The BME Grad Podcast
Episodes
S5E7 - Field Clinical Specialist, Avantika Pandita
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by cardiac electrophysiology Field Clinical specialist at Biotronik and Lampe BME alum, Avantika Pandita to discuss the role of field cl...
S5E6 - Stop Comparing Yourself: What Students Need to Hear About Success with Marcy Bullock
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the BME Grad Podcast features Marcy Bullock, Director of Professional Development at NC State’s College of Engineering and host of t...
S5E5 - Field Engineer Roles with Peter Franzen
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We interview Peter Franzen, a Senior Principal Field Clinical Engineer about his journey from entry level to senior level at Medtronic. We cover topic...
4 - Professional Masters Programs: The Lampe MS MedTech Program
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wondering what to do after you graduate? Thinking about industry or the startup world, but wanting some more experience? Look no further than the MS M...
3 - Medtech Startup Funding with Jimmy Melton
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We touch on the funding side of the medtech startup world with Jimmy Melton, founder and general partner at Cape Fear BioCapital. Topics covered inclu...
2 - Healthcare Innovation Investments with Jimmy Melton
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Jimmy Melton, general partner and founder of Cape Fear BioCapital, to talk about his journey from the science world to the healthcare...
1 - AI in Biomedical Engineering with Thomas Kierski
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We dive into a discussion about the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) with alumnus and senior machine learning Engineer at Revvity, Thomas ...
12 - Sharing Senior Wisdom from the Class of 2025
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're closing out Season 4 with some final thoughts and wisdom from our most recent graduating class of 2025. In this episode, we meet with Kiera ...
11 - Bridging Business Education and Biomedical Engineering with Susanne Killian
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Susanne Killian, associate director of student engagement at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, brings her expertise in business education to discuss ...
10 - FDA, Biodesign, and Startups with Craig Nichols
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this first video edition of The BME Grad Program, we have Craig Nichols, an alumnus of the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering. Craig ...
9 - Spring Interview Preparation and the Job Application Process with Colleen McGowan
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Industry Advisor Colleen McGowan is back to discuss important tips for biomedical engineers in the spring season of their job search and placement. Kn...
8 - The Intersection of Law School and Biomedical Engeering with Audrey Cooke
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about going to law school after graduating from a biomedical engineering undergraduate program? Meet one of our alumna, Audrey C...
7 - Clinical Trials Management with Ava Cook and Maya Cohn
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The BME Grad Podcast! We hope you all had a restful winter break. We are excited to jump back into season 4 with an episode on clinica...
6 - Wellness for Biomedical Engineers with Jason Franz
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time for the start of final exams for enrolled biomedical engineers, we're releasing an episode all about well-being. Jason Franz, associate p...
5 - Salary Negotiation and Strategic Early Career Development with Barbara Senich
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are excited to interview Barbara Senich for today's episode! Barbara has more than 25 years of experience in the biotech industry, including workin...
4 - An Episode for Seniors in Biomedical Enginneering: What Should You Plan For?
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Colleen McGowan is back in the podcast studio with advice specifically for seniors in a biomedical engineering program. Topics covered include whethe...
3 - State of the Joint Department Address with Chair Paul Dayton
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our host, Devin Hubbard, sits down with the chair and head of our Joint Department, Paul Dayton. This episode covers the history of our department, wh...
2 - Industry Advisor Colleen McGowan on Early Career Advice for Sophomores and Juniors
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Colleen McGowan is one of Joint BME's Industry Advisors. She specializes in helping students transition from their academic experience into their indu...
1 - All About Co-Ops with Reggie Smith, a Co-Op Ambassador
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are launching Season 4 with our most-requested topic: Co-ops! Reggie Smith has extensive experience working in co-ops while studying as a biomedica...
6 - Reflecting on the Undergraduate Experience with Four Graduating Seniors
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Devin closes out Season 3 by interviewing four seniors scheduled to graduate next week: Matthew Bunn, Varad Gurude, Carly Rauch, and Sara Meehan. In o...
