International Student Builds Future in Biomedical Engineering

International student Daphine Akot found her spark for engineering at a young age, when she would watch her uncles fix intricate items around her house. That spark helped influence her decision when she was torn between pursuing a career in biomedical or software engineering and noticed the outsized impact the biomedical field had on those around her. 

She heard of the research opportunities that the U of A offered. Knowing that she wanted to be part of that impact, she decided to begin her journey as a Razorback.  

"The U of A has provided me with all the resources I need to excel, from library material to access papers and materials to help, and access to different software," she said. 

With strong friendships, travel and research opportunities alongside community support, Akot reflects fondly on her experiences at the U of A. Advising other international students to go for it, she describes integrating her culture to campus, gaining research opportunities and making new friendships.  

"I have had opportunities to showcase my creative side through dance and presentations through the International Culture Team," she said. "ICT is worth checking out - I have made amazing memories while there." 

Surrounded by encouragement and support, she has developed strong analytical and data organizational skills, worked on various projects and participated in organizations such as the Fayetteville chapter of Engineering World Health (EWH) and Society of Women Engineers. She has also taken on various leadership roles such as the publicist for EWH, presented a research poster at the BMEG symposium and worked on EWH Rough Terrain and the UAMS GoBabyGo project.  

She is currently working as a research assistant in the Rao Lab, which is a STEM engineering lab in the Biomedical Department, providing her valuable experience for her future.  

Her experience combines technical knowledge with practical, real-world experience, long-lasting friendships and memories, preparing her for a collaborative and service-oriented professional career.  

From professional development and research experience gained during her time at the U of A, Akot is currently working on a project to build a firm for medical devices in East Africa. After graduation, she plans to return to her home country of Uganda to gain work experience while raising capital for the beginning stages of her project. 

"The university has provided me with a well-rounded foundation that combines technical knowledge with practical, real-world experience that I can use to market myself anywhere in the world and be of an impact," she said.