Akshay Garud, a Bioengineering student minoring in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), is set to graduate in 2025. Enrolled at one of the premier institutions established in 1867, he is sharpening his skills at the nexus of technology and biology. His academic expertise includes a strong command over programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++, alongside proficiency in Atom, R Programming, MATLAB Octave, and Node.js. He is also skilled in using tools like Microsoft Excel, Onshape, Autocad, Autodesk Inventor, and Imagej, with practical abilities in 3D Printing, API Testing, and Data Visualization. His theoretical knowledge encompasses Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, and Statistics, preparing him for complex problem-solving in bioengineering.
Akshay’s practical experience is bolstered by internships that connect classroom theories with real-world applications. He has worked at the Gritton Lab at UIUC, researching neural responses in mice within AI-generated mazes. He has interned at TrussHealth, a health tech startup utilizing AI for enhanced patient monitoring, where he developed web applications and performed API testing. His time at Base Pair Inc. also involved him in bioinformatics projects, where he focused on developing RNA-seq data processing pipelines and performing genomic data analysis.
Beyond his academic and professional life, Akshay actively participates in the UIUC community. He engages with the Biomedical Engineering Society and MedLaunch, contributing to projects at the intersection of engineering and healthcare. His love for music is expressed through his involvement with the UIUC Illini Awaaz A Cappella Team, performing at various university events. He also commits his time to community service, volunteering with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County to support people experiencing homelessness. His hobbies, which include hiking, playing basketball, and reading, demonstrate a well-rounded lifestyle. His leadership qualities are further exemplified by his achievements as an Eagle Scout and a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Akshay Garud’s comprehensive approach to education, rich internship experiences, and active community involvement highlight his potential to contribute significantly to bioengineering and computer science.