Student Perspective
Kimmy Wennerholm
M.S. Plan I - Thesis
Current Status: Current Student
Graduation Year:
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
During my time as a Research Associate in an academic lab, I realized my interest and potential to deepen my bioengineering expertise by going back to school for a masters degree. Some major drivers for picking UCSD despite getting into several other top programs were the proximity to so many biotech/biomed companies, the culture and beauty of San Diego, the networking and research experience to be gained by a two-year thesis track program, the several research labs that piqued my interest for joining, and the program's relative affordability with the opportunity to get tuition reimbursement as a TA. I also have a personal tie to UCSD in that it was my mother's first home after immigrating from Taiwan. She always spoke so highly of the transformative time she had here and perhaps a small sentimental part of me wanted to walk across that graduation stage like my mother planned to do before dropping out to start the business that supported my family while growing up.
Jamey ONeill
PhD
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Doctoral Program at UC San Diego?
My parents passed away suddenly when I was 20, and I was strongly challenged with questions about life's meaning and how to move my own life forward with both deliberation & passion. As I reflected, the meaning of the universe laid in its irrefutable laws - the laws of science. This led me down the path of becoming a Scientist, and a Bioengineering Doctoral student at UCSD.
Divya Prabhu
M.S. Plan I - Thesis
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
I chose the Bioengineering Master’s Program at UC San Diego because of its strong interdisciplinary approach, emphasis on innovation, and reputation for cutting-edge research. UCSD’s diverse and pioneering research areas made it my number one choice, as they aligned closely with my interests in cellular mechanisms and imaging technologies. The program’s flexibility allowed me to explore topics at the interface of engineering and biology, while the collaborative environment, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities provided the ideal setting to build a strong foundation in research. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to engage directly in thesis-based projects, which gave me the chance to develop technical expertise, critical thinking, and hands-on skills essential for my long-term goals in biomedical research.
Akash Kumaran
M.S. Plan I - Thesis
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
The Master’s Program appealed to me because of its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on integrating engineering principles with biological sciences. Coming from a background primarily in biology, I was eager to develop my problem-solving and critical thinking abilities through engineering coursework and research.
Jenny Qu
PhD
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Doctoral Program at UC San Diego?
UC San Diego’s Bioengineering doctoral program stood out to me for its interdisciplinary focus, strong emphasis on quantitative biology, and close integration with top-tier clinical and research institutions. The opportunity to work with pioneers in mechanobiology and immunoengineering, along with access to cutting-edge technologies and collaborative research culture, aligned perfectly with my academic goals and long-term vision to translate basic mechanobiological insights into therapeutic strategies.
Nha Mi Shih
M.S. MED
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
I always want to learn more about the connection between research and clinic, and this masters program helped me to satisfy my curiosity and prepare me for my career.
Shreyaa Ramakrishnan
M.S. Plan I - Thesis
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
UC San Diego is home to one of the best-ranked Bioengineering programs in the world. It also has one of the best medical schools, and I was keen on shadowing surgeons and observing first-hand how engineering plays into the medical world. I had a few labs I was interested in working with, which helped me finalize my decision.
Alejandra Dau Martinez
M.S. Plan I - Thesis
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2025
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
The Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego stood out to me not only because the program is highly ranked across the country, but because it provides students with the opportunity to conduct meaningful research in a wide range of labs with world renowned faculty while still creating opportunities for industry careers. It gives students the tools to make informed career choices all while being in a great environment for both academia and the thriving San Diego Biotech industry.
Adrienne Lezak
M.Eng. M.D.E
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2024
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
I decided to pursue my interest in medical devices further to hone in on practical hands-on engineering skills and familiarize myself with the clinical landscape by shadowing UC San Diego Health professionals in the operating room.
Amanda Suhardjo
M.S. Plan I - Thesis
Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2022
What led you to choose our Bioengineering Master's Program at UC San Diego?
I chose to attend UC San Diego because of their renowned Bioengineering Department. San Diego is a huge hub for biotech and UC San Diego's Bioengineering Department specifically is the location for many of the most important innovations in the field.