In September, BME welcomed 100+ students into our graduate programs. We asked some of these students what they are looking forward to in graduate school, and why they chose our programs. Here’s what they have to say.
Yusuf Abderrahman
MEng Program
I’m looking forward to learning more skills applicable to the field of biomedical engineering that will make me more employable in Canada and around the world.
When asked what inspired me to pursue biomedical engineering, I’d say it is the profound impact this field has on improving people’s lives that truly motivates me. The ability to directly contribute to enhancing someone’s health, whether by helping to cure diseases or addressing everyday health challenges, is incredibly rewarding. I’ve always felt that making even a small difference in someone’s well-being would be a measure of success as a biomedical engineer. For me, it is about the importance of the work and the fulfillment that comes from knowing I am part of something that genuinely helps people.
Katherine Abrey
MASc Program
I look forward to all the opportunities and experiences that come with attending a large and developed university. I plan to capitalize on everything I can!
I cannot wait to broaden my biomedical engineering knowledge, especially on the biological side. I will use what I learn during this degree to make a difference in people’s lives.
I am excited to make some new friends with interests similar to mine! I have always sought a career that genuinely helps people while also aligning with my interests and what I thrive in.
When I graduated high school, I still had no idea what I wanted to do or even what my most significant interests were; I liked a little bit of everything! I applied to many different types of bachelor’s programs. Somehow, I wound up going through with engineering!
As I progressed through the first year of my degree, I realized that it encompasses all my interests: problem-solving, effectiveness and efficiency, creativity, continuous learning, machining and manufacturing, logic, and so many more. You can do anything with engineering, depending on your specialty! The one thing I was missing was ensuring that I used my degree and knowledge in a way that made a difference in the world.
As my degree progressed, I had the pleasure of working with a hospital and a veterinary college on two very different projects. I realized then that the missing piece of what I want to do is to help people directly. Ideally, I want to work closely with clinicians of all types and adapt and devise novel solutions so that people can have the best care.
Biomedical engineering found me.
Sania Aftab
MASc Program
In graduate school, I’m looking forward to expanding my expertise in biomedical engineering, particularly in ways that can directly improve patient care and streamline healthcare. I’m excited to dive deeper into research that explores the connections between respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, to develop more effective and efficient treatment strategies.
I’m also eager to collaborate with a diverse group of mentors, clinicians, and community partners. The opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment and learn from different perspectives is something I find incredibly valuable. By integrating innovative solutions, I hope to contribute to streamlining healthcare practices, ultimately making a positive impact on patient outcomes.
My passion for biomedical engineering was ignited by a summer internship at UHN, which I had the opportunity to pursue with a scholarship from TRANSFORM HF. During this internship, I worked on developing wearable technology for remote patient monitoring, focusing on ECG data for individuals living with heart failure. This hands-on experience in my lab demonstrated the potential of biomedical engineering to advance healthcare.
The ability of wearable technology to provide continuous, non-invasive monitoring and significantly improve patient outcomes deeply inspired me. It became evident that Biomedical Engineering is the ideal field for combining my enthusiasm for technological innovation with a desire to create a meaningful impact on people’s lives. This experience motivated me to further my studies, as I am eager to explore how cutting-edge technology can streamline healthcare practices and enhance patient care.
Jennifer Akaade
MEng Program
I’m excited about the opportunity to explore advanced topics in biomedical engineering that would allow me to deepen my expertise in areas that truly interest me. I’m looking forward to working on research and projects that push the boundaries of current medical technologies and gaining practical experience through lab work and industry collaborations. The prospect of networking with professionals and peers, as well as the opportunity to create groundbreaking solutions that could impact healthcare, is something I find particularly motivating as I prepare for a future in this dynamic field.
My passion for health and technology inspired me to study biomedical engineering. I’ve always been driven by the desire to apply technological advancements to solve health problems, and biomedical engineering offers the perfect blend of these interests. By merging my love for both fields, I aim to develop innovative solutions that can improve healthcare and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Nader Allam
MEng Program
I am eager to build my background in rehabilitation engineering further, studying under and assisting the research efforts of top-ranking researchers in the field.
I wish to help others overcome any perceived physical limitations. These studies represent an important step toward my dream of becoming a physician-scientist in rehabilitation medicine.
Raegan Allan
MASc Program
I look forward to meeting like-minded people and building connections in the biomedical engineering research community.
In grad school, I wanted to learn about the intersection of electronic and biological systems for diagnostic purposes.
