Clayton Wauneka - Ph.D. Student in Bioengineering

During my search for a graduate program, I came across the bioengineering program at the University of Kansas (KU) while discussing the program with the associate dean at New Mexico State University Graduate Fair. I selected this newly founded program because I was impressed by both the faculty and students that I met. I came to KU from Farmington, New Mexico, where I earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in electrical engineering and Spanish from New Mexico State University, and in 2007, was selected to be on the honorable mention list for the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships. I am now pursuing a doctorate degree in bioengineering at KU and was recently awarded a Madison & Lila Self Graduate Fellowship.

I recently finished my third year at KU, and have been pleased with my choice. Faculty members have proven to be extremely helpful and more than willing to support students in their academic goals. In fact, I’ve received useful direction and advice from each and every instructor I’ve met so far, which has helped me to feel very comfortable and encouraged that I will be successful at KU. I also feel at home among a student body that is competitive and genuinely interested in their studies, which adds to my KU experience. Thus far, I am quite pleased with my experience at KU and am looking forward to the additional academic opportunities that may become available to me.

My current research focuses on developing the field of robot-aided motor training in stroke rehabilitation. My goal is to improve motor function of the lower limb for stroke patients. Most of my research will be in the field of rehabilitation engineering. I plan to apply my research to develop a low-cost robotic assistive device that will allow physical therapists to more effectively help stroke survivors walk again. This research endeavor is challenging and exciting as it requires interdisciplinary study, including electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, and knowledge of physical therapy.

In addition to being an Engineering Graduate Ambassador, I am also a member of the KU Self Fellows Society, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). As an ambassador for the KU Graduate School of Engineering, I have travelled to the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) National Conference to recruit graduate students.

Outside of school and work, I enjoy playing basketball, playing the guitar, reading books, learning languages, taking dance lessons with my wife, and spending time with our recently born daughter.

Prospective students may contact me at kuengr@ku.edu.