*Opens Google*
*Types:*
> What is Biomedical Engineering?
This was more or less how I began my journey down what has been two years of my life so far. Biomedical Engineering (BME) can be such an vague area of study, but I believe that is what makes it special. In BME, there is no one definition or route you are restricted to. BME allows you to carve your own path while taking concepts and learning from all the other fields of engineering at the same time.
In my search for my perfect major, I knew I wanted to have an impact on the human body and medical field as well as have a tinge of science fiction. Ultimately, I found these desires and more as I have continued to dive into Biomedical Engineering at USC.
Bio
Since a kid, I had always had a fascination with science fiction and the future, especially as it pertained to the human condition. Thoughts of neural implantations, cyborgs, and overall human enhancement have always had field days in my mind. Through BME 202, for example, I was able to model a neuron through both Excel and MATLAB. On a bigger scale, I have also been able to work with disease progression models and imaging software procedures. Applying engineering principles to biological concepts have not only expanded my knowledge of human processes but have also made the process of doing so much more interesting. As a result, I believe that I am well on my way on making these “fascinations” a reality.[/vc_column_text]
Medical
Above all, a patient-centered approach has always and grown to be my focal point as I continue BME. I have a special interest in cardiac illnesses because of my father’s struggles with these issues. Because of this, I aim to leverage opportunities such as my research with the ultimate goal of patient impact. Experiences such as ASBME’s Makeathon have allowed me to create medical devices in order to aid and solve important medical issues.
Engineering
For almost a year now, I have taken pride in the work I do in the Biomedical Microsystems Laboratory under Dr. Ellis Meng at USC. I have been able to work on implantable microneedles for molecule concentration tracking from both a hardware and software perspective. Everything from assembling a puncturing apparatus to coding a GUI. In fact, I am currently building a mobile application to further this project.
Whether it is coding, hardware modeling, wet lab work, electrical assembly, etc., I am more than happy with the avenues I have been provided to explore my interests. Having only two years under my belt, I am sure I have many more exciting opportunities to come.
