(Image: Manit Rambhia)
In the cycle of our planet, spring is a time for renewal and rebirth. On college campuses, it means celebrations and the closing of a chapter in young lives. For nearly 200 students in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, the first weekend of May this year marks the end of their studies and the beginning of new adventures.
Coming as it does immediately after the whirlwind of final exams and projects and reports, the weekend doesn’t necessarily permit much time for reflection. Nevertheless, we asked some graduating students to think about their time in the Coulter Department and share their fondest memories and takeaways.
Some recalled the late nights and camaraderie that came with challenging coursework: “Throughout the degree, you will meet many people and do many cool projects, but the bond created between fate-chosen teammates is indescribable,” said Rachel Epperson, who is finishing her bachelor’s degree this semester. “They aren’t kidding when they say you’ll have long nights, but cracking jokes while chugging through the schoolwork made it an enjoyable experience with these people. I appreciate all the hard work we were all able to put in together to get the satisfying result.”
“I chose this school because I knew I would be surrounded by the best and brightest in this field, and it has been an honor to learn from not only my professors but also my peers,” said bachelor’s degree student Alessandra Ania Yoldas.
Undergraduate McKenzie Tuttle was one of several students who remembered the satisfaction of working through a design project: “Many [memories] that stick out in my mind are when the final prototype finally comes together in a design class. The frustration, setbacks, and ups and downs of prototyping and development always culminate in an awesome, ‘It finally works!’ team moment,” she said.
BMED 2250, Problems in Biomedical Engineering, seems to come up a lot. Students felt especially connected to their groups in the problem-based learning course — sometimes to the extreme. See Conor Flannelly, who’s finishing his B.S. and fondly recalled training for a half marathon with his 2250 classmates.
Students described newfound confidence in themselves and their abilities. Like Ph.D. student Keshav Kohli, who said, “Coming out of this program, you gain confidence in knowing that you can tackle almost any problem. You learn to not fear failure, but rather to embrace it and use it to move forward.”
“I realized that I'm not supposed to have all the answers. I just have to take the time to stop and ask the right questions,” Flannelly said.
“Never tell yourself ‘No,’” undergraduate Isha Diambou said. “It’s other people’s job to do that.”
The reflections of these soon-to-be alumni also conveyed a decided undercurrent of boldness — and a recognition that failure is not defeat. Perhaps these students have really taken to heart some of the words of our campuses’ fight songs, where Emory Eagles are “valiant, brave, and strong,” and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are “brave and bold”?
“One thing I will take away is to be fearless and not limit yourself,” said bachelor’s degree student Camilo Londono.
Or as Ph.D. student David Wolfson put it: “Be bold — but more importantly, persistent.”
Read more reflections from graduating students:
What’s next: This summer, I am moving to Seattle to begin my career as an engineer for Philips Healthcare.
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I was attracted to the number of professors leading labs that conduct interesting and impactful research. To learn from and collaborate with some of the world's brightest is incredible.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
I have enjoyed unstructured conversations with passionate and intelligent students and professors where the topic can flow from food to addressing inequality to medical innovation.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
Even in a competitive environment, honesty is the best policy. If you don't know something or are having difficulty with a task, reveal that, and your community will find a way to help you progress.
What’s next: Work in medical device industry as a clinical specialist
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose BME at Georgia Tech because I did research with Project Engages at Georgia Tech in high school and had an amazing experience working in the Champion Research Lab. My experience at Georgia Tech has allowed me to grow into my own independent person and gain lifelong experiences. Being a first-generation college student, I have faced many challenges and sometimes felt out of place at Georgia Tech, but that has allowed me to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. Through the BME Department, I've been able to participate in undergraduate research, build medical device prototypes, intern with Boston Scientific, and so much more. It has been a long journey, but because of all the great experiences I’ve had, I have so much flexibility with the opportunities and career path I want to take after graduation.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
Studying abroad at Georgia Tech-Lorraine in France was an unforgettable experience, and I had the time of my life. Not only was I able to fulfill my International Plan and French minor requirements, but I was also able to travel to 10 countries in Europe. It was amazing and perfect that I did it in Spring 2019 before Covid hit. I recommend everyone study abroad if they get a chance.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
Never tell yourself “no.” It’s other people’s job to do that.
This journey at Georgia Tech is a marathon. Never compare your journey to someone else’s, because we are all running our own race and will eventually make it to the finish line.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
I’m so appreciative of all the resources available on campus, such as the CEED, OMED, and the Academic Success Center. Through these resources, I was able to find a community at Georgia Tech and surround myself with people who understood my struggles and provided me with the emotional, mental, financial, and academic resources I needed.
