My path toward this mission has not been linear. I first studied aerospace and automotive engineering and later worked as an aerodynamic engineer in the automotive industry. Over time, however, I increasingly felt that something was off.
I had always been drawn to biology and healthcare, but how I could meaningfully contribute in that space was still unclear to me. Gradually, I began to see engineering not as a separate field, but as a powerful framework for approaching biological problems through systems thinking, design rigor, and practical implementation.
That realization eventually led me to retrain in biomedical engineering and continue my journey in the United States, where I began a PhD and became involved in translational biotechnology and molecular biology research. Through that experience, I became increasingly aware not only of the potential of biotechnology, but also of how unequal access to infrastructure, reagents, and technical resources can shape who is able to respond during biological crises.
My PhD path was ultimately interrupted by a difficult mismatch with my research mentorship. At the time, this felt deeply discouraging. However, with distance and reflection, I have come to see that experience differently. It clarified the direction I want to pursue, strengthened my commitment to this mission, and reinforced my desire to continue building toward research that can contribute to more accessible and resilient biotechnology worldwide.