The Story Collider is delighted to partner with Boise State University and share true, personal science stories from their graduate engineering students.
From late-night lab disasters to unexpected breakthroughs, these are stories of grit, growth, and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Join us as we explore the theme of resilience—through the eyes of tomorrow’s engineers, told live on stage.
Come for the science, stay for the heart.
Doors open at 6:00 pm MT. Show starts at 6:30 pm MT.
Hosted by Bryan Kett and Meisa Salaita.
STORIES BY:
I am Saba Banaian, 25 years old, from Iran. I am a Ph.D. student at Boise State University and a professional violinist with the Boise State Symphony Orchestra. It has been a year since I moved here to the United States to continue my graduate studies in biomedical engineering.
Calvin Jones was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. In 2021, Calvin graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Engineering. After graduation, Calvin worked as a research assistant for a spinal cord injury lab at the Texas A&M Health Science Center. In Fall 2022, Calvin joined the Biomaterials and Musculoskeletal Engineering Lab (BMEL) as he began his doctoral studies in Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University. Now a Ph.D. candidate, Calvin’s research focuses on characterizing the mechanical properties of novel biomaterials at scales relevant to cellular interactions. Furthermore, Calvin aims to understand how these properties can be modulated to selectively guide cell differentiation toward mature tissues, with the goal of advancing regenerative therapies for complex musculoskeletal systems. Driven by a passion for mentorship, Calvin strives to make science not only understandable, but exciting and relevant to everyone. In his free time, Calvin enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the outdoors.
Jennah Brown is a Ph.D. student in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program at Boise State University. Her research examines how anthropogenic disturbances—such as invasive species and forest pathogens—reshape plant communities and ecosystem processes. Her current work spans two systems: she investigates how invasive grasses affect sagebrush persistence in the Great Basin, and how a non-native pathogen alters plant community composition in the coastal forests of Big Sur, California. Originally from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for wild landscapes and the ecological complexity they hold. Outside of research, she enjoys exploring the backcountry while trail running.
Michelle Lanuza is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Boise State, originally from Guatemala. Growing up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, she developed a love for nature, often spending her free time hiking volcanoes and backpacking. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, cooking with friends, and watching and playing soccer. Her passion for understanding how machines work and solving problems began in high school, inspiring me to pursue a career in engineering and, ultimately, to continue my studies in materials science.
Kate Benfield is a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Biomechanics at Boise State University. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering obtained from Boise State. Kate’s current research focuses on understanding mechanical factors that lead to meniscus wear-and-tear. Following graduation, Kate aspires to apply her knowledge of injury biomechanics and mechanical analysis to a career in forensic engineering. In her limited free time, she enjoys walks along the Boise Greenbelt with her partner and their pup.