Akshay Garud
Akshay Garud
Bioengineering student at UIUC
Bioengineering student at UIUC
Akshay Garud is an ambitious Bioengineering student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC), where he also minors in Computer Science. As a student at Illinois' flagship institution, founded in 1867, he is set to complete his Bachelor of Science in 2025. His studies prepare him for a dynamic career at the intersection of technology and biological research.
His academic prowess is demonstrated through his proficiency in a suite of programming and analytical tools, including Atom, R Programming, Java, Python, C++, Microsoft Excel, Onshape, Autocad, Autodesk Inventor, MATLAB Octave, Imagej, and Node.js. Furthermore, his skills extend to 3D Printing, API Testing, Data Science, Data Structures, Data Visualization, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, and Statistics.
At UIUC, Akshay's coursework is meticulously structured around core and advanced topics crucial to his dual interests in Bioengineering and Computer Science. His studies span critical subjects such as Linear Algebra for Biomedical Data Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Computational Math, Cellular Bioengineering, Tissue Engineering, Analog Signal Processing, and Computational Tools for Biological Data. He also studies Probability and Statistics for Computer Science, Data Structures, Signal and Systems in Bioengineering, and Transport and Flow in Bioengineering, equipping him with a robust scientific foundation and problem-solving capabilities.
Akshay Garud has complemented his academic training with practical, real-world experiences, participating in multiple internships that have honed his skills and prepared him for his professional future.
In September 2023, Akshay began an internship at the Gritton Lab at UIUC, where he became an Undergraduate Research Assistant. This position saw him in a cutting-edge project analyzing neural responses in mice within AI-generated mazes. His responsibilities included collecting neurophysiological data, monitoring brain activity using advanced imaging techniques, and applying optogenetics to explore neural pathways and behaviors.
Akshay's internship experiences are varied, each contributing uniquely to his skill set and understanding of his field.
During the summer of 2024, he interned at TrussHealth, an innovative healthcare service leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance patient safety and quality of life through remote patient monitoring. His role involved software development using Node.js and React, API testing, and designing and testing integrated camera systems for medical applications.
The previous summer, he worked at Base Pair Inc., a company at the forefront of bioinformatics, where he immersed himself in analyzing genomic data and developing tools for processing RNA-seq data. His work helped advance his understanding of genomic sciences and their application in medical technology.
Before entering university, Akshay interned at Zeda Inc., where he conducted research on polymer 3D prints and their applications in healthcare. This role allowed him to gain early insights into the intersection of engineering and biomedical sciences, setting a solid foundation for his future studies.
Beyond academics, Akshay is deeply involved in campus life. He is an active member of the UIUC Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and participates in UIUC MedLaunch, a student organization that fosters innovation in medical technology. His love for music also found an outlet in the UIUC Illini Awaaz A Cappella Team, where he performed at various campus events, blending his artistic talents with his scientific pursuits.
Akshay's interests extend beyond academia and professional engagements. He has a long-standing passion for music, having performed Hindustani classical music for eight years and played clarinet with the San Jose Youth Symphony for three years. His technical abilities were also showcased during his high school years on the robotics team, where he helped design and build competitive robots.
His commitment to community service is evident from his volunteer work with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County, where he contributed to efforts to support people experiencing homelessness through meal services and fundraising campaigns. Akshay also enjoys reading, hiking, playing basketball, and going to the movies. His disciplined approach to life is further demonstrated by his accomplishments as an Eagle Scout and a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Akshay Garud's comprehensive approach to education, extensive internship experiences, active university involvement, and robust personal development paint the picture of a dedicated student poised to make significant contributions to bioengineering and computer science. His journey illustrates a commitment to leveraging his skills for impactful solutions in health and technology.