What’s next: Job
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
Georgia Tech BME is ranked one of the highest engineering programs across the nation. We are ABET accredited and one of the top research institutes for undergraduates. Statistically, Georgia Tech is a stellar choice, but it is much more than a school with a ranking or certification. BME at Georgia Tech is about the people. They are the most outstanding, well-rounded staff and students I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I chose BME for this exact reason: because it feels like home! My experience has far surpassed what I could’ve ever hoped or imagined.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
My fondest memory was the time spent with project groups. Throughout the degree, you will meet many people and do many cool projects, but the bond created between fate-chosen teammates is indescribable. They aren’t kidding when they say you’ll have long nights, but cracking jokes while chugging through the schoolwork made it an enjoyable experience with these people. I appreciate all the hard work we were all able to put in together to get the satisfying result.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
Everything will fall into place as it is meant to be. Do what you can, but don’t sweat the small stuff you can’t control. A test grade doesn’t define who you are or how good of an engineer you are. Work hard, but don’t forget to enjoy college and life. Put yourself out there, and don’t be scared to be wrong or speak up, because the people next to you are thinking and feeling the same thing.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
As captain of the Georgia Tech Cheerleading team, finishing my BME undergraduate degree in three years, and participating in a research lab, I want to let future students to know it is possible! Be genuine in everything you do and grateful for the opportunities given. Take one step at a time, and don’t go too fast, because it’ll be over before you know it. My time at Georgia Tech has had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
What’s next: Working for Accenture
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose BME at Georgia Tech because I wanted a place where I could leverage my passions for math and science to make a difference in people's lives. My engineering classes here have not only deepened my theoretical knowledge but have also given me plentiful opportunities to apply what I learned through collaborative, hands-on projects. I'm not just asked to memorize formulas or unit conversions; I'm presented concepts within the context of relevant, real-world problems. I'm given an intentionally ill-defined problem space and asked to formulate a specific, quantitative, actionable problem definition. I'm taught to be curious and empathetic and to recognize the limits of my own understanding. I'm taught how to think like an engineer — not just by following a series of design steps on a flowchart but by embracing a contrarian mindset toward established solutions. I connect my own technical toolbox with the user needs I'm learning to identify, and by keeping my stakeholders in mind, I create real value.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
Training to run a half marathon with my 2250 classmates.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
The most important lesson I've learned is to not be afraid to ask for help. I came into Georgia Tech expecting to be able to do everything on my own, so I felt frustrated, confused, and disengaged when my classes didn't all come easily. There were a couple rude awakenings on some of those early exams, but thanks to my patient professors and supportive friends, I realized that I'm not supposed to have all the answers. I just have to take the time to stop and ask the right questions.
What’s next: Gap year
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech because I fell in love with the wet lab work I was doing in high school. My entire family supports Georgia Tech — two of my granddads and two uncles are alumni — however, no girl in our family has attended. I wanted to be the first female to attend Georgia Tech in my family since I knew I could be, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue. Enter my AP Biology class in high school, where I consistently showed interest to the point my teacher offered to help me connect to an associate professor and lab director at Tech. I began doing tissue regeneration wet lab research my senior year of high school and knew immediately that BME at Georgia Tech was for me.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
My fondest memory of my time in BME is blatantly, the science. The scientific learnings in classes and seeing them firsthand in medical device development and research classes — all of those memories stand out in my time in BME.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
All scientific experimental outcomes are significant, whether your hypothesis is rejected or not. Don't forget to apply that same concept to all aspects of life.
What’s next: Medical device industry
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose Coulter BME because of the emphasis it places on clinical translation and making a real impact on patient care. Throughout my Ph.D. program, I had the opportunity to collaborate with world-class physicians at Emory University, who helped to guide our engineering studies. Through this collaboration, we were able to investigate clinically relevant problems, which can directly impact how patients are treated. This experience has been incredibly gratifying.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
I thoroughly enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant for Professor Ross Ethier's Biofluid Mechanics class. I learned so much from his experience and elegance as an instructor of this topic.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
I will always remember the personal and professional growth journey I had within the Ph.D. program. I think the Ph.D. is not only an opportunity to explore a new area of study, but also to grow personally and professionally in all aspects. Coming out of this program, you gain confidence in knowing that you can tackle almost any problem. You learn to not fear failure, but rather to embrace it and use it to move forward.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
I am grateful to the staff and faculty of the BME program for their dedication to their students and for creating an inclusive environment for us to succeed.
What’s next: Grad school (Ph.D. program in neuroscience at University of California, San Diego)
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
When I first arrived at Georgia Tech, I was a non-BME major and was not sure what I wanted to do. I quickly met other BME students and faculty, which showed me the mindset, skillset, and opportunities Coulter BME at Georgia Tech offered. It allowed me to get that perfect mix of hands-on experience, business insights, and human physiology that I enjoyed. Their flexibility and encouragement for students to conduct research really let me try different research opportunities and find my passions.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
My fondest memories were always in the BME Design Shop. Countless hours of 3D printing, milling, and prototyping was always super rewarding in the end when I got to present my final devices in classes such as Medical Robotics and Capstone.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
One thing I will take away is to be fearless and not limit yourself. In life, we may feel embarrassed or shy to talk with people more senior or experienced than us. At Georgia Tech, I quickly got the impression that no matter how old you are, what your background is, or what you look like, everyone brings something to the table and is capable of learning, contributing, and being a leader.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
For incoming freshmen, the best resource you can ever have is your peers. Get to know people not only in your class but in other years as well. We're all friendly and were once in the same shoes as you. I loved talking to freshmen and sharing my experiences and giving advice!
