Members of Cornell University's 2016 biomedical engineering master's class returned to campus for a 10-year reunion tied to Industry Day, sharing career lessons with current students and reconnecting with the program.
The alumni described paths that moved through medical devices, pharmaceuticals, research, product development and other health-related fields. Program leaders said the event was designed to connect classroom training with changing industry needs.
Careers across biomedical fields
Ricky Jain discussed work at Merck, while Diana Rudz spoke about her career at Medtronic. Other returning alumni included Gaurang Dimri, Crystal Shan, Kelsey Boissoneau of Boston Scientific and Benjamin Solaski.
Joe Maher, Sid Joshi, Zachary Woods, Emily Christie Cue, Michelle Walther of BD and Dae Hee Yun of LifeCanvas Technologies also took part in the reunion and career conversations.
Speakers said biomedical engineering careers rarely follow a single route. Several described changing specialties or moving between technical and business roles as their interests and opportunities evolved.
Networks after graduation
Alumni credited Cornell's team projects, capstone work and industry exposure with helping them communicate across scientific, engineering and commercial teams. They also emphasized the value of staying connected with classmates.
The visit included panels and mentoring sessions for current students. Alumni discussed hiring, workplace expectations and how early-career decisions can create options later.
Program leaders said the returning class showed the range of work available to graduates, from established medical companies to smaller research and technology firms.
The reunion also gave the 2016 cohort a chance to compare how the biomedical field and Cornell's master's program have changed over the past decade.
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