Jessica McKean

University of Strathclyde Postgraduate Award - Materials Science

Jessica grew up in the green mountains of Starksboro Vermont and recently graduated cum laude from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Biochemical Engineering. She pursued multiple years of research in the field of cellular engineering, seeking to improve gene therapy methods. She spent a semester abroad studying in Rome, Italy as a Gilman Scholar where she rekindled a connection to her creative and artistic drive. There, she developed a deep interest for the little explored interdisciplinary opportunity within the fields of biology, material science, civil engineering, and architecture. McKean will spend her Fulbright year at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland where she will be researching the potential of genetically engineering bacteria to improve a sustainable bio-cement technology. This study will be part of a masters by research degree in Geo-Environmental Engineering within the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. Glasgow is the ideal place to pursue this innovative and interdisciplinary research. McKean is excited to explore the rich scene of contemporary art and architectural design. Following her Fulbright year, McKean will pursue further graduate studies in Architectural Engineering where she hopes to bring creative and sustainable ideas about material science.