The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is part of the College of Engineering and Computing at FIU and is a prime resource for biomedical engineering education, training, research, and technology development. BME is an ever-evolving field that uses and applies engineering principles to the study of biology and medicine in order to improve health care.
Get to know Erbol Nishanov from Kyrgyzstan, who is making the most of his time at FIU through hands-on experience and involvement in student organizations. Learn about his journey and future aspirations.
Why did you choose FIU CEC?
I chose FIU because it offered me full merit-based support (Presidential Scholarship), had a great location (Miami), and provided a strong Biomedical Engineering (BME) program.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering because it allows me to work on interesting problems, such as molecular therapeutics or device development, while contributing to society through scientific and engineering progress. Additionally, BME training provides versatile post-graduate job opportunities and competitive pay.
Did you always want to be an engineer?
I knew that I wanted to pursue an engineering discipline since high school.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am considering pursuing a thesis-based master’s and conducting research on cellular/genetic therapy. Another option is to work in the industry for several years before returning to grad school.
What clubs, student organizations, or extracurricular activities do you recommend or are you part of? Internships?
I am a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society and the Undergraduate Research Society, and I recommend that everyone studying BME join for the community and resources. I also started the Central Asian Student Association in the spring and would recommend it to anyone curious about foreign cultures. Regarding internships, I am currently working as a Precision Medicine Project Management & Operations intern at GlaxoSmithKline. I was also a CURE researcher during my junior year and participated in the Purdue Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship last year.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve experienced as an engineering student (so far)?
The most challenging part of being an engineering student for me so far was securing my internship and research offers. Nowadays, both industrial and academic opportunities are becoming more competitive with each cycle. If you are an international student, the opportunities are exponentially scarcer, so start building your resume as soon as possible.
What has been the most rewarding thing you’ve experienced as an engineering student (so far)?
The most rewarding experiences as an engineering student were the ones that were hardest to get, including my current internship and last year’s research fellowship. Also, applying mathematical and engineering approaches to solve biomedical problems is highly fulfilling intellectually—it feels like your work matters.
AI is playing a large role across all industry fields. Have you used AI to assist in your studies/work?
AI is most definitely influential and will be leveraged as a tool in biomedical engineering. Currently, I am helping my team automate various processes using AI and assist them with implementing generative AI in their daily work, which was one of the reasons I was hired this summer. AI is also a powerful tool for brainstorming, research, and troubleshooting academic problems, which I utilize in my studies and research.
Any advice to prospective students thinking of majoring in engineering?
My advice is to try as many things as early as possible. Join a professional club, volunteer at a research lab, work on an industrial project, and listen to lectures from guest speakers. This will allow you to identify what you are good at and what you enjoy/find interesting while also providing you with experience for future, greater opportunities.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a student?
Focus on mastery. Try to fully comprehend the subject before moving on to the next stage or chapter.
When you’re not being an engineering student, what do you like to do?
I spend a lot of time on athletics—mostly weightlifting and basketball, and occasionally martial arts. I also picked up surfing recently and try to read and catch up on movies/shows when time permits.