Tereza Blahova
MASc Program
I am eager to delve deeper into the field of single-cell genomics and microfluidics research, and to learn more about their applications in medicine and improving health outcomes. I am also very excited about the opportunity to work with students and researchers in the BME community who are conducting cutting-edge research.
My motivation to pursue biomedical engineering is underlined by my passion for research and strong interest in medical technology. I am particularly drawn to this field as it offers a unique, interdisciplinary, and innovative lens to approaching complex healthcare challenges.
Emma Calovini
MASc Program
I am looking forward to collaborating and working alongside my fellow researchers, peers, clinicians, and supervisors at Holland Bloorview. I am very excited to meet new people and to collaborate with like-minded researchers in BME! I look forward to expanding my knowledge in biomedical engineering subjects and continuously learning in this environment!
I was inspired to study biomedical engineering due to its direct link to making an impact in the medical world. I have always looked to not just design and engineer to make something new and innovative, but rather for it to make a difference in this world. The unique opportunity of working with children’s prosthetics at Holland Bloorview is very inspiring, as I strive to improve the lives of these patients and see the direct effects of research that I am involved in.
Eric Chiu
PhD Program
One of the things I am looking forward to by joining the PhD program is to deepen my knowledge in current biomedical problems and to be allowed to devise a solution to address them.
Coming from a background in pharmacology, I was always fascinated by how modern therapies worked mechanistically. Over time, I learned that in addition to the fundamental properties of a drug, the way it is delivered/formulated plays an equally important role in the efficacy and potency of a therapeutic. This piqued my interest in drug delivery and biomedical engineering, leading me to join BME at U of T.
Sajida Chowdhury
PhD Program
I’m looking forward to gaining specialized knowledge in a specific niche of biomedical engineering and applying that expertise to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of health technology. I’m excited to conduct research alongside talented and driven individuals and collaborate on innovative projects that push the boundaries of our field.
The opportunity to explore advanced research and work with leading experts in the field was a major inspiration for me. I am driven by the potential to develop solutions that address critical health challenges and make a tangible impact on people’s lives. The interdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering, which merges engineering principles with medical and biological sciences, aligns perfectly with my passion for improving healthcare through technology.
Jacob Delaney
PhD Program
I look forward to creating a community of peers, mentors, and mentees who are excited and energized about research.
I was inspired to study biomedical engineering due to its intersectionality. I love drawing from multiple backgrounds in my work, so the multidisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering was a perfect fit for me.
Simarpreet Dhanauta
MEng Program
The opportunities available during graduate school are invaluable, allowing me to deepen my knowledge, work on impactful projects, and collaborate with others to tackle real-world challenges in healthcare. It’s an exciting first step into the professional world!
The world is constantly changing, yet the need for healthcare remains constant. The medical technology developed through biomedical engineering, from simple bandages to complex artificial organs, has the potential to improve and transform lives significantly. Each advancement, no matter how big or small, can contribute to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life. Witnessing these innovations’ profound impact on people’s lives inspired me to study biomedical engineering. If I can make a positive difference in even one person’s health, I would consider my journey a success.
Laura Edmonds
MEng Program
I look forward to learning from the incredibly knowledgeable and talented professor at the University of Toronto as well as getting to know professors and peers who are passionate about topics related to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. I also hope to find ways to contribute to the amazing research and innovation being done in and around the University of Toronto.
I was, in part, inspired to study biomedical engineering by my fascination with the intricate and amazingly balanced systems of the human body as well as by the mysteries of the mind. These passions, along with the drive to design and problem solve and my desire for people to have a high quality of life throughout their lives, have led me to pursue expertise in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and the nervous system.
Kevin Fan
MASc Program
I’m looking forward to meeting other students and working with the vast research and hospital network in Toronto. I’m also looking forward to further exploring research areas of interest through my thesis project within BME.
I am particularly interested in applying cell and tissue engineering principles to develop next-generation cell-based therapies in the context of regenerative medicine and in modulating the immune system.
Rubaina Farin
MASc Program
I’m excited to collaborate with leading experts and peers in the Biomedical Engineering Master’s program, enhancing my skills through hands-on projects. I look forward to applying my diverse experiences to develop innovative medical technologies and contribute to advancements in healthcare, particularly in pediatric and aging services.
A family friend’s sudden coma and my time working at SickKids Hospital sparked my passion for Biomedical Engineering. Witnessing the life-saving impact of biomedical technology motivated me to pursue a field where science and compassion intersect, aiming to create transformative solutions and improve lives through innovation.
