John Russell
Every morning and evening, six days a week, the routine is the same, grip the handle, pull the handle, release the handle, again, again, and again, so many times until the physical demand makes a coward of you. The sound in practice, on land, is that of a grinding metal chain stressed to its capacity, interrupted by the grunts of engagement, exertion, exhaustion. And the sweat, falling in buckets like a California storm during the rainy season. This is the life of a Penn rower.
Student-athlete, James Votruba-Drzal, a senior in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, workout routine is intense, often involving multiple sessions a day. “In season, we work out as a squad around ten times a week, with Sundays to rest. I often add in some additional training if time allows,” he explains.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, James was introduced to rowing by his grandfather, who had a small boat on a lake near his home. The serene yet challenging nature of the sport captivated a young James, who eventually decided to pursue rowing competitively. His grandfather’s early influence instilled a deep love for the sport, leading James to row at Penn, where he has become a key member of the team.
The workouts consist of on-water rowing, indoor rowing, weightlifting, and cross-training in the off-season, ensuring the rowers are in peak condition year-round. “Rowing performance is very much correlated to the miles you put into it,” he says, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and dedication in both his athletic and academic endeavors. During the spring, the focus shifts to sprint racing, where speed and power are crucial. Balancing these demanding athletic seasons with his academic responsibilities requires exceptional time management and discipline.
From a spectator’s vision, the rower’s journey appears effortless, the stroke of the oar in the water, shell skimming the surface, barely a ripple in a massive body of water. Few witness the dedication that the sport requires. The challenge and pursuit of an engineering degree in materials science and engineering is oddly similar to the athletic commitment: the endless lab hours, research and coursework that few outside of the program understand.
Not one to look back, James occasionally reassesses his current station in life and offers advice to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to professors. “I was rather intimidated to talk to my teachers outside of the classroom,” he admits. “Overcoming this barrier revealed professors as valuable resources for academic and career guidance.”
Between rigorous workouts, James ponders his future after Penn, particularly the opportunity to further his education. His academic journey at Penn has been equally impressive, highlighted by his research in Professor Karen Winey’s group. “My goal is to work on a PhD in bio-polymers and biomaterial applications,” he muses. He excitedly shares that his senior design project focuses on biomaterials, specifically in the form of a novel hydrogel. This research experience has fueled his passion for materials science and engineering, especially in the realm of sustainability and polymer processing.
Reflecting on his academic interests, James shares, “My favorite classes have been MSE 3300, MSE 2210, and MSE 4300. The introduction to polymers, soft-matter and electronic/quantum phenomena of materials have a special interest to me.” These courses have broadened his understanding and fascination with the subject matter, reinforcing his desire to pursue advanced research. The discipline and work ethic that he’s developed through rowing have translated into his academic pursuits, helping him maximize his time in and out of the classroom.
Despite the hectic schedule of a student-athlete, James finds solace in reading books at Clark Park on rare free afternoons. This quiet time allows him to recharge and break the monotony of constant training, studying and research. His focus has shifted entirely to rowing and his studies. James’s involvement in research has been a natural extension of his curiosity and passion for materials science. “I appreciate the natural rhythm in asking meaningful questions, literature reviews, forming experimental procedures, lab work, and analysis,” he shares.
His current project in Dr. Karen Winey’s lab, focusing on polyolefin upcycling, allows him to contribute to sustainable solutions for polymer processing and recycling. The specific area of his research concerns the crystallization mechanisms and kinetics of new materials. James is particularly interested in sustainability and the processing and recycling of polymers. “We have a long way to go in terms of efficiency and pollution,” he notes, motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a more efficient planet in the future.
Looking ahead, James aims to pursue a PhD in materials science and engineering, with a focus on biopolymers and biomaterials. Under the mentorship of soft materials expert Professor Christopher Madl, Jame’s is endeavoring to produce an injectable hydrogel material that signals the onset of sepsis through a pH-indicating functional group. His goal is to delve deeper into research that can have significant medical applications, contributing to advancements in healthcare and sustainability. Not one to look back, James occasionally reassesses his current station in life and offers advice to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to professors. “I was rather intimidated to talk to my teachers outside of the classroom,” he admits. Overcoming this barrier revealed professors as valuable resources for academic and career guidance.
As James continues to navigate his journey, he hopes to gain insights that will shape his own path in materials science and engineering. “I’d love the opportunity to meet others who have pursued graduate studies in biopolymers or biotechnology, with a curiosity about their experiences and research interests.” With his unwavering dedication, both in athletic rowing and academics, James is more than pulling his own weight and poised for a bright and impactful future.