Jessica

What were the best things about your course?

One of the best things about studying Biomedical Engineering at Surrey was how the course combined core engineering principles with real healthcare applications. I was able to develop a strong foundation in engineering while learning how those skills can be applied to improve patient care and solve real medical challenges.

The lecturers and professors were excellent - not only were they knowledgeable and supportive, but they consistently linked engineering theory to real-world medical applications. That practical approach made the subject engaging and helped me understand how engineering can have a direct impact on people's lives.

Looking back, the course gave me exactly the foundation I needed for my career. Today, I develop medical devices, and I regularly draw on the engineering principles and problem-solving skills I developed at Surrey. It's rewarding to know that the work I do can contribute to improving healthcare, which was one of the main reasons I chose Biomedical Engineering in the first place. 

“Over the past 12 years, I've worked across the medical device industry, leading the development of complex medical devices from concept through regulatory approval and commercial launch.”

What do you do now? How did your degree from Surrey help you achieve this?

I am an award-winning biomedical engineer and Managing Director of a MedTech start-up. My role combines engineering, business strategy, and leadership as I work with multidisciplinary teams to develop and commercialise medical devices that have the potential to improve patient care around the world.

Over the past 12 years, I've worked across the medical device industry, leading the development of complex medical devices from concept through regulatory approval and commercial launch. I enjoy solving challenging engineering problems and turning innovative ideas into technologies that can make a real difference to patients' lives.

Along the way, I've been fortunate to receive recognition for my work. In 2025, I was part of a team that received the prestigious MacRobert Award for engineering innovation. In 2026, I was also honoured to be recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50) by the Women's Engineering Society. These achievements are milestones that reflect not only technical excellence but also the value of collaboration, innovation, and the strong foundation I built during my time at Surrey.

My degree gave me a strong technical foundation in engineering while showing me how those principles could be applied to solve real healthcare challenges. The course encouraged both analytical thinking and practical problem-solving, which are skills I use every day in the medical device industry.

One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the emphasis on working in multidisciplinary teams. This taught me how to collaborate effectively, communicate technical ideas, and learn from different perspectives - essential skills I have used throughout my career, particularly as I've progressed into engineering leadership roles.

The breadth of the course meant I could discover the aspects of engineering I was most passionate about, while building the confidence and adaptability to continue learning throughout my career.

“Surrey is home to brilliant lecturers and researchers working on exciting innovations, so make the most of their knowledge and experience.”

What’s your advice to current students?

My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious. Don't see your degree as a box-ticking exercise where the only goal is to achieve the highest grades. Of course, academic success is important, but your degree is really a springboard into what can be an incredibly rewarding career.

No single degree can teach you everything about engineering - in fact, you could spend a lifetime learning and still discover something new. Instead, use your time at Surrey to build a strong foundation and develop the mindset of an engineer: ask questions, challenge ideas, and think about how the concepts you're learning could be applied to solve real-world problems.

Take every opportunity to engage beyond the curriculum. Surrey is home to brilliant lecturers and researchers working on exciting innovations, so make the most of their knowledge and experience. Be proactive, seek out opportunities, and show genuine interest in where your learning could take you.

Engineering has given me a career where I can make a real difference to people's lives, and that's something I never lose sight of. If you learn to enjoy the process of learning - not just the outcome - you'll build a career that is both successful and deeply fulfilling.