We celebrate Anika Gujral, a third-year Biomedical Engineering student at City, University of London. Anika shares her journey, proudest achievements, and offers words of encouragement.
By City St George's Press Office (City St George's Press Office), Published (Updated )
Anika's Biomedical Engineering journey is driven by a strong desire to blend technology with healthcare to create impactful solutions, making a real difference in people's lives.
Anika recently received the School of Science & Technology Dean’s Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to Work-Based Learning' for her placement at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
In her own words, Anika shares her inspiring story, experiences at City, and thoughts on the importance of diversity in engineering.
What inspired you to pursue Biomedical Engineering?
"Growing up in a developing country, I witnessed firsthand the stark disparities in healthcare-technology and critical shortages in innovative solutions to medical facilities.
"Access to standard-grade medical technologies is a luxury for many, and this reality ignited my passion for medical engineering.
"The potential to improve and create cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure solutions and reduce machine downtime motivates me every day.
"Fuelled by the tangible impact engineers make in not only refining but also transforming devices and their accessibility - consequently revolutionising the healthcare sphere drove me to pursue a career in this field.
"Engineering is not just about solving problems; it’s about making a real difference in people's lives.
"I had the incredible opportunity to work at Great Ormond Street Hospital during my placement year. This experience allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world medical setting of pediatrics medical engineering; enhancing my skills and proficiency in medical device technology.
"Working alongside professionals who are at the forefront of creating critical healthcare solutions deepened my understanding and enriched my technical skills.
"This role allowed me to visualise the direct benefits of med-tech innovations on patient care and hospital efficiency, reinforcing my commitment to the field."
What are your proudest achievements at City?
"One of my proudest achievements at City involved leading a multidisciplinary project team in the development of a self-stabilizing spoon designed specifically for Parkinson's patients.
"This project not only showcased my ability to integrate hardware and software engineering skills but also emphasised the importance of empathetic and user-centered design in medical technology.
"We started with a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson's—particularly their struggle with tremors during eating. By incorporating advanced sensors and stabilisation algorithms, the spoon dynamically adjusts to the tremors, allowing users to eat with dignity and greater independence.
"The success of this project was deeply rewarding, as it demonstrated our ability to create practical, innovative solutions that significantly improve the quality of life for patients.
"Moreover, it underscored the vital role of inclusive technology in healthcare, making everyday tasks easier for those often overlooked by traditional engineering approaches."
Why is it important for women to pursue careers in STEM?
"The influence of women in engineering, a field traditionally dominated by men, cannot be overstated.
"Women bring unique perspectives that are crucial for innovative problem-solving and inclusive design in STEM. As we break barriers and challenge the status quo, we pave the way for more equitable technology development – as we know, diversity drives innovation.
"My experience at Great Ormond Street highlighted how diverse teams lead to more creative solutions and a deeper understanding of the needs of varied populations, including children. In environments where complexity and precision are paramount, the collaborative and meticulous approaches often brought by women are invaluable."
What would you say to a young woman interested in studying engineering?
"I say: definitely go for it! This field offers you the rare chance to be at the forefront of cutting edge of technology and make substantial contributions to society.
"At City, you’ll find a supportive community that nurtures your interests and drives you towards excellence. Your unique perspective is indeed invaluable and needed in the engineering world.
"City has been instrumental in my development as an engineer. From providing access to state-of-the-art laboratories to facilitating invaluable opportunities that align with my career aspirations.
"The support I’ve received has been tremendous. Professors and mentors at City genuinely care about our success and go above and beyond to ensure we are well-prepared for our future careers.
"The encouragement to challenge ourselves and develop key modern-day skills and attributes needed in this rapidly advancing world, has been particularly influential in my professional and personal growth."
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