How LSU’s Ricki Pierce is Changing the Game in Prosthetic Care
June 11, 2025
With a 2024 bachelor’s degree from LSU in biological engineering, and a minor in robotics under her belt, Ricki Pierce is pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering where she will dedicate her time, and studies, to improving lives through the use of prosthetics.
She aims to bridge the gap in orthotics and prosthetic care, and improve the lives of those relying on disability services through her research in her master’s and her work after graduation.
While taking classes at LSU, Pierce also had numerous student work and service jobs: at Ochsner New Orleans in the Pathology Department in the Benson Cancer Center, the LSU Biological Engineering Department, and a career-inspiring time at Magnolia Medical in Baton Rouge.
Ricki Pierce, Ochsner STAR Program
– Photo courtesy of Ricki Pierce
The foundation for Pierce’s work in prosthetics started at Magnolia Medical, where she learned how to fabricate limbs, modify molds, pull test sockets and inner liners, and write life plans.
“While working at Magnolia Medical, I was inspired to bridge the gaps in orthotic and prosthetic care by helping provide affordable, timely, and high-quality support to underserved amputee populations, especially those in low-income communities and those relying on disability services,” Pierce said. “ I aim to improve patient outcomes, streamline insurance authorization, and support clinical documentation to contribute to a stronger, more accessible orthotics and prosthetics field in Louisiana.”
She said this work influenced her education and future career path.
“The company brought me to the Louisiana Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference in June 2023 and May 2024, where I attended seminars regarding new products and patient care,” Pierce said. “I was introduced to the various certified prosthetists and orthotists in Louisiana and made lots of great connections. All these experiences solidified my interest in prosthetics and orthotics.”
Pierce said during her time at LSU, as both an undergraduate and graduate student, she built strong connections with her professors and colleagues, and has taken advantage of opportunities that will further her career. She has held several leadership chairs in clubs, including the Biological Engineering Student Organization, as well as the Society of Peer Mentors.
“Choosing a college is a deeply personal decision, and I believe students should ultimately go where they feel they’ll grow the most, academically and personally,” Pierce said. “I chose LSU because it was the most financially realistic option for me, and I made the most of the opportunities available. Wherever you go, what you put into the experience will shape what you get out of it.”
Pierce’s favorite part about her time at LSU were the engineering projects. For her senior design project, Pierce and her group designed an efficient, low-cost external ear prosthesis and streamlined a quick fabrication process.
“We worked with an ENT surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. The doctor had us fabricate an ear for one of his patients for him to attach. The patient had some great feedback!”
“We scanned a patient’s ear using a 3D scanner, processed the images and created a 3D printed mold, scanned the patient’s skin with a spectrometer, dyed silicone to match the patient’s skin, and made adjustments to the final prosthesis as necessary,” Pierce said.
Next Step
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