Grace Ware ’28, Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Why are you passionate about biomedical engineering?
“I grew up on army bases and saw how soldiers and veterans like my dad and older brothers would get injured and then discharged with chronic pain. I developed an interest in pain management research and development and attended a two-year biomedical science program in high school.
This helped me learn about basic anatomy, physiology, and molecular biology, and it developed my interest in genetics, immunology, and stem cell therapies. My main goal now is to work in academic research in these fields, and I eventually want to teach it to others as a professor.”
What experiences as a student do you think are preparing you for a successful career in biomedical engineering?
“USC has provided so many opportunities to learn more about research and different niche fields. I'm following the bachelor’s track on biomedical engineering as it allows me more elective space to focus on genetics, developmental biology and immunology.
This also gives me more time to dedicate to undergraduate research and as an undergraduate teaching assistant. I've had the opportunity to help in multiple labs studying different concepts, and I've learned so many different skills through these projects.”
Why do you believe that biomedical engineering is the best fit for your skills and interests?
“Biomedical engineering approaches biological issues from many different viewpoints. There's different ways to solve an issue, whether biochemically or mechanically. Learning all sides and having opportunity to focus on what I have the most interest in or what I think works best is incredible.
There's also so many skills used in biomedical engineering research because I learn something new with each project. I think it offers me the ability to work in a position where I combine viewpoints or focus on any niche I think will be the most helpful. For someone who just wants to learn more with research, it’s a great position for me.”
Is there a professor or instructor at the college who has had a significant impact on your studies? If so, what positive impact have they made on your time at the college?
“Dr. [Chandrashekhar] Patel has had the biggest impact on my studies and experiences as a student. I've had a lot of issues with my identity as a first-generation student and how that affects my relationship with some other students in the program and how I navigate college academically.
He has been there to support me emotionally while I've literally cried in and after class, academically through extra office hours, practice questions, resources and more. He always encourages good study habits balanced with professional goals like research where he is always willing to connect students with each other and other professors who do research.”