Appetizers

Starting with some basics.

 Fun Starters

Getting to know the human side.

 Main Course

A quick deep dive into the day-to-day student life.

Tell us about yourself and what you're studying.

I grew up always knowing I wanted to go into the medical field but wasn't really certain of a major to help me do that. I chose chemical engineering in undergrad because I thought it would give me the most related skills to contribute to the field, as pharmaceutical companies rely heavily on chemical engineers.

I found myself more personally interested in the design and robotics side of medical devices, so I decided to continue my education and pursue my Master's in biomedical engineering while doing research in the Surgical Mechatronics lab at CMU.

How did you end up in your field? What do you like about it?

I always was drawn to the medical field because there will always be room for innovation while also getting the chance to help people. The fulfillment you get out of giving someone a better quality of life while also working on really interesting problems makes it the obvious choice for me.

What classes are you taking right now? Which is your favorite and why?

I’m taking 1. Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control 2. Computer Vision 3. Robotic Design and Experimentation, 4. Wearable Health Technologies. I think my favorite would have to be computer vision because all of the material seems useful in a lot of different situations, and the projects we work on have really cool results.

Let's say the school day just started, what's a typical morning look like?

I wake up around 7:30-8:00, make coffee, shower, and either get started on work or check emails.

Cool, then what does a typical afternoon look like?

I normally make some lunch around 1:00 PM, work through the day until around 5-6:00 PM, workout for an hour or two, make dinner, and work until around 10:00 PM.

How are your classes/exams and how do you keep up? How many hours per week do you spend studying or doing assignments?

This semester I overloaded on classes just to be able to learn as much as I can before I graduate so right now it’s really intense. But, the good thing about grad classes is that they’re all specific to what you’re interested in.

Most of the time, difficult grad classes will be homework/project-based, as that is most similar to real-world professional situations, so tests won't be as big of a theme as in your undergrad courses. This allows you to really get familiar with the material on your own schedule, and I think it’s a better learning model if you're dedicated to what you want to accomplish. I spend probably 60-70 hours a week working on average this semester. Over the course of my entire graduate experience, it was probably closer to 45-50 hours.

 Dessert

Now for some juicy insights in the tea room.

What's the most challenging thing about your grad program?

The most challenging thing about my program is probably the pace at which the courses can go. In a shortened semester this is especially noticeable. You need to be able to work efficiently but also maintain a good work-life balance because mental health is most important above all. Treat yourself and you can work harder after.

What are some characteristics that help someone succeed in your grad program specifically?

Again I want to stress the work-life balance aspect of being in grad school. It is a challenging place, it's easy to get caught up in trying to learn and do everything. Allow time for yourself to relax and get to know others in your major and surrounding colleges. Organization and time management are essential, but most importantly is your drive. You get out what you put into grad school.

Any advice on how to stand out and get into your grad program for those just starting off?

Projects. Go above and beyond to show the major or college of your choice that you're dedicated to that field and have the skills to back it up. They are not expecting you to change the world before you get there, but having applicable experiences really helps you stand out

What's something that surprised you about grad school?

The diversity of experiences and backgrounds was really surprising to me when I started grad school. Show interest in people unlike yourself, you'll learn a lot and you'll make lifetime friends along the way.

Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who wants to get into your grad program?

Continue to work hard, reach out to people in the program if you have any specific questions. We were all in your shoes not too long ago and most of us would be happy to help if there’s any way that we can.

Drinks

Chat more over coffee or tea?