Akshay Garud

Akshay Garud is currently engaged in an ambitious educational endeavor as a Bioengineering student with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC). His journey at this esteemed institution, founded in 1867, is set to culminate in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is meticulously preparing for a career that straddles the rapidly evolving fields of technology and biological sciences.

His academic regime is diverse, spanning several disciplines and technical skills. He is well-versed in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++ and is proficient in specialized software tools like Atom, R Programming, MATLAB Octave, and Node.js. His expertise extends to Microsoft Excel, Onshape, Autocad, Autodesk Inventor, and Imagej, alongside 3D Printing, API Testing, Data Visualization, and Machine Learning competencies.

Academic Pursuits at UIUC

Akshay's curriculum at UIUC is comprehensive, covering subjects that prepare him for bioengineering and computer science challenges. His coursework includes Linear Algebra for Biomedical Data Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Computational Math, Cellular Bioengineering, and Tissue Engineering. He also delves into Analog Signal Processing, Computational Tools for Biological Data, Probability and Statistics for Computer Science, Data Structures, Signal and Systems in Bioengineering, and Transport and Flow in Bioengineering.

Professional Internship Experiences

Throughout his university career, Akshay has accumulated a wealth of experience through internships that complement his academic studies.

Research at Gritton Lab

In September 2023, Akshay began a significant role at the Gritton Lab at UIUC, serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. This position involved analyzing the neural responses of mice within artificially created mazes. His duties included collecting neurophysiological signals, using calcium imaging techniques to monitor brain activity, and employing optogenetics to explore sensory task performance, which impacts learning, memory, and behavioral patterns.

Diverse Roles in Cutting-Edge Fields

In the summer of 2024, Akshay interned at TrussHealth, a pioneering healthcare service that uses artificial intelligence to enhance patient safety and quality of life through remote monitoring. His responsibilities there ranged from developing dynamic web applications using Node.js and React to API testing and camera workflow design, which included integrating a StereoPi camera into a web application.

Previously, during his sophomore year, he interned at Base Pair Inc., focusing on bioinformatics and the utilization of next-generation sequencing technology. His projects included developing RNA-seq data processing pipelines and performing genomic data analysis, which expanded his skill set in handling complex biological data.

Before entering university, he interned at Zeda Inc., where he researched the effects of different sterilization techniques on the tensile strength of polymer 3D prints and worked on improving 3D printing software and hardware.

University Life and Extracurricular Activities

Beyond the classroom, Akshay Garud is actively involved in the UIUC community. He is a UIUC Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and UIUC MedLaunch member, contributing to projects that blend engineering and medical research. His first year included participation in the UIUC Illini Awaaz A Cappella Team, which allowed him to perform musical performances at various competitions and events.

Personal Interests and Community Engagement

Music has been a significant part of Akshay's life. He has been involved in performing Hindustani classical music since childhood and has played the clarinet in the San Jose Youth Symphony for over three years. His involvement in technology extends to his high school years, when he was part of the robotics team, contributing to the design and build of competitive robots.

Akshay's commitment to service is demonstrated through his volunteer work with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County, where he has provided meals and organized fundraisers to support the homeless community. His other personal interests include outdoor activities like hiking and basketball. He maintains a disciplined lifestyle, evident in his achievement as an Eagle Scout and his first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Akshay Garud's blend of rigorous academic training, diverse internship experiences, active university involvement, and a commitment to personal and community development equips him to contribute significantly to bioengineering and computer science. His career is poised to bridge the gap between innovative technological solutions and pressing biological challenges.