UNSW Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering: top of the class for BIOMED 2021

Why did you choose to do it at UNSW?

The masters program was extremely enticing, as well as the culture matched a determined and precise approach I wanted out of my university education. I also was already familiar with some of the staff and their encouragement to pursue biomedical engineering whilst I was in high school.

What was the best part of the course you came first in?

The fact I got to fully create something in the biomedical field, even if it was a prototype. It was great to engage the field I want to work in one day.

What advice would you give to students taking the course this year?

Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to throw out any ideas you can think of. It is just an insight into a greater field.

What are your career aspirations?

I want to go into research potentially, which I am already testing out with a VIP project, Mending Broken Hearts, with Dr Michael Stevens and Dr Christopher Hayward. I want the balance of industry experience and university focused research to pass knowledge on and gain new ideas from a newer generation.

Any other thoughts/comments?

I’d like to thank the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering for their recognition of my achievement, and especially Dorna Esrafilzadeh for running the course in 2021. I am extremely grateful.

Why did you choose to do it at UNSW?

UNSW has always been known for its prestigious engineering faculty. I wanted to join a big cohort of enthusiastic engineers, to engage with my peers and to grow my skills as an engineer. 

What was the best part of the course you came first in?

The best part of thesis is the freedom to explore a problem and to construct an innovative solution. I also loved the opportunity to learn how research is communicated between peers and to lay people. 

What advice would you give to students taking the course this year?

Undergraduate thesis can be a lot of fun. For the first time in your University career, you will be given the freedom to explore and innovate; to approach a problem without constraints. This can seem daunting to many, myself included. To make the best of your thesis, you need to be willing to ask questions. You are emerging into a field that has been established for decades. There will be tools, methods, approaches, and resources that can help you. All you have to do is go looking for them. Ask, ask, ask, and you will find! 

If still studying, what are your career aspirations?

I have just commenced my PhD in the same topic as my thesis. I hope to continue growing in both my knowledge and my ability to communicate it. I intend to pursue and academic career, and to make my contribution to the educational excellence of our university. 

Why did you choose to do it at UNSW?

I had heard of positive experiences about UNSW engineering from older students I knew taking courses at the university. I also appreciated that it allowed me to complete a masters with only an additional year of study on top of my regular engineering degree.

What was the best part of the course you came first in?

We were given the opportunity to speak with recipients of neurostimulator devices such as the Cochlear Implant and the Suprachoroidal Retinal Implant. Hearing about the impact such devices can have on people's lives was truly inspiring and motivating. It put the content we were learning in perspective.

What advice would you give to students taking the course this year?

Ask as many questions as you can! This course has opportunities to talk to industry members and people who are experts in their fields as it makes use of a number of  guest lecturers - it is a good chance to get a deep understanding on topics that interest you. 

If already graduated, where are you working?

I am currently a Graduate Engineer at Cochlear