Why you chose Pitt:
I chose Pitt because of the extensive connections to research, internships, and volunteering opportunities within the engineering department. One of the best bioengineering programs in the country, Pitt gives a wide spectrum of concentrations and classes to take. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, as well as an amiable, helpful staff to guide freshmen, Pitt was an obvious choice for me.
Advice to First Year Engineering Student:
Pace yourself. College is like a marathon – if you sprint out the line, you’re going to get burned out quickly. Take the first few weeks to settle down in your classes. Once you feel comfortable with them, join clubs and organizations. Don’t be afraid to approach professors to ask questions and find research opportunities – if you are willing to do work for experience first, you will find worthwhile opportunities. At the end of the day, make sure you always have time for yourself to have fun and enjoy this experience. Four years can fly faster than you think, so make every moment count!
Extracurricular involvement and or Future Goals:
Currently, I am an Engineering Ambassador and student manager at the O’ Hara Student Center. I am also involved with BMES (the Biomedical Engineering Society) and am a volunteer at the Makerspace Studio. I am researcher for the NMRL and the Bioengineering Labs. Additionally, I do long-distance running and play intramural basketball. My future goal is to have a career in sports medicine, and to do research in orthopedics that I can possibly apply to my patients as an orthopedic surgeon.