Philip Hewes is in his Senior year at the University of Michigan majoring in biomedical engineering.  He chose a field where engineering and biology synergistically confront the challenges of human physiology and disease treatment.  Following graduation, Philip plans to earn a M.D./Ph.D. applying his emerging expertise in biomedical engineering to investigate lung disease in order to care for patients with chronic lung conditions. 

As a research assistant, Philip is already working on the development of a microchannel, biomimetic lung.  This research is through the  University Research Opportunities Program, which includes the most promising young students at the University of Michigan.  Philip is also a member and vice-president of the Biomedical Engineering Society, a representative to the University of Michigan Engineering Council and a student tutor with the Minority Engineering Program.  Carrying a 3.86 grade point average, Philip has also been on the Dean’s List since Fall 2005.

Philip volunteers with the Delonic Center Medical Clinic, the Hope Medical Clinic, and the C.S. Mott Pediatric Hospital.  As a volunteer at three different clinical settings, Philip has begun to recognize the symptoms of lung disorders, and has observed the shocking correlation between income, levels of health care availability, and disease manifestation.  These experiences have driven him to promote change in health care to benefit the socio-economically disadvantaged.