Hello, I’m Anya! I am a first generation college graduate and first generation US born citizen. As immigrants from Vietnam and Mexico, my parents always taught me that education is a privilege. The sacrifices they made to give me a better life drives me to seize every opportunity that comes my way. My first major opportunity was getting into one of the top public universities in the nation, University of California, Davis, to study biomedical engineering.

 

My years at UC Davis were fruitful, diverse, and full of growth. I had the opportunity to teach STEM courses at neighboring grade schools through the Biomedical Engineering Society, while performing in shows for the Theatre and Dance Department. I also found community and leadership skills with my fellow Aggies through the College of Engineering Student Ambassadors program. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit just before my last year of undergrad. However, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to facilitate clinical studies for the UC Davis Medical Center’s Trauma Surgical Department. During this time I was also designing and prototyping my Engineering Senior Design Project. Despite setbacks from the pandemic, being able to design and prototype a medical device and conduct clinical research were big accomplishments in my undergraduate career. Those experiences have shaped my interest and passion for research and product design. 

 

I am extremely grateful for my time at UC Davis and the amazing opportunities it had to offer. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my incredible mentors, amazing experiences, and inspiring friends I made along the way. Graduating in 2021 was unlike any other graduation experience but it was one full of knowledge and growth that I am excited to take on my journey to the next chapter of my career!