Akshay Garud is a dedicated University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) student. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering with a minor in Computer Science and will graduate in 2025. His education at this distinguished institution, founded in 1867, equips him with a diverse and robust skill set tailored to technology and biology's evolving intersections.
Akshay is proficient in a wide array of programming languages and technical tools. His expertise spans Java, Python, C++, Atom, R Programming, MATLAB Octave, and Node.js, as well as in applications like Microsoft Excel, Onshape, Autocad, Autodesk Inventor, and Imagej. Beyond these, he has developed practical skills in 3D Printing, API Testing, Data Science, Data Structures, Data Visualization, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, and Statistics, making him well-prepared for future technological challenges.
Akshay's academic journey at UIUC is comprehensive, involving core and specialized courses designed to forge a deep understanding of bioengineering and computer science. His coursework includes linear algebra for Biomedical Data Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Computational Math, Cellular Bioengineering, Tissue Engineering, and Analog Signal Processing. Furthermore, he studies Computational Tools for Biological Data, Probability and Statistics for Computer Science, Data Structures, Signals and Systems in Bioengineering, and Transport and Flow in Bioengineering.
Akshay has complemented his academic pursuits with practical, real-world experience gained through multiple internships, honing his skills and preparing him for a professional career in bioengineering and computer science.
In September 2023, Akshay joined the Gritton Lab at UIUC as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Here, he worked on a pioneering project that analyzed the neural responses of mice navigating AI-generated mazes. His role involved collecting neurophysiological data, utilizing advanced imaging techniques to monitor brain activity, and employing optogenetics to probe deeper into the neural mechanisms of sensory perception.
Akshay Garud's internships span various facets of bioengineering and health technology, each adding valuable dimensions to his professional portfolio.
During the summer of 2024, he interned at TrussHealth, an innovative healthcare startup that integrates artificial intelligence to enhance remote patient monitoring. His responsibilities included developing web applications with Node.js and React, conducting API testing, and designing camera systems for patient observation and data collection.
The previous summer, he worked at Base Pair Inc., where he immersed himself in bioinformatics. At Base Pair, he engaged in genomic data analysis and developed RNA-seq data processing pipelines, contributing to projects that pushed the boundaries of genetic research.
Before his university education, Akshay also interned at Zeda Inc., where he researched the mechanical properties of polymer 3D prints and their application in medical devices, gaining early exposure to the practical applications of his studies.
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Akshay is an active member of the UIUC community. He participates in the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and MedLaunch, initiatives that foster innovation and practical applications in medical technology. His extracurricular activities include membership in the UIUC Illini Awaaz A Cappella Team, where he explores his passion for music by performing at various university events.
Akshay is deeply committed to personal development and community service. He has a long-standing passion for music, performing Hindustani classical music and playing the clarinet in the San Jose Youth Symphony. His technical skills were also showcased in his high school robotics team, where he contributed to design and competition projects.
His volunteer activities include significant contributions to HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County, where he helps provide essential services to people experiencing homelessness. His hobbies also reflect a balanced lifestyle, including hiking, basketball, reading, and cinema. His achievements as an Eagle Scout and a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo exemplify his discipline and leadership skills.
Through his rigorous education, diverse internships, active university participation, and commitment to community service, Akshay Garud demonstrates a profound readiness to contribute to bioengineering and computer science. His holistic approach to education and life prepares him to tackle future challenges with innovative solutions.
Akshay Garud is a dedicated University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) student. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering with a minor in Computer Science and will graduate in 2025. His education at this distinguished institution, founded in 1867, equips him with a diverse and robust skill set tailored to technology and biology's evolving intersections.
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