For Colby Abuhoff, engineering has always been about more than designing technology. It's about creating solutions that improve lives.

Today, Colby works as an Associate Engineer at Republic Spine while pursuing his master's degree in Biomedical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University, where he also serves as a Graduate Student Researcher. His work is centered on developing innovative medical technologies that have the potential to restore mobility, improve patient outcomes, and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

His passion for biomedical engineering began long before college. After breaking his wrists three different times as a child, Colby became fascinated with the X-rays doctors used to diagnose his injuries. He found himself studying the images, trying to understand what they revealed. Later, a newfound interest in programming and engineering broadened his perspective, but it was one life-changing experience that ultimately defined his career path.

During the summer before college, Colby worked at a summer camp for individuals with special needs. There, he met children and young adults whose resilience left a lasting impression, especially one camper who had experienced a stroke as an infant and struggled with mobility.

"It was hard for me to see him, and other kids, struggle without me being able to do much to help or see them have their independence," Colby recalls. "It was this experience that made me decide I wanted to work on prosthetics and other medical devices."

That purpose became the driving force behind his education.

Through Doral College's dual enrollment program, Colby earned his Associate of Arts degree while still in high school, giving him a valuable head start before enrolling at Florida Atlantic University. The experience strengthened his work ethic, taught him how to balance rigorous coursework, and prepared him for the demands of college-level academics.

The early opportunities Colby received led to an impressive list of achievements. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school and earned his Associate degree with summa cum laude honors from Doral College. Later, he graduated magna cum laude from Florida Atlantic University, becoming the first student at the university to earn an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Throughout his undergraduate career, Colby embraced every opportunity to grow as both an engineer and a leader. His senior design project, the Smart Knee Exosuit, combined biomechanics, robotics, and engineering to create an assistive device capable of predicting user movement and reducing strain on the knee joint by approximately 67 percent. The project brought together years of classroom knowledge, research, teamwork, and innovation into a solution designed to improve mobility and independence.

Outside the classroom, Colby became deeply involved with Florida Atlantic University's Formula SAE team, one of the university's largest engineering organizations. What began as an extracurricular activity quickly became one of the defining experiences of his college career. As Composites Lead, he redesigned and manufactured carbon fiber components for the team's Formula-style race car, introducing new manufacturing techniques that reduced weight while improving performance. He later served as Vice President, overseeing the business operations of the team and helping secure more than $30,000 in sponsorships while leading the organization through a successful competition season. Reflecting on the experience, Colby says the team became like family, strengthening not only his engineering abilities but also his leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

Now balancing graduate research with his role at Republic Spine, Colby remains focused on designing prosthetics, orthotics, spinal technologies, and other medical devices that improve quality of life and restore independence for patients around the world.

Colby's journey demonstrates the impact that early opportunities can have on a student's future. Through Doral College's dual enrollment program, he built the academic foundation, confidence, and work ethic that prepared him to excel in college, embrace leadership opportunities, and launch a career dedicated to innovation and service.

Reflecting on his experience, Colby encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.

"Whether you are dual enrolling in high school or starting your associate's degree after graduation, the amount of opportunity is amazing and life-changing," he says. "Enrolling here can be a great foundational step in your career, as it was for me."

Now balancing graduate research with his role at Republic Spine, Colby remains focused on designing prosthetics, orthotics, spinal technologies, and other medical devices that improve quality of life and restore independence for patients around the world.

Colby's journey demonstrates the impact that early opportunities can have on a student's future. Through Doral College's dual enrollment program, he built the academic foundation, confidence, and work ethic that prepared him to excel in college, embrace leadership opportunities, and launch a career dedicated to innovation and service.

Reflecting on his experience, Colby encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.

"Whether you are dual enrolling in high school or starting your associate's degree after graduation, the amount of opportunity is amazing and life-changing," he says. "Enrolling here can be a great foundational step in your career, as it was for me."

For current and future Doral College students, his message is simple:

Doral College isn't just a place to earn college credits; it's a place to build the foundation for your future!