5 - The Pathway from Biomedical Engineering to Medical School with Drew Caddell
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Devin Hubbard catches up with Drew Caddell, an alumnus of the Joint Department and a current first-year student of UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Me...
4 - Should I Go to Graduate School or Into Industry? David Probst Provides Perspective on Both
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sat down with David Probst, Ph.D. student in Joint BME, to talk about his previous research and development work with biosensors at Medtronic...
3 - A Discussion about Regulatory Affairs with Senior Compliance Engineer Cameron Schmitt
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We spoke with Cameron Schmitt, an expert in regulatory affairs and a senior compliance engineer with MethodSense. Cameron sat down with us to explain ...
2 - Second Interview with Allie Mitzak: What is a product manager?
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We had so much to talk about with The BME Grad Podcast Founder, Allie Mitzak, that host Devin Hubbard interviewed Allie for a second episode about her...
1 - Interview with The BME Grad Podcast founder Allie Mitzak
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first episode of season 3 finds The BME Grad Podcast Founder, Allie Mitzak, on the other side of the table with new podcast host, Devin Hubbard. ...
20 - Season 2 in Review
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Allie review Season 2, episode highlights, and lessons learned from hosting the show. More on The BME Grad Podcast: www.thebmegradpodcast....
19 - Traceability Matrices, Intuitive Surgical, and Moving Across the Country for a New Job with Madhuvanthi Jayaraman
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Madhuvanthi Jayaraman graduated from the Joint Program of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and NC State in 2019. She now works as a Design Control System...
18 - Biomedical Engineer at Carolina BioOncology Institute with Allie Story
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allie Story graduated from the Joint Program of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and NC State in 2019. Now, she is a Biomedical Engineer at Carolina BioO...
17 - Insights from an Academic Industry Coordinator: Colleen McGowan
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Colleen McGowan is the Academic Industry Coordinator for the Joint BME Department at UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University. Her role consists of a...
16 - MSAT Engineering at Humacyte + Job Searching on a Student Visa with Luciana Herrero
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy Herrero discusses Humacyte, her role as a Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Engineer at Humacyte, and provides advice on searching for ...
15 - Turn an Internship into a Job
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we share our advice on how to turn an internship, rotation, or project into a job. More on The BME Grad Podcast: www.thebmegradpodcast.com ...
14 - Choosing and Leveraging a BME Program for Your Career Goals: Closing the Gap Between Industry and Higher Ed with Aileen Huang-Saad
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Aileen Huang-Saad is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University and the Director of Life Sciences and Engineering Progra...
13 - LEAN Six Sigma with Kevin Grayson
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin Grayson provides an introduction to LEAN Six Sigma, and subsequent tools and problem solving structures such as: DMAIC, DMADV, the 8 wastes (DOW...
12 - Job Changes with Allie Mitzak and Brian Kim
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allie and Brian discuss some things to consider in a job change. More on The BME Grad Podcast: Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thebme...
11 - MedTech Master's Program Curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State (Mini-Series Episode 4)
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Instructors of the MedTech program, Kelly Umstead, Matt Penny, and Nick Jardine discuss key courses in the Master's program's curriculum. MedTech Inn...
10 - Meet Cervu, a Women's Health Early-Stage Venture from the MedTech Master's Program (Mini-Series Episode 3)
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Abby Scheer, Alan Rosenbaum, MD, and Chandler Sizer comprise the Cervu team. Cervu is an early-stage venture developing an intervaginal device to help...
9 - Being a Clinical Field Engineer, Experiencing an Acquisition with Nicole Spencer
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole Spencer is a Clinical Field Engineer at Fiagon, an endoscopic sinus surgery medical device company. Before Fiagon, Nicole worked as an Integrat...
8 - Identifying and Validating Clinical Needs: Making the Switch from Healthcare to Industry with Erik Andersen (Mini-Series Episode 2)
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Erik Andersen, MS, BSN, RN was brought on to Cambridge Design Partnership's (CDP) Insight & Strategy and Human Factors teams as a seasoned critica...
