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What would you say proved to be the most crucial skill to hone when it came to finding research opportunities around the globe relating to biomedical engineering ?
I am currently a high school senior and am interested in finding a way to connect my interests in electrical engineering to medical devices. I also want to look into ways of doing research in my future that provides me with the opportunity of visiting many different places and meeting many different people. More specifically, I want to research more into the realm of Neurotechnology and soft robotics. With the rising applications of AI, I want to find ways to integrate this into these devices to give even more opportunity in improving human cognitive abilities. I also want to research more into how to improve these devices to make them more accessible allowing for even greater rates of improved human autonomy.
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Daniel’s Answer
IMHO, the most crucial skills for finding opportunities (in research or any other field) are people skills (sometimes called soft skills), rather than specific scientific knowledge. At the risk of generalizing, I find that many people working in STEAM fields may have mastered oftentimes difficult and complex topics and techniques in their field, yet still are reticent (or maybe uncomfortable) to talk to others about their fields, interests, and ask for assistance. Yet it is precisely that skill - persistent inquiry - which can uncover opportunities in unsolved problems, which can point one towards new communities tackling similar challenges. As the old saying goes: you don't get what you don't ask for.
In general, it is easier to find research opportunities, and join academic research labs, if you have your own source of funding. To secure funding (at least in the US), one generally needs to apply for a grant, or scholarship/internship, or similar source of funds. In such an application, you would need to (1) explain what is your idea, what you intend to use the funds to develop, and (2) ask for the help that you need. You've already demonstrated both elements; you've stated clearly in your question what you want to do, and you are reaching out to ask for others to help answer your question. Please keep developing those skills - effective communications, asking for help or pointers when needed, understanding who can help you and in what way, and lastly, persistence and resilience, when you invariably encounter obstacles. Keep at it, even though there will be difficult times; the goals that you've stated are really important to society. I'm glad that you've chosen to tackle them.
In general, it is easier to find research opportunities, and join academic research labs, if you have your own source of funding. To secure funding (at least in the US), one generally needs to apply for a grant, or scholarship/internship, or similar source of funds. In such an application, you would need to (1) explain what is your idea, what you intend to use the funds to develop, and (2) ask for the help that you need. You've already demonstrated both elements; you've stated clearly in your question what you want to do, and you are reaching out to ask for others to help answer your question. Please keep developing those skills - effective communications, asking for help or pointers when needed, understanding who can help you and in what way, and lastly, persistence and resilience, when you invariably encounter obstacles. Keep at it, even though there will be difficult times; the goals that you've stated are really important to society. I'm glad that you've chosen to tackle them.
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David’s Answer
The most crucial skill to hone for finding global research opportunities in biomedical engineering is not just technical proficiency, but proactive cross-cultural and interdisciplinary communication. Your interest area—integrating electrical engineering, AI, Neurotechnology, and soft robotics for accessibility—is inherently global and sits at the nexus of multiple fields. To secure positions abroad, you must demonstrate the ability to not only understand the complex technical languages of electrical engineers, computer scientists (AI/ML), and medical professionals, but also to effectively convey your research vision to mentors and program coordinators from diverse academic and national backgrounds. This involves developing a flexible communication style, actively seeking out international research groups working in your niche (such as those in Europe, Japan, or specific medical tech hubs like Galway, Ireland), and being able to articulate why your background and unique interests would be a valuable asset to their specific lab's work on accessibility, regardless of their native language or established scientific culture.
Beyond communication, another essential skill is proactive institutional planning and adaptability, especially as you transition from high school to university. You should look for undergraduate programs that offer established International Plans or mandatory study/research abroad components within their engineering curriculum, as these pathways streamline the visa, credit transfer, and networking process for global research. As a student focused on AI integration and accessibility, you will need to actively search for labs whose primary work is in Neurotechnology and soft robotics but who have a secondary, published interest in machine learning or human-robot interaction—the key is to find the intersection of your interests. By focusing your technical coursework (e.g., in Python, signal processing, and control systems) and simultaneously developing a genuine curiosity about global health equity, you will present yourself as a uniquely prepared and globally-minded candidate for international fellowships and labs.
Beyond communication, another essential skill is proactive institutional planning and adaptability, especially as you transition from high school to university. You should look for undergraduate programs that offer established International Plans or mandatory study/research abroad components within their engineering curriculum, as these pathways streamline the visa, credit transfer, and networking process for global research. As a student focused on AI integration and accessibility, you will need to actively search for labs whose primary work is in Neurotechnology and soft robotics but who have a secondary, published interest in machine learning or human-robot interaction—the key is to find the intersection of your interests. By focusing your technical coursework (e.g., in Python, signal processing, and control systems) and simultaneously developing a genuine curiosity about global health equity, you will present yourself as a uniquely prepared and globally-minded candidate for international fellowships and labs.