SBME Student Ambassadors

 Karina Akhmedova 

Year: 5

Why Biomedical Engineering?   
I’m a fifth-year Biomedical Engineering student at UBC, specializing in Cellular Bioengineering and Biomaterials. I’m passionate about biomedical engineering because it gives us the tools to translate science into real-world health solutions—from stem cell-derived organoids to biomaterials that support tissue regeneration. What makes me unique is the way I bridge science and storytelling. I’m a co-captain of UBC BIOMOD, a biotech-focused student design team, and I also document my experiences—from co-op work to daily student life—through vlogs that highlight the human side of STEM.  

Something About Me: As an international student from Kazakhstan, I’ve navigated my academic journey with curiosity, resilience, and a drive to make biomedical research more inclusive and impactful. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and help prospective students see the opportunities this field holds—not just in labs, but also in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

 Simon Chan  

Year: 3

Why Biomedical Engineering?   
I’m in my third year of Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on tissue engineering. I was drawn to this field because it brings together two of my biggest passions: the innovative nature of engineering and the meaningful impact of medicine. Biomedical engineering offers a unique approach to patient care that often flies under the radar, and I’m excited to be part of a field that’s shaping the future of healthcare in such dynamic ways.

Something About Me: Outside of school, I love staying active, whether it’s playing ice hockey, Spikeball, or going for a hike. 

 Sogand Golshahian 

Year: MASc 1

Why Biomedical Engineering?   
I will be entering my first year of Master’s at SBME in the Fall of 2025. During my undergrad, also here at SBME, I took on a few different research roles, from optimizing biomaterials for corneal endothelial dysfunction to denoising microscopy images of tadpole neurons. Now, I am excited to dive into studying the effects of dysbiosis on immune function at the Kelly McNagny lab. I love biomedical engineering because it is such a diverse and ever-growing field. I don’t think I could ever get bored, because there is just so much to learn and so much more we can do. I truly believe there is something for everyone in this field – whether you are even remotely interested in the human body and how it works, or how you can augment it or tackle diseases. 

Something About Me: Other than being fascinated by the human body, I love to explore (and sometimes make) new music in my free time. I am really looking forward to meeting new people and students through my role as a Student Ambassador, and I am incredibly excited to continue being a part of the amazing community at SBME!

 Sophia Katramadakis 

Year: 5

Why Biomedical Engineering? I am going into my 5^th year of Biomedical Engineering and am specializing in Biomechanics. As someone who values creativity, the field of biomedical engineering is still young and evolving, which means there is always room for new and exciting ideas. What makes this field truly unique is the direct connection to the patient. The fact that something that we design or develop has the potential to improve someone’s quality of life is very inspiring. Being part of a community where engineering meets human impact is what makes it so meaningful to me.  

Something About Me: Aside from school, I love trying new hobbies, treasure hunting at antique stores, hiking up mountains, and of course being your BMEUSA Co President. I look forward to getting to know everyone in our BMEG community in the upcoming year.

 Jae-Yoon Kim 

Year: 4

Why Biomedical Engineering? I am an undergraduate student in biomedical engineering. I am currently on my co-op term as an undergraduate research assistant in the Yanpu He Immunoengineering lab!  

I have been fortunate to call SBME my home for the past three years and have met a diverse group of amazing people who have guided me throughout my degree. From the students to the profs, everyone is willing to support each other, reflecting how tight-knit the SBME community is. This has been a motivating factor for me to contribute and give back to BMEG and its students. In terms of biomedical engineering, I view the field as a bridge between engineering and healthcare. As an aspiring healthcare professional, I am very intrigued by the potential that biomedical engineers have to directly impact and improve the healthcare system as well as patient outcomes. Whether you specialize in systems and signals, biomechanics, bioinformatics, or cellular engineering, there is always room to grow and more to be done, which excites me about this field. I am thrilled to see how biomedical engineering will evolve, and I believe the best place to get started is here at UBC BMEG!  

Something About Me: A fun fact about me is that I am a karate athlete competing in both provincial and national tournaments! I’ve also been a karate instructor teaching children for a while! 

 Kathleen Lac 

Year: 3

Why Biomedical Engineering?  I am in my third year! For me, biomedical engineering enables me to bridge my passions between hands-on innovation and helping people. In this program, we have the unique opportunity to directly improve patient and community health through our courses, design teams, and co-op jobs. What I love most about this field is how it allows you to combine engineering, science, and research in your own way, encouraging you to find what you are most passionate about. Whether it’s developing a biocompatible material, manipulating cells to cure diseases, analyzing biological signals to enhance diagnostics, or designing a robotic limb.  

Something About Me: I first discovered biomedical engineering after competing in gymnastics for five years and noticed a need for more support for children with physical challenges. I joined this field aiming to delve into designing prosthetics and improving rehab technology.

Matin Narimani 

Year: 4

Why Biomedical Engineering? What excites me most about biomedical engineering is its limitless potential and extraordinary intrigue, from cellular therapeutics to bionics, and even emerging technologies like EEG-based telepathic interfaces. It’s a field where even students can contribute meaningfully to life-changing advancements. 

