A Degree in Biosystems Engineering Prepared MSU Student for Medical School
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EmailEmma Dester completed a degree in Biosystems Engineering as part of her pre-med requirement
Emma Dester first came to Michigan State University (MSU) as a high school student and toured Dr. Evangelyn Alocija's lab. She saw the healthcare diagnostics work taking place and wanted to be a part of it. Later, Dester toured the department again through the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship (ADS) program through MSU Honors College and it solidified her decision to join the department.
The Biosystems Engineering Department felt the most personalized and welcoming out of all the colleges she toured, leading her to complete her bachelors in Biosystems Engineering as part of her pre-med requirement.
Biosystems Engineering requires the most biology out of all the College of Engineering programs and is a degree that equips and prepares students for a career or higher education.
Meet Emma 
Hometown:
Saline, MI
What BAE research opportunities had an impact with your decision to go to medical school?
In Dr. Alocija's lab, we collaborate with hospitals and physicians, and that let me interact with the medical field in a different way than a hospital or medical practitioner office. Seeing the research first-hand gave me confidence that I was going into the right field for me.
How would you describe the BAE Department at MSU?
Personalized and welcoming. The small class sizes and engagement from professors encouraged me to enroll in the program and apply for scholarships. The BAE Department was positive and supportive throughout my years here.
Do you have advice for current or future students interested in the medical field? Consider BE for a major and ask lots of questions. The BE advisor was familiar with the pre-med requirements. I only had to take a few extra classes to meet the pre-med requirements in addition to the BE curriculum. BE let me see the medical diagnostics side of medicine, which I may not see in the same way in med school. Ask questions of everyone: doctors, professors, and shadow if you can! The department has lots of opportunities if you take advantage of them.
What's the best part about being a MSU Student?
So many things! I really loved being a part of a huge campus with so many activities and being part of a smaller BE community. I made lots of individual connections. MSU is a great research institution and good way to make social and professional connections.
What's next?
My Master's defense was on May 6 and after that I will be attending the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine with a full ride scholarship. I will be part of the Medical Degree and Biomedical Research Special Qualification cohort.
