Before I arrived on campus, I knew I wanted to study abroad during my time at the University of Washington. When I learned about a bioengineering study abroad program in Nepal to address healthcare challenges at a local hospital and rural clinics, I jumped at the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and explore my passion for developing accessible medical technology. I could barely contain my excitement when I was accepted to participate in the program! We would meet in Nepal in August of 2020, and I planned to arrive early to see Mt. Everest. During the program, I would collaborate with mechanical engineering students at Kathmandu University to engage in clinical needs finding and the beginning of the engineering design process. While working on our project, we would take day trips to hike around Nepal and experience local culture. 

 

In addition to studying abroad during Summer 2020, I planned to work full time in my research lab on an individual project. I hoped to refine my wet lab skills, contribute to the research paper my graduate mentor was writing, and prepare findings I could present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in Spring 2021. I loved working with my hands in the lab to culture cells, master the microfabrication of microraft arrays, and use my technical skills to advance medical science. Moreover, my research on improving the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapies for leukemia excited me. I wanted to use this experience to determine if a Ph.D. in cancer research after graduation would be a good fit for me.

 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 canceled my trip to Nepal and prevented me from performing research in the lab. It felt as if all my plans were falling apart. At first, I was devastated at what dramatically felt like the death of my dreams. I had left a job I loved at the University of Washington Medical Center to participate in research and study abroad, and I was bitter with disappointment. Beneath all of this bitterness, I rediscovered my drive for participating in these activities in the first place and redirected my passion for using science to improve human health by enrolling in summer quarter classes. It was not the summer I hoped and planned for, but it reminded me to be grateful for my opportunities. Over the summer, I was so lucky for my health and my ability to take courses to put me closer to my goals of using bioengineering to realize better healthcare for all.