Talia Thompson, a senior at Colby College and a key member of the Colby Women’s Basketball and Soccer teams, has traded the familiar courts of Waterville for a research lab in Aarhus, Denmark.
Research in Action
During her internship she is tackling cardiovascular biomechanics, focusing on heart valve function and the biomechanical properties of replacement valves.
Her work includes assisting with pig heart dissections and evaluating new aortic valve materials under real‑world conditions, giving her a hands‑on view of how engineering solutions translate to clinical impact.
Culture and Collaboration
Beyond the laboratory, Talia has immersed herself in Danish daily life, from cycling along the harbor to sampling smørrebrød at local cafés, experiences that broaden her perspective on interdisciplinary teamwork.
The internship not only sharpens her technical skills but also reinforces the discipline and teamwork she honed on the basketball court, illustrating how athletic rigor can complement scientific inquiry.