his advisor, Dr. Tim Becker, dramatically shifted his trajectory.
Dr. Becker introduced Steven to the fascinating world of bioengineering research, igniting a new passion within him. Inspired by his grandfather’s experience and the guidance of Dr. Becker, Steven decided to pursue a PhD, dedicating his research to improving stroke care, specifically focusing on blood flow dynamics.
Currently in his second year of the PhD program, Steven is on track to graduate in the fall of 2028. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, he aims to contribute to a future where stroke care is accessible, affordable, and effective for all. This aspiration is deeply rooted in the Greek proverb often attributed to Nelson Henderson: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” When not immersed in his studies or research, Steven enjoys pursuing his love of creativity and art, specifically free-hand illustration.
- Mechanical Engineering (BS)