Fiona Wohlfarth graduated from SUNY Adiorndack in 2013 with a degree in Engineering Science.

“The coursework at SUNY Adirondack really prepared me for the next step in my education. Because the class sizes are small — especially when the material is difficult — you really have the opportunity to understand the material and ask questions.” — Fiona Wohlfarth

Finding direction

Fiona Wohlfarth had her name on a scientific patent before earning a bachelor’s degree.

“It was really exciting. It’s one of those bucket-list items in your life,” said Wohlfarth, who grew up in Lake Luzerne and Corinth.

Wohlfarth credits retired SUNY Adirondack Professor Ken Manning with helping her find her career direction.

“I went to college not knowing what I wanted to do, and I thought I would start by taking my general education classes. I took physics with Ken Manning, and his class was so engaging and interesting that I told him I wanted to be in every class he taught,” she said.

Wohlfarth graduated in 2013 in Engineering Science and transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder to finish a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

As part of her senior design project, she worked with a team that partnered with Covidien to create a fluid management system for surgical procedures. 

“We were one of only two student groups that got a patent,” Wohlfarth said. “The device filters saline down to the blood level so it can be reused during several hours of surgery. The system allows for less biohazard waste at the end of the day.” 

She currently works in Colorado as an associate test engineer with Medtronic Surgical Navigation, a company that invents software used for brain, spine, ear, nose and throat surgery. Wohlfarth is responsible for testing the software and travels across the country to train surgeons on the new technology.

“Attending SUNY Adirondack was the 100 percent right choice. If it weren’t for SUNY Adirondack, my career path would not be what it is,” Wohlfarth said.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Anthony Carbone joined the SUNY Adirondack faculty in January 2019 as assistant professor of engineering.

"Engineering can be really tough for students. You have to make a connection to something real. That helps ignite the excitement and passion, and then the students are able to get through the hard stuff. SUNY Adirondack has a really good quality of student. I think the biggest thing is their perseverance. I can’t think of one student in the core engineering classes who doesn’t show a good effort and seem like they really want to succeed and put the effort out. It’s great to see that kind of engagement." — Anthony Carbone