Yas Oloumi Yazdi
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I completed most of my work terms in research settings. I liked having the freedom to explore and try out new things. No day was identical to the previous one, and I was always learning something new and interacting with different people. I also really liked the atmosphere of a research setting, and I definitely wasn’t ready to stop learning after my undergraduate degree, so graduate school was the clear next step in my career.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I had completed my undergraduate degree at UBC. I was familiar with the campus and the city. My family also lives in Vancouver and being able to stay close to them while studying at one of the top engineering schools in the world with such a beautiful campus seemed like the ideal and obvious choice.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
My bachelor’s degree was in Engineering Physics at UBC, which a heavy focus on pure math and physics in addition to mechanical and electrical engineering. I knew that I wanted to apply what I had learned to a biomedical setting. The desire to contribute to healthcare-related research is also what had driven me to complete biomedical engineering related coops and capstone projects throughout my undergraduate degree. The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) being part of both the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine at UBC with a focus on clinical application was the perfect integration of my career interests.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The reach that UBC and UBC-educated individuals have all over the world continues to surprise me every day. It’s also truly amazing the breadth of opportunities that are available on and off-campus with UBC-affiliated research facilities.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I really like how the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) has such a big focus on the clinical application of the technologies being developed. As an SBME PhD student, I must also take life sciences courses in addition to my technical engineering courses, which provide me with the relevant necessary background on developing technologies for medical applications. My research is in the field of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and through SBME I have taken a Neurotrauma course taught by leading clinicians and researchers in the field of SCI at the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD). This not only provides me with the essential context on my research topic, but also adds additional incentive, and passion to my research.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
As engineers, we must constantly adapt to new demands and challenges. I think that our generation especially will be dealing with a lot of societal changes. It is imperative for us as engineers to be well-prepared, adaptable, and ready to actively contribute to society based on its evolving needs.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
With the coming together of the two disciplines of engineering and medicine, SBME at UBC cultivates multidisciplinary collaboration. The interdisciplinary nature of the field allows for swift adaptation to changing demands to address pressing healthcare challenges. Clinicians working directly with patients come across new challenges everyday which are then communicated with research teams, and the biomedical engineering program at UBC is at the forefront of this, allows for a direct line of communication between these entities. Additionally, through my undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics at UBC as well as my current graduate program, I have been exposed to a range of fields thus allowing me to communicate effectively with individuals of various background which is an essential skill when facing challenges in an everchanging society.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Through my undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics at UBC, I developed a solid foundation of math and applied physics as well as being exposed to electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. I also had to opportunity to complete two capstone projects and co-op work terms all in the field of biomedical engineering. Through these experiences, I not only learned the theoretical topics and technical skills, but also learned how to approach problems systematically and logically, and acquire new, related skills quickly and efficiently, all of which are assets in a graduate degree program as interdisciplinary as biomedical engineering.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love being active in various forms ranging from yoga, and Pilates to tennis and long walks. Vancouver is also a truly beautiful city with amazing natural landscapes right in our backyard, so my fiancée and I often enjoy going on hikes, and just exploring the city.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
It’s very overwhelming when you first start. There are so many things to try and do. It may seem like a lot is being thrown at you but after the first couple months you start to feel a bit more comfortable and settled in. Communicating with your supervisor is also key and making sure you’re working on a project that you’re interested in pursuing in the long run. It’s also essential to put time aside for having fun and taking a break, so you come back reenergized with a fresh mindset and perspective, ready to take on challenges.