7 - Engineering Consulting and Traveling for Pharma and Biotech with Natsuyo Huneycutt
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Natsuyo Huneycutt is a Sr. Validation Engineer at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, based out of Raleigh, NC. Natsuyo is also a 2019 grad of the Joint Dep...
6 - Introducing the MedTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Master's Program at UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State (Mini-Series Episode 1)
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever considered a Master's in Biomedical Engineering? Here today to discuss one pathway are Dr. David Zaharoff, Director, and Matt Penny, Associate...
5 - Building the Modern Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Capstone Course with Andrew DiMeo (Part 2)
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew DiMeo, PhD, is a Health Innovator, Designer, Entrepreneur, Teacher & Student with roots in New York City's Film Industry and a 20+ year car...
4 - Building the Modern Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Capstone Course with Andrew DiMeo (Part 1)
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew DiMeo, PhD, is a Health Innovator, Designer, Entrepreneur, Teacher & Student with roots in New York City's Film Industry and a 20+ year car...
3 - Should Biomedical Engineers Have Portfolios?
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allie and Brian discuss the best engineering portfolios they've seen, how to build them easily, and situations where they could be useful. Follow u...
2 - Master's vs. PhD: Reflections on both Paths with Travis McKay and Taylor Gabaldon
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Travis McKay and Taylor Gabaldon met each other while pursuing their PhD's in Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University. While Travis ...
1 - Myths Biomedical Engineering Students Shouldn't Believe
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We'll discuss misconceptions BME students have about what experiences to seek out during college, what jobs they are and aren't a good fit for, and mo...
30- Brian Kim returns...
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Kim was the first guest of the BME Grad podcast. He is a 2019 graduate of the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and NC State and...
29- Going back to university for your Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. w/ Jordan Joiner
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Joiner received her Bachelors in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Alabama in 2015, and she is currently a 4th year Ph...
28- R&D Engineer at Vertex Pharmaceuticals w/ Isabella Watson (+ Engineering Portfolio Example)
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Isabella Watson is a 2019 grad of the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and NC State and is now an R&D Engineer at Vertex Pharmace...
27- Product Development Engineer II at AccuMED by Lear Corp. w/ Ryan Facer
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Facer graduated from the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and NC State in 2018. He is now a Product Development Engineer II at A...
26- Overview of BME Jobs: Concentrations and Functional Departments
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Allie and Grace explore the 5 main concentrations of BME and discuss that within these 5 concentrations BMEs typically take either a research or indus...
25- Software QA Engineer at FUJIFILM Medical Systems (+ Teleflex Summer Mentorship Programs) w/ Philip Summers
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Philip Summers is a Software QA Engineer at FUJIFILM Medical Systems as well as a 2019 grad from the Joint Department of BME at UNC and NC State. Phil...
24- Validation Engineer at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group (+ now Associate Specialist, Engineering at Merck) w/ Danlee Brown
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Danlee Brown is 2020 alum of the Joint Program of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and NC State. Danlee joins Allie and Grace to discuss her career to da...
23- Field Clinical Specialist for Cardiac Device Implants at Boston Scientific w/ Maureen Desmond
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Maureen Desmond is a 2019 grad of the Joint Biomedical Engineering Program at UNC and NC State University. Maureen joins Allie and Grace to discuss he...
22- Post Market Development, Nonconformance Engineer at Cook Medical w/ Zane Kaiser (+Working in industry before Medical school)
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Zane Kaiser graduated from the Joint Department of BME at UNC and NC State University in 2019. He is currently a Post Market Development, Nonconforman...
21- What it's like to teach BME and how to become a teaching professor w/ Naji Husseini, PhD
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Naji Husseini is an Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at...
20- Halma Future Leaders Program w/ Lena Gandevia & Allie
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join Allie and Grace as they chat with Lena Gandevia! Lena graduated with a bioengineering and biomedical BS from the Thayer school of engineering at ...
19- Automation Engineer at Biogen w/ Grace
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Meet our co-host! Grace Cronin is an Automation Engineer at Biogen after graduating from the UNC/NCSU BME program in 2019. Grace and Allie chat about ...
