"Real" Bioengineering

I do not know each and every way a Bioengineer can use his major—my knowledge of the field is spotty and incomplete. I do know that the field is vast and ever-expanding, and probably encompasses work that is completely foreign to me.

However, I am familiar with a few facets of Bioengineering: mainly, prosthetics and research. My handy calculus teacher—the former Bioengineer—talked to me about the designing and “engineering” part of the major. He used to design medical equipment before converting to the education field. My knowledge of the “medical” part (I don’t even know the right language to use yet!) of bioengineering ends here: I don’t know how any of this designing works, but I would like to learn much more about it.

I do not know much more about the research aspect of Bioengineering. Panels and tours at Penn taught me what I know about the field: that some Bioengineers continue on to Graduate School, and use their degree to pursue a career in research. This option appeals to me the most (as of now), and I hope to become involved in research; I want to test and taste the different parts of Bioengineering before deciding on one!

Bioengineers may also find careers in consulting and investing—or so I’ve heard. I know virtually nothing about this option (or any of the others, I am coming to realize…) I guess that is why I am at Penn.