CSpotlight: Combining CSci with BME

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?

I started to get interested in computer science back in high school. I took a computer science class and it was really fun and I liked the projects we were able to do. When I came to the University of Minnesota, I originally started with a biomedical engineering degree, but when I took one computer science class I really liked it. I felt like it would have a lot of unique applications with the biomedical engineering degree as well. I then started taking more classes and just exploring different opportunities that I thought would combine both of those skill sets. I’m really hoping to work in the medical device industry, specifically combining BME and technology to create essential medical devices. That is a large reason for why I decided to pursue a degree in computer science.

How did you become interested in biomedical engineering and computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?

I have always been interested in the healthcare field, but wasn’t sure how I wanted to get more involved with it. That is why I chose BME. I chose computer science after taking a few computer science classes and really liking it. In BME, there is a bit of programming but not to the extent of computer science, and I wanted to be able to hone those skills and  get more project experience, and explore how my computer science skills could impact people. Going forward, I’m hoping to work in medical devices and am really interested in surgical robotics, for example, and being able to optimize pre-existing devices and creating new ones. 

Tell us more about your internship experiences.

I have done two internships at Medtronic. One after my freshman year of college where I was a research and development (R&D) engineer. It was my first industry experience and I definitely learned a lot about the whole medical device process and got a lot of ownership over my own projects. My most recent internship experience was at Medtronic again, where I was working on a manufacturing site, so not really BME or computer science related. Being in an area that didn’t really have those two skill sets allowed me to apply my skills in a unique and different way. I got involved with a lot of different projects and I was able to utilize  my BME or programming skills by looking at ways to optimize, and  provide new and more advanced solutions to a lot of problems that people were facing. 

Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved? 

I used to be a part of the Indian Student Association. I was on board with them for two years and was co-president throughout my sophomore and junior year. It was a really great experience, and especially coming to the university, I wanted to be able to connect with my Indian background and this felt like a great way to get involved with people who shared a similar background. I also wanted to work on my own leadership experience. 

I have also been involved with the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) office throughout my time here. My freshman year, I was a participant for the MCAE kickoff. In my junior year, I became a student coordinator where I worked with another student and with the MCAE staff to put together the program entirely. This past summer, I was a kickoff leader. I am part of the Tom Burnett leadership program, which is run through the leadership minor. It is a great way for people, especially graduating seniors, to have an insightful conversation about leadership and how we want to lead throughout the rest of our lives. 

What do you hope to contribute to the biomedical engineering and computer science community at the University?

Being able to inspire people and showcase that there are a lot of opportunities that might not seem like the straightforward career path. Being able to look at both of these skill sets really opened up a lot of unique and different doors for me that I wouldn’t have been able to open otherwise. I want to show people that there are a lot more opportunities than you think, and you shouldn’t be afraid to explore them. 

Have you been involved with any research on campus?

I was an undergraduate research assistant at the Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center the summer after my sophomore year. I worked with a team of other students to develop a virtual reality (VR) simulator for knee surgery.

What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?

Don’t be afraid to try new things and say yes to things. The best memories I have had throughout college, and a large reason why I ended up with a computer science major is because even if I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or not, I just gave things a shot. Being open minded and being willing to try things out and see where it goes, whether it be with experiences or with different friendships and different people, is really important. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I am going to be working at Medtronic in New Haven, Connecticut, as part of their Surgical Robotics Division.