Jan Gamboa
PhD Program
I look forward to learning more about the gut microbiome, which has been my research interest since high school, through conducting my own research and experiments! Also looking forward to hanging out and collaborating with my peers!
My interest in biomedical engineering stems from its unique ability to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to study and precisely manipulate the gut microbiome, which has been my research interest since high school.
Rayna Ghosh
MASc Program
I’m excited about diving into U of T’s research scene, where curiosity and creativity drive innovation. For me, grad school is more than just acquiring knowledge – it’s about joining a community that’s constantly pushing boundaries, challenging conventional ideas, and making impactful contributions.
My interest in biomedical engineering was sparked by seeing how technology can improve patient care during my undergraduate studies. The idea of applying engineering skills to solve complex medical problems resonated with me, and I knew this was the direction I wanted to take. Biomedical engineering offers a unique combination of challenges and opportunities, allowing me to work on solutions that can make a real impact on people’s lives.
Aksel Gomel
MEng Program
I look forward to gaining new insights into biomedicine, applying my knowledge and skills in challenging courses and work environments, and expanding my professional network by collaborating with prestigious peers and professors.
I was inspired to study biomedical engineering as I am motivated to contribute to the development of innovative healthcare for patients around the world. This degree will provide me with invaluable practical experience that is perfectly aligned with my entrepreneurial aspirations in the biomedical sector.
Madison Hunter
MEng Program
I look forward to collaborating and learning from students, professors, and others at U of T and partnering communities who share a similar enthusiasm for innovation in biotechnology and medicine. I am honoured to be a part of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, where I am additionally looking forward to contributing to the advancement of medicine and engineering through the MEng internship.
With a background in the life sciences, I have always been drawn to interdisciplinary fields. Biomedical engineering is relatively new and fosters innovation, offering ample opportunities to apply engineering principles to advance modern medicine and healthcare from various perspectives. The work done by scientists and other collaborators to advance and improve rehabilitation, clinical engineering, and regenerative medicine is integral on both micro and macro scales, and I am inspired by those who have dedicated their time to the promotion of healing.
Saim Imran
MEng Program
I’m excited about graduate school, the academic journey, and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. I look forward to immersing myself in all the opportunities that come my way and am eager to learn, grow, and collaborate with others who share my passion and drive.
I have always been passionate about being at the forefront of bringing equitable diagnostic tools to communities. Growing up in Pakistan, it has been critical for me to contribute to making these essential devices easily accessible to the community I grew up in, as well as to those who are less fortunate. Pursuing an MEng at the University of Toronto will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve this goal, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in the field of engineering and healthcare.
Armen Jeddi
PhD Program
I look forward to leading innovative and high-impact research that can help solve real-world problems.
Natalie Kelly
MEng Program
I look forward to taking more specialized courses in my field of interest and gaining applicable skills that will benefit me when I enter the workforce.
Sasha Korolov
PhD Program
I’m excited to meet new people, learn new skills, and dive deep into one area of research.
I love that BME includes such a variety of students and projects. Everyone is doing something new and different! I’m interested in fundamental biological problems, as well as how new technologies can be applied to these questions. Which is just one of the many fields in BME.
Uttara Krishnan
MEng Program
I’m excited about the new opportunities I’ll get to experience as a graduate student at the University of Toronto. Alongside my classes, I’m looking forward to being a part of the community and meeting others with similar interests!
Growing up, I was always the kid who would ask their parents about ‘how things worked’, and I knew I wanted to apply this further into my studies. I’ve always loved the study of engineering and innovation, and when combined with my appreciation for anatomy and physiology, biomedical engineering was the perfect fit for me!
Joy Lai
MASc Program
I’m looking forward to learning from experts in the field and expanding my knowledge in AI and assistive technology. Graduate school offers a great chance to network with leaders in the field and gain new insights that will help me grow as a researcher.
I have always been interested in the applications of machine learning and AI, particularly in healthcare. Biomedical engineering presents an opportunity to apply that interest in a meaningful way, with the potential to positively impact people’s lives
Jennifer Lam
MASc Program
I am looking forward to growing in graduate school! With great honour and privilege, I will leverage my strengths towards meaningful contributions throughout my master’s degree. I will commit to refining my skills, engaging in collaborative projects, and seizing networking opportunities to fuel my personal and professional growth.
The challenge of addressing complex biological questions from an engineering angle inspired me to study biomedical engineering. The interdisciplinary approaches between biologists and engineers offer a unique opportunity to tackle and solve nuanced problems from multiple perspectives.
