Mark Rentschler, Associate Professor
Dr. Mark Rentschler is an Associate Professor and Sylvia Norviel Cancer Research Faculty Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His team's research in medical devices and surgical robotics is focused on improving the quality of life for patients, by enabling individualized patient care and ultimately less invasive procedures. These efforts include design of novel surgical tools and devices, characterization and modeling of how these tools and devices interact with the patient, and optimization based on these models
What is your motto?
No risk, no reward.
What has been your favorite work or personal project so far?
Fully renovating our home and doing the work ourselves. In an ideal world, I'd like to add on a new garage and convert the old space into a woodworking shop. Woodworking used to be a big hobby for me and I expect it will again in the future.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, which coworker would you want to organize your rescue party, and why?
Professor Daria Kotys-Schwartz. There is no doubt that she will simply make it happen, and in a timely fashion!
Who was the most famous person you met and where?
Buzz Aldrin, 2001, congressional hearing on opening up ISS travel to private ventures.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Things are never as good, or as bad, as you think they are in the moment.
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Spending time with our kids working on their hobbies (which are now my hobbies). They are big into sports (soccer, basketball), outdoor activities (biking, hiking, rock climbing), and indoor creative works (legos, dress up). Participating with them in things like hiking and biking are always fun, but watching them try new things is very fun!
