What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
After high school, I pursued a degree in biology, driven by my passion for the life sciences. However, my curiosity for technology, particularly software and computational tools, led me to explore the intersection of biology and data science.
Bioinformatics perfectly blends these fields, allowing me to bridge my biological background with computational techniques. Pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics has been the ideal way to satisfy my curiosity and deepen my understanding of this evolving discipline.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
I am currently seeking a co-op position for Summer 2025 and actively applying to various opportunities. In Summer 2024, I completed a pre-co-op course that equipped us with essential skills for the co-op application process, including resumé/CV reviews, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. I found this course invaluable in understanding the significance of every keyword in a resume or cover letter, ensuring a more strategic and effective approach to job applications.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I currently serve as a student representative for the Bioinformatics program in the Program Advisory Committee (PAC). Additionally, I represented the College of Science (COS) as a student representative at Northeastern University’s Open House event. These roles have allowed me to actively contribute to the program and engage with prospective students, providing insights into the curriculum and student experience.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
My journey in COS has been incredibly rewarding. Although our campus is small with limited infrastructure, the faculty and staff have been exceptionally supportive. They are quick to find solutions and always guide us in a clear, positive direction. Additionally, the on-campus activities organized by COS have been invaluable in helping students like me build connections and expand our network within the campus community.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
From my first semester in Bioinformatics, Professor Oyeronke has had a significant impact on me, shaping my thought process and encouraging me to think outside the box. She takes the time to understand our challenges, provides clear solutions, and pushes us to go beyond our limits.
At the beginning of the semester, Professor Oyeronke told us that she wouldn’t spoon-feed us; in a master’s program, we needed to change our way of thinking. This advice has been incredibly valuable in all my subsequent learning.
Yash Maheshbhai Patel ’25, MS Bioinformatics
Additionally, Professor Oyeronke has always been accessible, allowing us to reach out to her on Teams whenever we face issues. She responds promptly, offering the guidance we need. Her approach is truly inspiring, as she focuses on fostering genuine learning rather than just completing assignments for the sake of the curriculum.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
Over the past year and a half, I have experienced significant growth. Starting as a novice in bioinformatics, I have developed a strong understanding of programming in Python and R, and gained hands-on experience working with real-world genomic data. After graduation, I look forward to pursuing a career as a computational biologist or junior bioinformatics scientist, as part of my first professional role.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After graduating from Northeastern, I will continue serving as a PAC member until 2027. During this time, I aim to make a positive impact on the curriculum, enhancing its learning criteria to benefit future students. As for my personal aspirations, it would be a dream come true to work in the bioinformatics field, particularly in rare disease research and cancer studies. I hope to contribute to research efforts that can make a meaningful difference and help people in the future.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
I’ll be honest with you: pursuing a science degree is not just an opportunity, it’s a privilege. You’ve worked hard to get to this point and earn your place in the world of science, but the journey ahead will be challenging, perhaps even more than you expect. However, believe me, all the hard work and struggles will be worth it in the end. You won’t just gain knowledge, but you’ll develop new ways of thinking and approaching problems. You’ll level up your skills in ways you can’t even imagine right now.
Think of yourself as raw gold subjected to heat and pressure in the furnace of this journey. Though the process may be tough, just like gold, your value will only increase, and you’ll emerge stronger and more refined. Keep going, it’s all part of the transformation.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I would like to give a special shout-out to the tours organized by the university. One that stands out to me was the visit to the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), which was truly inspiring. It provided an incredible opportunity to witness cutting-edge biotech and bioinformatics research in a real laboratory setting. Additionally, the university also arranges recreational tours, such as trips to the Ripley Aquarium and Niagara Falls. These tours are a great way to bond with peers and enjoy some time together outside of the academic setting.
