Can you please tell us about yourself?
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where I studied architecture and urban planning. Two years after graduating, I moved to Italy to continue my studies. I completed two professional master’s degrees, integrating architecture with aerospace engineering, with the idea of designing human outposts in orbit and on other celestial bodies. This introduced me to additive manufacturing, opening opportunities to work on projects in the aerospace and architecture fields. I then moved to Australia, where I worked with a medical device research company, which introduced me to biomedical engineering. Later, I started a position with the UNSW Engineering Makerspaces as a Technical Officer, enabling access to manufacturing technologies for all UNSW community members for coursework, research, and student projects, and managing the 3D printing facility.
How would you describe your role at Tyree IHealthE?
I oversee and manage the labs and prototyping spaces. This includes equipment procurement and maintenance, user training and supervision, and engaging with stakeholders from within UNSW, Prince of Wales Hospital, and external organisations. I contribute to strategic planning in relation to current and future requirements in translation-focused infrastructure, while providing technical support to projects and enabling fabrication through in-house facilities and the vast network of workshops and Makerspaces at UNSW.
What excites you about working in the new IASB lab spaces?
The IASB spaces have a unique position of bringing together medical professionals, researchers, technical staff, and students from several fields to maximize the potential to create new medical, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies. This multidisciplinary environment enables a co-design process, creating the perfect setting for iterative prototyping and the development of innovative ideas. I’m very excited to see what ideas will become a reality.
What are some emerging healthcare technologies that you are excited about?
During my professional journey, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with 3D modeling and additive manufacturing, and I can see how these technologies can have a great impact on the development of implants, prosthetics, orthotics, and surgical planning. However, what excites me the most is what is yet to come.
What do you enjoy about mentoring others, and how do you foster creativity in your team?
What I love most about mentoring others is seeing the joy on their faces when projects are completed. Playing a small part in helping them achieve their goals is very fulfilling. I believe the best way to foster creativity is through a hands-on approach, learning by doing. I like to encourage positivity and ambition even when challenges arise; it’s all part of the learning curve.
Connect with Gabo
Email: g.graterolnisi@unsw.edu.au