What’s next: Job at a startup
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
[I] won a biomimicry competition in my freshman year and wanted to pursue complex engineering in biomimicry, so BME seemed like a good fit. [It was] great to be validated as a social femme person in engineering where the BME [students] are social and collaborative. The degree is very interdisciplinary, so it is hard to get hired for the job I want sometimes because people don't know what BME is and expect mechanical/electrical [engineering majors].
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
BMED 2250 – Amazing team, and our upperclassman mentor was awesome!
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
Engineering is feminine — social, collaborative, and artistic (musical robots, origami-inspired buildings, nature-inspired technology) — and you don't have to grow up with robots and cars to enjoy engineering and be darn good at it.
What’s next: Grad school (Rice University statistics Ph.D. program)
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose BME at Georgia Tech because I knew I wanted a highly ranked BME program with access to many opportunities — so many research labs, the hospitals in and around Atlanta, startup scene, and connections to industry. I also loved the location and environment of Atlanta.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
Doing research in Cassie Mitchell's lab. It opened up my eyes to so many different opportunities in the world of biomedical data science that I did not know even existed.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
If someone says “You can't do that,” “That is too much,” or something along those lines, don't believe them. There will always be a lot of cynical people pushing you down. Don't listen to them; you know yourself best. Never be afraid to try new things, and don't be afraid to fail.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
My favorite part about Georgia Tech was meeting my girlfriend Corin, who I have been dating for four years. We met at a dorm activity before classes even started. We have done everything together, and I wouldn't be here today without her.
What’s next: Georgia Tech-Emory biomedical engineering Ph.D. program
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose Georgia Tech BME because I was really drawn to the Department's approach to problem-based learning. I liked the concept of learning the fundamentals in lecture and then spending class time on solving problems related to the practical applications of the course material.
I think this model definitely challenges us to deepen our understanding and become better engineers while also fostering a lot of collaboration and camaraderie amongst students.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
My fondest memories come from my systems physiology problem-solving studio. I remember being so excited when concepts from other science and engineering courses suddenly became intertwined and applied to a tangible system. Whether it was an in-class problem set or a late-night exam review session, it was incredibly satisfying to learn more about how our bodies function.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
There is always something to be learned from each other. Everyone brings their own experience, skillset, and perspective, and leveraging these differences can allow us to accomplish some impressive feats.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
I really enjoyed being involved in undergraduate research! I think it presents a great opportunity to learn about different topics within BME that you might not encounter in classes.
What’s next: Gap year
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose to come to Georgia Tech after touring some popular schools for biomedical engineering. I absolutely fell in love with the campus and the school environment during my tour and never looked back. My experience has been even better than I expected! I had no idea I would get to personally know so many classmates, professors, and researchers in the BME Department by the time I graduated, which is truly a testament to how collaborative the Department is!
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
Many that stick out in my mind are when the final prototype finally comes together in a design class. The frustration, setbacks, and ups and downs of prototyping and development always culminate in an awesome, "It finally works!" team moment.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
The efforts of a team will always improve upon the efforts of someone alone. The BME classes at Georgia Tech have taught me so much about working within a team. The collaborative nature of the classes enhanced my learning and made for some great memories!
What’s next: Postdoctoral position
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I chose the BME program at Georgia Tech and Emory because the sheer size of resources and expertise from both schools could provide me with anything I may need in my research. I not only found anything I needed but also a terrific culture of collaboration and teamwork that is hard to find anywhere else.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
Buzz on Biotech! The best outreach program at Georgia Tech.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
Be bold — but more importantly, persistent.
What’s next: Grad School
Why did you choose Coulter BME at Georgia Tech? Has your experience been all you hoped?
I wanted to be in an environment where I would be challenged. I chose this school because I knew I would be surrounded by the best and brightest in this field, and it has been an honor to learn from not only my professors but also my peers. I have been taught to think critically and truly feel as though I have grown more than I could have imagined within this program.
What's your fondest memory of your time in BME?
My fondest memory would definitely be the prototyping phase of my capstone project. It felt as though all the knowledge I acquired in each class throughout my undergraduate experience came together, and I was able to layer one concept on top of the other to create a prototype my team and I are truly proud of.
What's one thing you've learned with us that you'll always remember?
I will always remember the value of entering a situation being both open-minded and unbiased.
Anything else you want to share about your Georgia Tech or BME story?
This is a school for people who want to grow and be challenged — for people who want to make the most of their time completing their undergraduate degree. It provides the best foundation for both a career and further education endeavors. My father always told me that you can be given the tools to succeed, but you can't be forced to use them. This is a place that fosters learning and doing, and I am constantly blown away by the drive my classmates have and the intensity of the initiative they take to deliver their best work.