Mina Latif
MEng Program
As a graduate student, I am hoping to build out my network, add more skills to my tool belt, and learn more about AI applications in medical tech and possible roots for innovation.
I studied biomedical engineering in my undergrad and despite its challenges, I find that is a very meaningful field and always has the most interesting issues to solve.
Baidu Li
MEng Program
I’m excited to bring my computer science background into my graduate studies in biomedical engineering, particularly in the area of brain-computer interfaces (BCI). I look forward to applying my technical skills to address real-world health challenges, leveraging my knowledge in algorithms, data processing, and machine learning to innovate in the healthcare field. The prospect of contributing to solutions that could improve patient outcomes and advance medical technology is something I find deeply fulfilling.
My interest in biomedical engineering began when I was in primary school and watched Sword Art Online. The concept of immersive virtual reality and the idea of connecting the human brain directly to a digital environment fascinated me. As I grew older, this fascination evolved into a deeper interest in how technology can interact with the brain.
Recently, my interest was further fueled by Elon Musk’s work in developing brain-computer interface technology through his start-ups. The potential to help people control computers and even restore lost neurological functions is incredibly inspiring. These experiences have driven me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, with the hope of contributing to the next generation of technological advancements in this field.
Heyi Liu
MEng Program
In pursuit of a master’s degree at the University of Toronto, I am looking forward to taking specialized courses that will fortify my foundation in clinical engineering and nanomedicine – fields that are pivotal for addressing complex challenges in healthcare industries and precision medicine.
The graduate program in BME is a comprehensive educational journey that will equip me with the interdisciplinary skills needed to significantly impact the future of healthcare.
Ben Lusterio-Adler
MEng Program
I am excited to be immersed in an environment where creativity, innovation, and passion collide to drive us forward.
When I was in high school, my mother started a new career as an elderly home care aide. She would tell me about her work and how the healthcare system was struggling to meet the needs of our aging population.
By the time I completed my mechanical engineering undergrad at McGill, the situation had deteriorated. My mom’s workplace was severely understaffed, leading to a reduced quality of care for their growing client base. Closer to home, I saw the difficulties faced by my grandmother as she navigated the challenges of old age.
I am studying biomedical engineering to address this problem and others like it.
There is a marked need for affordable, innovative solutions to problems across the healthcare sector. As a passionate engineering graduate with experience in entrepreneurship, design, optimization, and robotics, I am determined to channel my passion toward making a positive impact in this field.
John Milkovich
MD/MEng Program
I look forward to connecting with engineering students who are passionate about exacting positive change. U of T brings together brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, and it is truly a privilege to connect and hopefully collaborate within this community.
As an MD/MEng student, I am interested in working at the junction of engineering and medicine, which lends itself to driving positive change through innovation and health advocacy. I firmly believe that this degree will equip me with the knowledge and skillset to marry these two fields in my career.
Theophilus Ofori
MEng Program
I’m eager to build lasting connections, engage in cutting-edge research, and explore opportunities that will empower me to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare technologies in resource-limited settings.
During college, my decision to study biomedical engineering was driven by a strong desire to marry my passion for helping the sick with my keen interest in technology. As I transitioned into the professional world, my experience working as a biomedical engineer in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Ghana over the past five years has deepened my understanding of the challenges within the African Healthcare system. Each day, I witness the suffering of children who lack access to proper medical care due to the absence of essential medical equipment. These experiences have exposed critical gaps in the healthcare infrastructure in Africa and reinforced my commitment to pursue an advanced study in biomedical engineering and find solutions. I plan to use my skills and knowledge to develop technologies to bridge the healthcare delivery gap in Africa, especially for mothers and children.
Vidhisha Patel
MEng Program
As someone with an engineering background, I am excited to learn more about the health sciences aspect of biomedical engineering and gain a better understanding of how engineering can be applied to solve healthcare issues. I am eager to collaborate with fellow students, in interdisciplinary teams, to conceptualize and design innovative BME solutions.
Whether through knee replacement prosthetics or physiotherapy equipment, seeing people in my day-to-day life benefit from the work created through biomedical engineering has inspired me to pursue the field. I’m inspired to study rehabilitation engineering, where I can be part of teams that create tools & technology to help people regain their independence or live safer lives.
Vonara Kalahe Pathirana
MEng Program
I am looking forward to not only expanding my knowledge into technology and engineering but also learning how to apply what I obtained in my bachelor’s degree to real-world industries. I know it won’t be easy, but I am excited to be challenged.
