Computing Off Campus: Combining CS and Healthcare
Tell me about your research! What are your responsibilities? What tasks are you working on over the summer?
I am working as a summer graduate research assistant for the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota. I work on a research project called CE-STAND. I use Python and MATLAB tools to analyze and visualize patient data. I also automate neuro assessment tests like Brain and Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) and Dual-N-back testing. It is a clinical trial exploring how cervical epidural stimulation can help patients with chronic spinal cord injuries regain autonomic functions. Additionally, I help streamline research workflows. It is a beautiful intersection of data, medicine, and human resilience. Being a part of this work is really incredible.
What is the most important thing you have learned thus far?
This role has been a master class in interdisciplinary collaboration. I have learned how tech and healthcare teams can come together under one vision and it has taught me how to design resilience systems, because research never goes as planned. You have to be as proactive as possible and have a high level of problem solving skills. You learn to troubleshoot in real time, build backup plans, and make quick decisions. I have gained a much deeper understanding of research protocol documentation and patient center data handling. It’s not about writing a clean code, it is also about making that code count in higher stakes environments.
How did your school work prepare you for this role?
The University of Minnesota is one of the most professionally equipping schools across the United States. The coursework has helped me come prepared with data analysis, data visualizations, and software development skills. I have completed courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which equipped me with a strong foundation to troubleshoot software issues efficiently and design intelligent, adaptive solutions when challenges arise. In addition to that, I’ve actively participated in computer science workshops and seminars held regularly at the university. Most recently, I attended the AI Health Summit, hosted by the Data Science and AI Initiative Program. This helped me learn more about how healthcare and technology work together and allowed me to connect with professionals working across both fields.
How did you become interested in computer science and what are your specific areas of interest?
Being a computer science student was not a childhood dream for me, it was a path that unfolded during COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, my family faced difficult times and in that chaos, technology was the only thing that stepped as a savior. I saw firsthand how a few lines of code and smart algorithms can hold the world together and I wanted to be a part of that solution, to build things that matter. With my foundation in math and logic, I devoted myself to computer science and I never looked back. Currently, I am exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning through coursework and projects, but I’ve always been drawn to healthcare technology, fascinated by the smart systems that support patient care behind the scenes. I want to be at the intersection of AI and healthcare, building tools that can truly help people when they need it most.
What are your future career goals? How has this research opportunity impacted your goals?
I’m currently exploring full-time roles across the technology space, with a special interest in building intelligent systems that can learn from data and adapt in real time, whether it's in healthcare, finance, or sustainability. My goal is to work on meaningful problems, where I’m not just developing cutting-edge models but also making sense of the data they consume to drive real-world impact. I want the work I do to matter, for people, for society, and for the future. Through my recent research experience, I got a firsthand look at how raw patient data, when placed in the hands of technology, can be transformed into powerful solutions. That glimpse into the potential of healthcare technology sparked something in me and gave me the dream to build solutions that serve people when they need it most.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue research in the future?
Recently, I’ve had many incoming students, especially those starting in Fall 2025, reach out to me through LinkedIn and WhatsApp, looking for guidance. I’ve been more than happy to help, especially international students who are navigating the same transition I went through last year. It’s my way of paying it forward. There are so many opportunities across the university to explore different domains, build skills, and grow. Don’t hesitate to email professors, attend events solo, or dive into side projects that excite you. Networking truly is the key. One thing I’ve learned: don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. That’s a trap. Everyone’s path at the university looks different, and that’s okay. Make sure to focus on depth and not just breadth. And most importantly, celebrate your small wins; no matter how tiny they may seem. They’re still yours, and they still count. You’ll experience a bit of everything: success, failure, stress, frustration, but through it all, try to enjoy the journey. You’re about to become part of the University of Minnesota, and I promise, it’ll be worth it.