My Experience Studying Engineering at CMU

When I first arrived at Carnegie Mellon University, I knew I wanted to study something that blended science and creativity with the ability to explore other interests, and engineering quickly became that perfect intersection. As a double major in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, I’ve been able to dive deeply into technical problem-solving, while still exploring how engineering impacts real people. 

From the beginning, my classes have been very hands-on. Every primary engineering intro course has a lab component, and for me, Intro to Chemical Engineering gave a real taste of what my next four years of engineering were going to be like. At the end of the semester, we were challenged to design the best waste water treatment system with a group of classmates. Although my group did not win, it was thrilling to work together and use everything we learned in the classroom in a hands-on application. This experience was the first of many problem-solving projects, and I really love how project-based and collaborative engineering has been. 

An experience that has been extremely valuable to my undergraduate experience has been doing research. I was fortunate enough to get funding through SURG (Student Undergraduate Research Grant), where students pitch their research ideas and receive funding and faculty guidance while conducting their research. I successfully developed a preliminary acne-fighting makeup foundation. I’ve always loved cosmetics, but I never imagined I’d get to combine that with engineering. Using tools like Minitab for statistical analysis, I figured out the optimal blend of non-comedogenic ingredients to both conceal and treat acne. This experience helped me realize that engineering isn’t just about machines or formulas — it’s about solving everyday problems in thoughtful, innovative ways. It made me feel I could carve my niche within a STEM field that’s often considered rigid or technical. This was such a unique experience that my professors, lab instructor, department and SURG committee supported me through, something that I could not have done without their help and guidance.

One of my favorite things about CMU is how easy it is to branch out beyond your major. I was able to count my general education requirements towards my two minors in supply chain and operations, and business analytics and optimization. As someone who has passions in many different fields, I definitely feel that the College of Engineering gives me the flexibility and opportunity to take classes that align with my other interests. In addition to my business courses, I am also a part of Forté, a community of motivated and inspiring women pursuing careers in business. Last year, I attended two Forté Women’s Leadership Conferences in New York City and Atlanta — events focused on empowering women in business — and the Chemical Engineering department helped fund these opportunities. It meant so much to feel supported in pursuing opportunities that go beyond the classroom and tie into my broader career goals. Experiences like that have helped me understand how technical skills and leadership go hand in hand.

CMU has also given me incredible global experiences that have helped me look at engineering through a different lens, and better understand how I can use my skills in the post-college workforce. Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Lisbon, Portugal to participate in Real World Engineering (RWE), a program that the College of Engineering runs every semester to expose students to engineering applications. The diverse range of site visits and experiences provided me with invaluable insights into various industries and reinforced my passion for chemical engineering. 

One of the most impactful visits was to a paper company. As a chemical engineering student, witnessing the industrial processes and technologies used in paper production was particularly fascinating. It was inspiring to see my academic studies come to life in a real-world setting and it solidified my interest in pursuing a career in this field. Post- college, I will be working for a consumer products company, so seeing some of this in action was such a great experience. Outside of the visits, I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experiences that Portugal had to offer. The walking tours of Lisbon allowed me to appreciate the city's rich history and atmosphere. The connections I made and the experiences I had in Portugal will undoubtedly influence my future endeavors and remain a cherished part of my academic and professional journey.

Looking back, CMU has given me the freedom to explore and grow across disciplines, and I’ve learned that the most meaningful innovations often happen at the intersection of different fields. Whether I’m in a lab, at a business conference or halfway across the world, I’ve always felt encouraged to connect the dots between my interests. If you’re someone who’s curious about engineering and all the opportunities it may bring you to build something new, there’s no better place to study than Carnegie Mellon University.