Her Story
About Naomi
Naomi Alves is a biomedical engineering professional and graduate researcher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and is pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Her academic and professional journey is driven by an interest in developing technologies that can improve patient outcomes, inspired in part by her mother’s career in nursing and her desire to contribute to patient care through engineering and innovation. Naomi conducts research in the Tissue Innervation and Muscle Mimetics Lab, where she works on tissue engineering and technologies aimed at improving graft development for individuals experiencing volumetric muscle loss, including military personnel and accident victims. Her work involves prototyping a magnetically coupled cell bioreactor, mechanical testing, data analysis, 3D printing, and design optimization. She also serves as a Lab Technician in the NJIT Biomedical Engineering 3D Printing Lab, supporting rapid prototyping, material evaluation, and small-scale manufacturing. Her previous experience includes an R&D engineering internship at Boston Scientific and undergraduate research in nanoparticle synthesis. Beyond her technical work, Naomi has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. She has served as a Tutor Coordinator with NJIT’s Educational Opportunity Program and as a Public Relations Coordinator for the Society of Women Engineers, helping support students and amplify women in STEM. She has also participated in research initiatives promoting greater representation in STEM and church outreach programs serving K–12 students. With interests spanning biotech manufacturing, tissue engineering, quality science, and medical device development, Naomi is building a career focused on translating biomedical research and engineering innovation into reliable technologies that can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Naomi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and the unwavering support of my family, which have encouraged me to stay focused, overcome challenges, and continue moving forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is not to let being different or the only person like me in the room stop me from speaking up. Whether I was the only woman or the only woman of color in a research lab, I learned to ask questions and share my perspective, even when it felt uncomfortable.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: just do it. If you have an idea, pursue it and don’t let being the only woman in the room hold you back. This field needs innovators, diverse thinkers, and people who are passionate about making a difference and helping others.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the most important value in my work and personal life. My parents, who immigrated from Guyana, instilled in me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and always moving forward despite challenges. These values have played a significant role in helping me reach where I am today.
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