MS-MPE Student Feature: Chris Gabriel

I recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. As a member of the Frederick Honors College, I immersed myself in research at both Pitt and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, working on projects that spanned gut microbiome dynamics to cardiac fiber architecture. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences, while my internship at AbbVie opened my eyes to the broader landscape of the pharmaceutical industry and how science can be applied to make real impact.

After graduating, I realized I wanted to switch gears toward the world of medical devices. I became fascinated by how devices are researched, designed, and developed, and I began exploring master’s programs that would accept students from a hard sciences background. Most programs I found were either three years long and bogged down with mathematics prerequisites, or they focused heavily on cell and tissue engineering rather than medical product development. That changed when I discovered the M.S. in Medical Product Engineering at Pitt. This program stood out to me as a no-nonsense, hands-on curriculum that dives straight into the entire process of developing medical devices. One week you’re in the hospital identifying unmet needs alongside clinicians and patients; the next, you’re learning CAD and electrical circuitry to turn those ideas into real prototypes.

But school is only half the equation. By October, the program had already hosted three career fairs, giving me the chance to connect with dozens of companies actively seeking students for co-ops and future full-time roles. The combination of immersive technical training, direct industry exposure, and opportunities to contribute to real-world innovation is exactly why I’m here. My goal is to take these experiences and translate them into a career in medical device development and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. 

- Chris Gabriel