“I was always interested in medicine and helping others through health care, and knew I wanted to work in the biomedical field from a young age. I also enjoyed math and science, and discovered that with bioengineering, I could combine my two passions to study engineering and medicine.
The Department of Bioengineering has so many opportunities for students to get involved in committees, organizations and in research. I am a part of the diversity committee, whose goal is to expose underrepresented communities to bioengineering.
I am also a part of NSBE, the National Society of Black Engineers, where I have been exposed to many job opportunities. After graduation, I will be working at Accenture, a global consulting company. Consultants analyze complex problems, and develop solutions to support their clients. Accenture works with many bioengineering and healthcare companies, and I look forward to applying my bioengineering skills in a business setting.
I currently work in a neurology research lab where I use human stem cells to model Alzheimer’s disease. Current models of neurodegenerative diseases are usually mouse models; however, mice and humans are very different. It is important to have a human based model that is more indicative and representative of the human brain. I have always been super interested in stem cells and having this research opportunity as an undergraduate student is a humbling experience that I am very grateful for.
I believe that research is the best way to find your passion in bioengineering. There are so many different research areas in bioengineering, which allow you to really make an impact in a field you care about.
My advice to prospective bioengineers is to take advantage of all the resources that the department has to offer. There are so many ways for your voice to be heard.”