Congratulations to SBME undergraduate student Brianna Tsuyuki for receiving the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation Award and the Wesbrook Scholars Award.
Brianna Tsuyuki is a biomedical engineering student, researcher, and community leader dedicated to advancing inclusive healthcare through engineering, advocacy, and service. Her work spans adaptive sport, spinal cord injury research, and harm reduction initiatives, with a focus on bridging innovation and the lived realities of vulnerable communities. Through leadership with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, spinal cord injury research in the BioAugmentative Interfaces Lab, and harm reduction education at UBC, Brianna has demonstrated a strong commitment to accessibility, patient-centred care, and community impact.
We asked her a few questions about her highlights as an undergraduate student at UBC.
Why did you decide to study biomedical engineering at UBC?
My passion for biomedical engineering really grew from my experience as an adaptive ski instructor working with individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Through that role, I saw firsthand how important thoughtful design and accessible technology are in improving quality of life. I became fascinated by how the technology we create can truly change lives, which ultimately drew me toward biomedical engineering at UBC.
Can you please share a couple highlights from your time in SBME? Favourite projects? Notable achievements?
One of the highlights of my time in SBME has been assisting on projects to advance the treatment of those with spinal cord injuries in Dr. Dena Shahriari’s lab in ICORD. For three years neuromodulation technology as well as leading a project investigating a more accessible procedure in urinary catheterization. Working on a multidisciplinary team of electrical engineers, biologists and other biomedical engineers completely transformed my love for research and contributing to academic spaces.
What was the most fascinating project you got to be a part of or piece of knowledge that you learned in SBME?
One of the most fascinating projects I worked on was my capstone project with a physician from Peace Arch Hospital. Our team developed a device to stabilize an ultrasound probe during CPR to enable continuous monitoring of vital signs and blood flow. It was incredibly rewarding to work on a project with direct clinical applications and collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to address a real-world problem.
How do you feel being a part of student groups/SBME shaped your experience on campus?
Being involved in student groups and SBME completely changed my university experience. The SBME community has faculty, staff, and peers who truly go above and beyond to support our learning and create a space where everyone feels they belong. From leading the Biochemical Innovation Team on UBC BEST to volunteering with AMS Peer Support to promote harm reduction and mental health on campus, every community I joined introduced me to passionate, hardworking, and supportive people. I truly believe that when you pursue the things you care deeply about, you naturally surround yourself with inspiring individuals.
What are your plans for the future or next steps?
After graduating, I will be pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience at University of Oxford as a Clarendon Scholarship recipient. I hope to continue working at the intersection of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical innovation, with the long-term goal of contributing to patient-centered healthcare technologies.