18- Prep for, Perceive, and Exit an Interview
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grace and Allie discuss preparing for interviews from the BME perspective, ending the interview, and red/green flags to watch for during the interview...
17- Drug Product Investigator at Pfizer w/ Jazmin McCorkle
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jazmin McCorkle is an Associate Drug Product Investigator at Pfizer. She graduated from the UNC/NCSU BME program in 2017, and graduated with her Maste...
16- How to win at engineering career fairs
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grace and Allie discuss finding, practicing, preparing for, and succeeding at engineering career fairs. A how-to on planning, networking, and followin...
15- "Should I work in consulting?" w/ Jacquelyn Davi
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jacquelyn Davi is a Senior Strategy Analyst at Triangle Insights Group, LLC, a strategy consulting group for life sciences organizations. Seh Jac...
14- What internships to choose & what to get out of them w/ Alyssa Burke
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alyssa Burke is a Validation Engineer at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group and was previously a Bioprocess Engineer at Novartis Gene Therapies. She is also...
13- Resume best practices part 2 w/ Heidi Scott Giusto
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Heidi Scott Giusto is the founder and owner of Career Path Writing Solutions, which provides businesses, institutions, professionals, and job-seeking ...
12- Resume best practices part 1 w/ Heidi Scott Giusto
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Heidi Scott Giusto is the founder and owner of Career Path Writing Solutions, which provides businesses, institutions, professionals, and job-seeking ...
11- How to improve your job search w/ Grace and Allie
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grace and Allie share their experience with the job search process, mistakes, and advice for job-seeking BME grads. For more information on The BME G...
10- Clinical Account Specialist at Biosense Webster w/ Brooke Gurnari
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brooke Gurnari is a 2019 grad of the Joint Program of BME at UNC and NC state. Brooke joins Allie and Grace to talk about her role at Biosense Webster...
9- Clinical & Regulatory Development Program at Edwards Lifesciences w/ Sydney Cheek
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sydney Cheek is a 2019 grad of the Joint Program of BME at UNC and NC State, and is currently working for Edwards Lifesciences in their Clinical &...
8- Director of Strategic Marketing at SunTech Medical w/ Corey Szumski
05 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey Szumski is the Director of Strategic Marketing at SunTech Medical, a blood pressure technology company located in RTP, North Carolina. She gradu...
7- Project Manager of Engineering Capital Projects at Pfizer (+ more on Pfizer Rotational Programs) w/ Alex Brown
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Brown is a Project Manager of Engineering Capital Projects at Pfizer in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He graduated from the Joint Department of Bi...
6- The Venture for America Program: A Fellowship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs w/ Kristy Reed and Lydia Ashburn
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristy Reed and Lydia Ashburn are both Venture for America (VFA) Fellows that graduated from the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and...
5- Project Management Office Lead at Teleflex (R&D, Respiratory Medical Device Unit) w/ Erin Graham
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Erin Graham is a Project Management Office Lead at Teleflex- a medical device company that provides solutions in vascular access, interventional cardi...
4- Interview Tips (and Virtual Interview Tips) for BME Grads w/ Ted Benson
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ted Benson joins Allie & Grace to talk about best practices for succeeding in interviews and virtual interviews. The group also talks about why it...
3- Implementation Project Manager at Epic w/ Lee-Ann Nguyen
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lee-Ann Nguyen is an Implementation Project Manager at Epic, a leading healthcare software company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. She graduated ...
2- Manufacturing Associate at Bluebird Bio (Gene Therapy) w/ Dilan Chudasma
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dilan Chudasma is a Manufacturing Associate II at a small-medium sized gene therapy company. He graduated from the Joint Program of Biomedical Enginee...
1- Product Engineering at an engineering consulting company for design & manufacturing w/ Brian Kim
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Kim is a Product Engineer at an engineering consulting design and manufacturing company (Plexus Corp) and a 2019 graduate of the Joint Program o...