Five Qs about you and TMU: Anish Sookdeo
With the emerging advancements in technology and science, it's important for those pursuing a career in this field to be well-versed on the latest developments. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science provides students with just that. They set up their students for success through their programs and experiential opportunities. To learn more about this faculty and his program, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anish, a Biomedical Engineering student. He speaks fondly about his program and the meaningful connections he’s made through it.
Anish is a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student looking to pursue a masters degree.
Isabel: Can you describe your program to me in one sentence?
Anish: Software and electrical backgrounds with medical applications.
I: Why did you choose to study at TMU?
A: TMU has a very unique Biomedical Engineering program — we work with both the electrical side as well as the computational software side of biomedical engineering. I like different types of robotics and all that, but I like the software side more. It’s why I ended up picking TMU’s program.
I: Can you tell me about any experiential learning you’ve participated in? What other opportunities are you looking forward to?
A: In most of our classes we have labs. We had to make electrocardiogram (ECG) machines like the ones they have in hospitals. A simplified version, but it was really cool. We also have another class for robotics, where we get to use different types of medical robotic machines.
The program also has an optional co-op. I personally didn’t pursue co-op, but my friends did and I hear stories about what they’re working on. I tell them, “You’re working on vaccine machines? That's so cool.”
Students walking in front of the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre.
I: What is your favourite thing that you have experienced on campus?
A: Last year, I worked with the Toronto Metropolitan Student Union (TMSU) (external link, opens in new window) to plan a homecoming event. During that entire week, I met new people. It was our first time back on campus in person. It felt like I knew the friends I met at that event for a long time. I’m actually going to a birthday party today for one of them!
Also, I like my program because I’ve made so many friends in my lab classes. Because our program is so small, by the end of last semester, everyone knew everyone. You can easily have casual conversations because everyone knows who you are. We interact not only in lectures, but also in labs. Every Biomedical Engineering class has a lab component, so you get to spend extra time with people. You will know people whether you want to or not *laughs*.
I: What advice would you give someone who is starting their research about which university or program they want to pursue?
A: Always try to go on a campus tour. Always try to think about how you would feel if you went to that university. Don’t let what other people say impact you. Think about what you want, go to the websites, look at what the program that you specifically want has and what that university has to offer.
Thank you to Anish for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview. We had a lovely chat, where I got to learn more about this field of study. Does Biomedical Engineering sound like a program for you? Are you ready to start your application? Then check out our How to Apply page.
That’s all from me for this blog! Stay tuned for more posts from Hadiqah and myself.
Talk to you soon,
Isabel