From Ground to Muscle: My Career Transition Story
Why I Left Geotechnical Engineering
In 2024, I completed my Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering at a top Chinese university and joined a reputable geotechnical consulting firm. On the surface, everything was going well: stable job, decent salary, clear career path.
But deep inside, a voice kept whispering:
“This isn’t what I really want to research.”
Looking back, the seed was planted during my graduate studies. While working on numerical simulations of foundation settlement, I stumbled upon a paper on musculoskeletal modeling — and I was mesmerized by the elegance of human movement biomechanics. The idea of applying engineering thinking to the human body kept me awake at night.
What is Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling?
Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) modeling is a core technology in biomechanics. In simple terms, it uses mathematical models to describe how the brain (neuro), muscles, and bones work together during human movement.
Applications include:
- Rehabilitation: Analyzing injured athletes’ movements to guide recovery programs
- Prosthetics design: Creating more natural control systems for artificial limbs
- Sports performance: Helping athletes refine technique and reduce injury risk
- Exoskeleton robotics: Developing wearable assistive devices for the elderly and disabled
This field sits at the intersection of mechanics, physiology, control theory, and machine learning — a perfect entry point for someone with an engineering background.
The Decision to Quit
Early 2026, I made a decision that seemed “crazy” to many: I resigned without another job lined up.
No next position, no advisor, no research project. Just a laptop, a field of study, and an intense curiosity.
This website is where I document that journey.
Current Learning Path
I’m currently focused on:
- OpenSim: Stanford’s open-source musculoskeletal simulation platform, the standard tool in NMS research
- Biomechanics fundamentals: Kinematics, dynamics, muscle mechanics
- Python for data analysis: Processing motion capture data and simulation outputs
- Literature review: Reading 2-3 top conference/journal papers per week
This is my first blog post — and a beginning. I don’t know exactly where this path leads, but I’m certain it’s worth taking.
If you’ve had a similar experience, or are interested in NMS modeling, I’d love to connect 👋