Something About Me: A few fun facts about me: I graduated high school at 15, I love both playing and coaching basketball, and I’m passionate about debating! It keeps me sharp, curious, and always ready to explore new perspectives. 

 Albin Soni 

Year: 5

Why Biomedical Engineering?  I’m a 5th year Biomedical Engineering student focusing on Cellular Engineering and Systems and Signals. I was initially drawn to Biomedical Engineering because of its unique interdisciplinary nature, and now as I approach the end of my degree, I can confidently say it was the right choice! Through this program I’ve had the opportunity to explore many different fields, including stem cell therapeutics, social robotics for people living with dementia, and I’ve been deeply involved in engineering design teams. What excites me most is using these experiences to support healthcare innovations for older adults, particularly those that enhance well-being and offer meaningful support as people age. 

Something About Me: A fun fact about me is that I love conducting patient-centered research! This means I spend a lot of time talking to people (patients, caregivers, clinicians) about their lived experiences. When it comes to designing technology, I believe this kind of person-driven, iterative approach is key to creating meaningful solutions.

 Jordan Thompson 

Year: 4

Why Biomedical Engineering?   
I’m a fifth-year Biomedical Engineering student with a focus in systems and signals. My interest in this field is personal, I was born with a medical condition that required extensive treatment, I experienced firsthand the challenges faced by patients navigating the healthcare system. That perspective encourages me to improve patient care, which, combined with my passion for engineering and innovation, led me to pursue biomedical engineering. 

Most recently, I worked on the development of a device designed to mechanically actuate the bladder, aiming to reduce the reliance on catheters for individuals with spinal cord injuries. I was responsible for both the mechanical design and the integration of the Bluetooth communication system, ensuring the device was both functional and user-friendly. 

 Jeffrey To  

Year: 3

Why Biomedical Engineering?   
I am a third year BMEG student with a passion for cellular engineering and biomaterials. The collaborative nature of biomedical engineering really excites me to work with like-minded individuals in order to improve the quality of life for people. To me, this is what makes BMEG stand out from other engineering disciplines. The technologies that come out of biomedical engineering have the potential to break barriers and improve medicine to help people. BMEG has so many different avenues to explore which allows students to build a diverse skill set. Our program specifically is filled with so many exciting lab experiences and opportunities. The BMEG community is amazing, and I have loved getting involved, currently serving as the treasurer for the Biomedical Undergraduate Student Association. I encourage all BMEG students to get involved by coming out to events to build connections with the community. I would be very happy to connect with other students and share about the BMEG program. 

Something About Me: My favourite music is K-Pop and it really gets me through those long study sessions! If you are in BMEG or are interested in BMEG, l’d be happy to chat!

Brianna Tsuyuki 

Year: 4

Why Biomedical Engineering?   
I am a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student with a focus in both cellular engineering and biomechanics. I was drawn to this field because it brings together everything I care about, problem-solving, medicine, and designing for real people. The support of dedicated, inspiring classmates and professors in SBME has continued to motivate my love of engineering.  

Something About Me: Outside of school, I’m an adaptive ski instructor and help run a program that teaches people with disabilities how to ski. It’s one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had and constantly reminds me why inclusive design matters. Whether I’m in the lab or on the mountain, I’m always thinking about how to make things more human-centered, more practical, and more equitable. I’m also an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring BC. Whether it’s hiking or backcountry skiing I’m always seeking new adventures (and can also recommend the best hikes! 

 Jessica Xin 

Year: 4

Why Biomedical Engineering?  I just completed my third year undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering. I am currently working as a co-op student at Dr. Kelly McNagny’s Lab at SBME! The biomedical engineering program at UBC is a diverse and emerging field, and I am grateful to have been able to study, work, and grow within this program! This includes all the amazing students and professors that have provided me guidance and mentored me both inside and outside the classroom. This has motivated me to give back to the SBME community as a Student Ambassador, where I hope to share my experiences and mentor the new and incoming students. I am passionate about promoting the diverse and collaborative research that is conducted in SBME, and the variety of learning and career opportunities that are available for students.  

Something About Me: Outside of SBME, I am involved with UBC iGEM, a synthetic biology design team, as a dry lab lead, where I get to expand my interests in a collaborative, hands-on, and technical environment.

Ruth Yu 

Year: MASc 1 

Why Biomedical Engineering?  I’m a first-year master’s student in Dr. Govind Kaigala’s group. My research focuses on developing a microfluidic-assisted, sample-to-informatic workflow for analyzing the genomes of high-risk morphologies in prostate cancer. With this method, we aim to pinpoint spatial genetic patterns linked to these high-risk cancer types, which could help physicians better classify patients and tailor treatments. I’m passionate about biomedical engineering for its inherent interdisciplinary nature and emerging role in the healthcare ecosystem. Issues in healthcare are multifaceted, and biomedical engineers work across disciplines to solve them. When grounded in both technical rigor and the realities of clinical practice, this field has so much potential for positive, lasting impact on medicine and healthcare. 

Something About Me: Outside of school, I enjoy long-distance running, badminton, water-coloring, and soggy cereal in warm milk. A fun fact about me is that I like putting milk first before cereal, so I can eat as much cereal as possible.