Health technology is an incredible field that allows innovators to help people in the masses. Whether you create new technology that solves current problems elevates existing technology, or makes existing medical devices more affordable/accessible, you truly are changing lives for the better.
James Poon
MEng Program
After getting into graduate school, I want to continue to deeply explore my areas of interest in BME, such as tissue engineering, biomaterial science, and digital health. I hope I can polish my problem-solving skills, analytical skills, critical thinking, and creativity throughout the program to prepare for my career as a biomedical engineer.
My motivation to study BME originated from my desire to innovate new technologies for better patient care, hoping to make a huge difference in the healthcare sector. What I found BME fascinating was its ability to use engineering knowledge to address problems that could not be tackled by conventional medicine alone. Therefore, BME has been my choice of career.
Yu Qin
PhD Program
A passion for making a difference drives many to pursue graduate studies in biomedical engineering, where I can apply knowledge to create solutions that improve lives and healthcare outcomes. Graduate school provides the opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in my field.
Margarita Savguira
MASc Program
The one thing I am looking forward to in graduate school is growing as a scientific researcher as well as developing new skills and connecting with like-minded people. I am also excited about the opportunity to work in the field of mRNA engineering for cancer immunotherapy, which is novel, rapidly evolving, and has great potential to impact how we treat cancer.
I was inspired to study biomedical engineering due to its applied approach when studying biological systems. Biomedical engineering has a strong focus on treatment development which is something I’ve always wanted to participate in, especially in the context of cancer.
Lyba Sheraz
MEng Program
There are many things to look forward to during my time in grad school! However, if I had to emphasize one aspect, I would say that I am very excited to be a part of the Biomedical Engineering community at U of T. Having the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, collaborate on impactful projects, and connect with renowned experts is what truly motivates me.
Coming from a Life Sciences background, I was exposed to a general understanding of the mechanisms of health and disease. However, my experience in the workforce quickly changed my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the application of biomedical innovation. While working in clinical research, I observed the need for advanced technological production solutions within medicine. For me, pursuing a program that aims to revolutionize the healthcare landscape is a priority, and the BME program perfectly aligns with that goal!
Zeeshan Siddiqui
MASc Program
First and foremost, I am excited to be in an intellectually stimulating environment that will fuel my curiosity about how the world works. I see grad school as a community of like-minded individuals whom I can learn, share my understandings with, and be challenged to expand my knowledge and enrich my perspectives. I am also very much looking forward to conducting research at the Autism Research Centre at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; I’ve never worked in a clinical setting before and I am excited to see the different possible ways my research can directly support patients here and elsewhere! And while I know hardships are inevitable on my graduate school journey, I also know that means that there will be many growth opportunities, both personally and professionally, and I see myself, now, in a place ready to explore where I can go and who I can become.
I still remember attending a lecture during a psychology course I took as an undergrad. There was a point during the lecture when the professor began talking specifically about neuroscience concepts, and that was when I felt an electricity of enthusiasm rush through me, sparking a craving for curiosity to learn more about the mysteries of the brain and its connection to human behaviour. During undergrad, I studied software engineering and psychology, but I found that these programs were very much independent, with minimal opportunity to explore the intersection of various topics within these areas of study. My goal after undergrad was to find a graduate program that could help me combine my interests in machine learning and neuroscience, and also align with my aspiration to contribute to improving the lives of those facing various mental or physical challenges. Biomedical engineering at U of T was the puzzle piece I was looking for that perfectly fits to help me achieve this goal!
Nijash Sooriyakumaran
PhD Program
Further pursuing my research interests alongside using my skillset to try and make advancements in the field!
Some of the problems at hand are complex and extremely technical problems. I’m super excited to try new methodologies to further push the limitations of this area.
Maxwell Tong
MEng Program
I look forward to developing my passions and using innovative techniques to advance medical research in neuro-imaging both in accuracy and clarity.
A big inspiration for me to pursue graduate school is my friends and family who have struggled with mental health, my convictions in faith, and the desire to understand better the functioning of our brain.
Yi-Ping Tseng
MEng Program
I look forward to meeting new people and inspiring each other further while working together.
The combination of engineering and medicine is fascinating and it has propelled me to continue exploring and studying in this field.
Yvonne Yang
MASc Program
Doing research and contributing to the frontiers of human knowledge!
I had a stable full-time job in software engineering and was set on going into industry. But by some happy coincidence, I decided to take a course on neuromodulation on a whim and met Dr. Taufik Valiante, who had the coolest research project. One thing led to another, and I decided to dive deep into computational neuroscience with a graduate degree.