#iAmBiomed because I can revolutionise the way we use 3D printing technology in medical health and prosthetics
Shannon's Biography
My name is Shannon Tin Oi Lee and I am a 4th year biomedical mechanical engineering student at the University of Ottawa. I was born in Toronto, Ontario, on September 9th, 1995 and I come from a family with no science or engineering background. I was self-motivated to become an engineer as I expressed interest through participating in dozens of robotic competitions from a very young age. During my 4 short years in Ottawa, I won 7 national competition awards at the university level and was acknowledged of my success in 3D printed prosthetics by His Excellency the Right and Honourable David Johnston. I am also the co-founder of Personaliz3D Medicine and CEO/co-founder of VitalTracer.
As a radiology engineering student in the department of radiology at the Ottawa Hospital, my job is to obtain 2D images of medical scans from patients and 3D print the region of interest. Medical 3D printed models can educate patients, doctors, fellows, and residents, as well as improving surgery education and efficiency where surgeons are able to practice the surgical procedure on the model before performing on the patient.
As CEO and co-founder of VitalTracer and Personaliz3D Medicine, my job is to manage all outgoing operations and improve on our latest products. VitalTracer is an accurate, cuff-less, non-invasive device that provides integrated tracking of all human vital signs (respiratory rate, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and body temperature) including ECG and PPG whereas Personaliz3D Medicine will soon provide doctors with a simple software to instantly convert 2D medical imaging into 3D printed objects.
The favourite part of my jobs is showcasing people what I do. People are so fascinated that I can 3D print a tumour, organ, fetus, or fracture from a 2D medical scan for about $5.
Actually, I’m still doing my degree in biomedical mechanical engineering (one more year to go!) but, the journey of earning this degree has still benefited me immensely. Engineering has not only taught me how to do engineering stuff, it also helped me with teamwork, networking, and most importantly, understanding the value of being a women in this field. I would not be the person I am today if I didn’t go into engineering.
I find that most people who are successful in an engineering career didn’t get A+ in every course from when they were in university, high school, or other education. To be successful, one needs to be passionate in what they do!
When I was a fresh 2nd year student, I made a 3D printed, tension operated, fully functional prosthetic hand for a local Ottawa boy named Sebastian. It took almost my entire 2nd year studies to learn how to build this hand from scratch but it would essentially take 4 hours to print. It costs a grand total of less than $10 to make and it provides Sebastian with more than just a helping hand.
I want to revolutionise the way we use technology in health and the medical industry.
My vision is that a majority of women will be leaders in anything science and engineering related. Someday, every engineering class at any university will have at least 50% women. I am extremely proud to say that my company, VitalTracer, is a start-up company consisting of 90% multidisciplinary females studying engineering.
Work hard, dream big, follow your dreams, and be PASSIONATE. Never underestimate your value or intelligence as a female and it is always okay to struggle and reach for help. Grow your network with the right people and trust yourself. Remember, you only truly failed if you stopped trying.
