Hi! My name is Sid and I am an incoming senior at UC Berkeley studying Bioengineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and outside of school I enjoy spending time outdoors, going to the gym, watching movies, and working on hands-on projects. I am an avid hiker and outdoorsman, and love exploring the beautiful trails around Berkeley and the Bay Area.

Hometown

San Ramon, California

Major(s)

Bioengineering

Minor(s)

Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Clubs, organizations & involvement

-Neurotech@Berkeley (Division Lead and Device Engineer) - Biomedical Engineering Society (Division Lead) - Cal Triathlon

Describe your college experience

My college experience has been filled with many incredible learning experiences and has greatly broadened my perspective on the world outside of my hometown and high school. Coming into college as a freshman, I had very little idea of what I wanted to do with my future, and at first, that uncertainty felt extremely overwhelming. I had always believed that everyone around me seemed to have their lives planned out, while I was still trying to figure out who I was and what I was passionate about. Over time, however, I realized that college is not about having everything figured out from the start. Instead, it is a place for exploration, growth, and self-discovery. Through my classes, extracurricular activities, and the people I have met along the way, I’ve been exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities that I never would have experienced otherwise. I’ve learned that it’s okay to change directions, explore different interests, and step outside of what feels comfortable. Looking back, it is not only success in classes or other academic endeavors that I am most proud of, but also my personal growth and the relationships I have built. Meeting new friends, exploring Berkeley and the entire Bay Area, and making life-lasting memories are experiences that I will cherish from my time in college.

Tip for future students

One of the biggest tips I have for future college students is to put yourself out of your comfort zone and to not be afraid to try something new. As common as this advice may be, it can be really hard to push yourself into the unknown and try something new. Coming from an introvert, and someone who often tells themselves to stick with what they know, trying new things has exposed me to some of the most meaningful experiences, opportunities, and friendships I’ve had in college so far. Whether it was joining organizations I initially knew nothing about, reaching out to professors and researchers, or attending events where I didn’t know anyone, many of the experiences that shaped me the most started with a moment of discomfort. College is one of the few times in life where you are surrounded by so many opportunities and people from completely different backgrounds, and growth often comes from taking advantage of those opportunities even when they feel intimidating at first. I also emphasize having fun in college! It can be easy to fall into the madness of worrying about grades your future, but it is important not to attribute these things to your self worth. Making new friends, experiencing new things, and having fun are all equally important parts of your college experience.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far would have to be Bioengineering 101, which is a class focused on introducing students to medical devices and bioinstrumentation. I learned a lot about how biological signals are measured and processed using electrical sensors. My favorite part of this class was actually having the opportunity to build a biosensor with a group of classmates. We had the chance to build a carbon dioxide sensor from scratch, as we were in charge of budgeting and ordering the different parts we needed and building an entire circuit design to fulfill our end goal. This entire experience was very difficult, but equally rewarding and taught me a lot about the process of designing and building a medical-grade device. There are countless classes like this at Berkeley, where students have the chance to apply their interests to a hands-on project.

Career goals

After graduating undergrad, I hope to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering research medical imaging systems. My end goal however, is to work in Research and Development in the Biotech and Medical Device Industry. I also hope to travel the world and experience new cultures!

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be to watch a new movie with my friends, or read a book. I personally love older movies, whether they are romances, horrors, biopics, etc.

High school or secondary school

Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon, California

Previous college

N​/​A