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Hardika Panchani ’19 M.S., an alum of the University’s graduate program in biomedical engineering, recently presented her research at an international conference. She says it was an invaluable experience that enabled her to share her important work and make connections with professionals in her field.

October 31, 2019

By Hardika Panchani ’19 M.S.

Attending the (BMES) annual meeting in Philadelphia was an amazing experience that allowed me to showcase my research in the field of biomedical engineering and to be a part of an international conference for the first time.

During my time there, I presented my research on the prevention of catheter-related bacterial infections. The BMES conference is the largest international convention in the field of biomedical engineering and is attended by professionals and researchers from all over the world.

Ever since high school, I was intrigued by the field of biomedical engineering. Once in college, I wanted to get into some extensive research in the field, particularly related to medical devices. When Dr. Kagya Amoako provided me with the opportunity to work as a research assistant after beginning my studies at the University of New Haven, it was a dream come true. I jumped at the opportunity without giving it a second thought.

Over the last two and a half years, I worked extensively on my research, trying to find more reliable and feasible techniques for existing problems in the field of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Working in a lab environment while conducting my research taught me more than I would have learned from my coursework alone.

Hard work leads to success, and, in my case, the initial success was in getting positive results from my research. A bigger stepping stone came in the form of my podium presentation at the BMES annual conference. This experience was a first for me, and I was nervous. I was even more nervous when I found out I was going to be the first master’s-level podium presenter at BMES from the University of New Haven. I felt like it was a huge weight that I was carrying on my shoulders, but once I was on stage and spoke my first few words into the microphone, I felt more at ease and presented without any issues.

"I am confident that the connections I have made and the personal encounters I have had at the conference will create more opportunities for me."Hardika Panchani ’19 M.S.

During the Q & A, I realized the importance of my research and its implications in the work of the other attendees at the conference. Being a part of this milestone for the University is a feeling that is still sinking in, and I am proud to be a part of it.

This experience allowed me to meet people who I never would have encountered otherwise – including Ph.D. researchers and professors. These interactions have broadened my knowledge with respect to the ongoing research in the field of biomedical engineering. Moving forward, I am confident that the connections I have made and the personal encounters I have had at the conference will create more opportunities for me.

I have started my career working as a biomedical equipment engineer at Crystal Run Healthcare in Middletown, New York. It is one of the fastest growing multi-specialty group practices in the country, with multiple locations in the Hudson Valley Area. I repair, install, maintain, calibrate, and inspect medical equipment and instrumentation, as well as clinical equipment and devices.

I would like to thank Dr. Kagya Amoako, director of the biomedical engineering program at the University, for giving me the initial opportunity to conduct research in an area of my interest, as well as for providing me with valuable guidance.

I would also like to thank the University of New Haven for providing me with the resources I needed to carry out my research. I have found the University’s Career Development Center’s resources and workshops to be invaluable in helping to advance my professional career.