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Gabriela de Lima is a sophomore mechanical engineering major at Howard University from Overland Park, Kansas. She is a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Pre-Ph.D. pathway program with research interests in mobility technologies such as prosthetic development and muscle tissue regeneration. Gabriela participated in the Mechanical Engineering Blue Valley District CAPS program in 2023.
Since beginning university, she has conducted advanced research, including a 3D bioprinting project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology focused on engineered muscle tissue scaffolds. Her work contributed to a peer-reviewed publication as a co-author in Device. She presented her research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists in November 2025, where she received an award recognizing excellence in undergraduate research. She currently conducts transportation infrastructure research at Howard University focused on improving cybersecurity in the digital monitoring of bridges.
In the future, Gabriela plans to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and contribute to the development of next-generation regenerative biotechnology. Outside of the classroom, she produces the podcast Radio Chango, which highlights issues affecting the Afro-Latino community, and serves as Programs Chair for peer-mentoring initiatives on the executive boards of the Howard University Society for Women Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, exploring the city, and spending time with friends.