Spring Break
Lauded inventor West reflects on life, successes
Issue date: 9/20/07
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At Temple University, West's first experiences were as a pre-med, but he ultimately pursued a career in physics. "My family thought I was making a big mistake, but I'm stubborn and I decided that I was going to do what I wanted to do and take whatever consequences that led to."
At Bell Labs West was involved in finding a more accurate, noninvasive method of measuring blood pressure. "Your past always affects your future, maybe that's one of the reasons that I looked toward what I do in medicine," he said.
West is currently pursuing three areas of research at Hopkins. The first, working with piezoelectric materials in bioactive applications, could result in advanced sensors to detect onset of cardiac failure.
The second intelligent, immersive collaboration aims to use the Internet to drastically improve the way we work long-distance with colleagues.
His third project involves investigating methods of reducing noise by installing special sound-absorbing panels in the walls and ceiling of hospitals. The project is currently an active experiment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. West hopes lower noise levels will allow patients to get the one treatment they often need most: sleep.
When asked about his plans for the future, he said, "What I do tomorrow depends on what happens today. I can guarantee that it'll be some form of technology research. I love options and the ability to decide at the moment what I'm going to do. I hate vacations. One thing that you can almost guarantee is that I'll be working somewhere."
West has the following advice for Hopkins students: "One of the most important things in life is to follow your dreams; if you do, you wind up a lot happier. I love to work. I could have retired 12 years ago, and I'm still here."
At Bell Labs West was involved in finding a more accurate, noninvasive method of measuring blood pressure. "Your past always affects your future, maybe that's one of the reasons that I looked toward what I do in medicine," he said.
West is currently pursuing three areas of research at Hopkins. The first, working with piezoelectric materials in bioactive applications, could result in advanced sensors to detect onset of cardiac failure.
The second intelligent, immersive collaboration aims to use the Internet to drastically improve the way we work long-distance with colleagues.
His third project involves investigating methods of reducing noise by installing special sound-absorbing panels in the walls and ceiling of hospitals. The project is currently an active experiment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. West hopes lower noise levels will allow patients to get the one treatment they often need most: sleep.
When asked about his plans for the future, he said, "What I do tomorrow depends on what happens today. I can guarantee that it'll be some form of technology research. I love options and the ability to decide at the moment what I'm going to do. I hate vacations. One thing that you can almost guarantee is that I'll be working somewhere."
West has the following advice for Hopkins students: "One of the most important things in life is to follow your dreams; if you do, you wind up a lot happier. I love to work. I could have retired 12 years ago, and I'm still here."
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