Heather Cirka
About Heather Cirka
Heather Cirka is an R & D Engineer at Boston Scientific with a background in biomedical engineering and extensive experience in both industry and academia.
Current Role at Boston Scientific
Heather Cirka has been working as an R & D Engineer at Boston Scientific since 2018. In this role, she focuses on the research and development of combination products, particularly those of animal origin, and manages their life cycles. Her work involves leading multifunctional and interdisciplinary teams, as well as engaging in technical writing, data presentation, and public speaking.
Past Experience at Enhanced Compliance, Inc.
From 2017 to 2018, Heather Cirka served as an R&D Engineering Consultant at Enhanced Compliance, Inc. in the Greater Boston Area. In this capacity, she applied her extensive knowledge in bioengineering and compliance to aid in research and development projects. Her role required collaboration with various stakeholders and disciplined adherence to industry regulations.
Early Career and Internships
Heather Cirka began her career with various roles that built her foundation in research and development. In 2013, she completed a two-month internship at Harvard Apparatus in Holliston, MA. She then served as a Contract Research & Design Engineer at Boston Scientific for three months in 2016, after which she held a short-term Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Educational Background and Research
Heather Cirka obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 2016 after six years of study. Her doctoral training uniquely blended innovation, entrepreneurship, and biomedical engineering. She completed a post-doctoral project advised by joint Biomedical and Biochemistry/Molecular Pharmacology PIs, which led to two manuscripts. Heather also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, achieved in 2010.
Research Interests and Skills
Heather Cirka has a strong interest in biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, mechanics of materials, and cell mechano-sensing. Her skillset includes technical writing, data presentation, and public speaking. She has substantial experience working within and leading multifunctional and interdisciplinary teams in both academic and industrial settings. Her career has notably focused on combination products derived from animal origin and managing their respective product life cycles.