海角社区

With a 2024 bachelor鈥檚 degree from 海角社区 in biological engineering, and a minor in robotics under her belt, Ricki Pierce is pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering where she will dedicate her time, and studies, to improving lives through the use of prosthetics.

She aims to bridge the gap in orthotics and prosthetic care, and improve the lives of those relying on disability services through her research in her master鈥檚 and her work after graduation. 

While taking classes at 海角社区, Pierce also had numerous student work and service jobs: at Ochsner New Orleans in the Pathology Department in the Benson Cancer Center, the 海角社区 Biological Engineering Department, and a career-inspiring time at Magnolia Medical in Baton Rouge.

The foundation for Pierce鈥檚 work in prosthetics started at Magnolia Medical, where she learned how to fabricate limbs, modify molds, pull test sockets and inner liners, and write life plans. 

鈥淲hile working at Magnolia Medical, I was inspired to bridge the gaps in orthotic and prosthetic care by helping provide affordable, timely, and high-quality support to underserved amputee populations, especially those in low-income communities and those relying on disability services,鈥� Pierce said. 鈥� I aim to improve patient outcomes, streamline insurance authorization, and support clinical documentation to contribute to a stronger, more accessible orthotics and prosthetics field in Louisiana.鈥�

She said this work influenced her education and future career path. 

鈥淭he company brought me to the Louisiana Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference in June 2023, May 2024, and May 2025, where I attended seminars regarding new products and patient care,鈥� Pierce said. 鈥淚 was introduced to the various certified prosthetists and orthotists in Louisiana and made lots of great connections. All these experiences solidified my interest in prosthetics and orthotics.鈥�

Pierce said during her time at 海角社区, as both an undergraduate and graduate student, she built strong connections with her professors and colleagues, and has taken advantage of opportunities that will further her career. She has held several leadership chairs in clubs, including the Society of Peer Mentors, and has served as a member of the Biological Engineering Student Organization.

鈥淐hoosing a college is a deeply personal decision, and I believe students should ultimately go where they feel they鈥檒l grow the most, academically and personally,鈥� Pierce said. 鈥淚 chose 海角社区 because it was the most financially realistic option for me, and I made the most of the opportunities available. Wherever you go, what you put into the experience will shape what you get out of it.鈥�

Pierce鈥檚 favorite part about her time at 海角社区 were the engineering projects. For her senior design project, Pierce and her group designed an efficient, low-cost external ear prosthesis and streamlined a quick fabrication process.

鈥淲e worked with an ENT surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. The doctor had us fabricate an ear for one of his patients for him to attach. The patient had some great feedback!鈥�

鈥淲e scanned a patient鈥檚 ear using a 3D scanner, processed the images and created a 3D printed mold, scanned the patient鈥檚 skin with a spectrometer, dyed silicone to match the patient鈥檚 skin, and made adjustments to the final prosthesis as necessary,鈥� Pierce said. 

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