Balvinder Dhillon
Balvinder Dhillon is a final-year Biomedical Engineering MEng student at Queen Mary. During her time at university, Balvinder has served as the President of Hyperlink, the student society focused on building a Hyperloop pod. She has also worked as a Student Ambassador and a Research Assistant at the Centre for Advanced Robotics, where she is helping to create a bionic hand with AI-driven classification. In November 2024, Balvinder won in the Engineering category at the Global Undergraduate Awards, often nicknamed the 'Junior Nobel Prize'.
Discovering bioengineering
"My journey toward a career path in bioengineering began with a passion for medicine. I was captivated by the idea of healing and helping people, eager to immerse myself in the world of healthcare. The allure of being on the frontlines of patient care and medical breakthroughs was irresistible. However, as my interests evolved and expanded, so did my aspirations.
A pivotal moment arrived when I discovered the fascinating realm of biomedical engineering after my A-Levels. I found myself drawn to the prospect of not only understanding the intricacies of the human body, but also crafting ingenious solutions to address its challenges. This revelation prompted me to reconsider my trajectory and embark on a new journey."
Studying at Queen Mary
"Queen Mary's bioengineering department emerged as a source of inspiration for me. The department's dedication to groundbreaking research and the convergence of technology and medicine was enticing. The vibrant atmosphere and the cutting-edge projects being undertaken there ignited a fire within me. I felt a strong resonance with their ethos, where scientific curiosity met hands-on innovation.
What truly sets Queen Mary apart is its distinguished professors, who have proven to be invaluable mentors to me. Their guidance was not confined to academic matters but extended to nurturing my aspirations to be a researcher one day. They took a keen interest in my growth, fostering an environment where questions were encouraged and ideas flourished. This mentorship propelled me into a few research projects, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to their ongoing endeavours."
Student societies
"As my journey continued, I also became a part of Hyperlink, a community of like-minded individuals passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and biomedical research. This platform provided an outlet for my curiosity and allowed me to explore my interests further. I was given the opportunity to write biomedical research papers, delving into the scientific exploration of hyperloop technology. The highlight of this phase was undoubtedly the opportunity to present my papers at two international conferences, experiences that broadened my horizons and reaffirmed my commitment to this field."
On reflection...
"Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the evolution of my passions. While my initial desire was to pursue medicine, the allure of biomedical engineering, with its innovation and scientific depth, proved irresistible. Queen Mary's bioengineering department became my haven of inspiration, and the professors have been of great guidance. The fusion of research, innovation, and collaboration at Queen Mary has not only defined my academic journey but also shaped the course of my future endeavours."