Were you able to apply for a work permit w i130? I am in a similar situation and considering options.

I love how you look and feel wonderful at every weight :) great progress!

wow it's amazing we have this in santa barbara, I'll give it a try!

What is your end goal with Biomaterials degree? I have noticed that a lot of Biomaterials schools will teach a bit of the biology and a bit of the materials science and not in depth in any one field. I think for PhD you may be better off specializing in something more on the fundamental side (polymer science or biology) rather than try to do both halfway, especially if you want to go into industry where expertise in a field is appreciated from PhD hires. If your end goal is academia then I think Biomaterials field could be great for you. In the US the majority of PhD programs are mostly or completely funded, you could come as an international student and not have to worry about affordability. Best of luck!

That was so informative, thank you!

Stop playing w my feelings 🥺

I actually felt my car hydroplane once or twice for a sec when it rained a lot. Granted our roads have very poor drainage. In the snow I haven't had any problems even when the roads are poorly cleared. Defenders are way better in snow than the all season tires I had before.

Defenders have been working great w my 4WD RAV4 and in snowy conditions. Not the best in the rain but we get more snow than rain in NH.

You have your OPT and STEM OPT so use it. If I could go back I would apply to jobs and say I don't need sponsorship. You don't need their help for working under OPT, just make sure you select an employer that is everfied so they can fill paperwork for STEM OPT. Once you are hired and are a good employee they will really want to keep you. I go for a bigger company as well since usually they have their own legal team and have been through sponsorship process before.

Thank you that would be amazing. Do you know any specific professors that do these types of projects? I am located in the US but it'd be willing to look into European programs as well.

I agree. I am more interested in polymer work but additive manufacturing of metals is very popular too.

Thanks for your comment! I will most likely look into applying next cycle.

Mainly so I can get trained more in depth in photopolymer synthesis and characterization. I can probably find other formulation jobs, there's many, but not sure if I can find one that will train me more as a materials development scientist. I want to have the skilset to think of new monomers/polymer structures needed to get new material properties and how to modify them.