Wentworth Institute Biomedical Engineering Graduates Under 30 Drive Early‑Career Innovation in the USA

In the United States, the transition from student to professional can feel like a leap into the unknown. For graduates of the Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Biomedical Engineering program, that leap is often a calculated step toward meaningful impact. This article examines the journey of one standout alumna, Dionne Ang, and distills the lessons she offers for early‑career biomedical engineers. By exploring her path—from transfer to co‑ops, from startup to corporate considerations—readers gain actionable insights that can shape their own professional trajectories.

From Transfer to Triumph: Dionne Ang’s Path

Dionne Ang began her academic journey in California, where she pursued a bioengineering major. When her university downgraded the program to a minor, she recognized that a new environment was necessary to continue her growth. A chance visit to Boston University sparked her curiosity about local biomedical engineering options, and the Wentworth Institute of Technology’s program emerged as the clear choice.

Adapting to a New Academic Environment

Unlike larger universities, Wentworth hosts a more intimate student body—roughly a quarter the size of Ang’s previous school. This smaller setting can feel isolating at first, but it also offers a tighter-knit community. Ang found her footing by joining the track & field team, a move that introduced her to peers who shared her drive for excellence. The camaraderie built on the track translated into academic collaboration, illustrating how extracurricular activities can serve as gateways to professional networks.

Leveraging Campus Resources

Wentworth’s Accelerate Makerspace is a hub for innovation, providing students with 3D printers, CNC machines, and rapid prototyping tools. Ang’s “unhinged idea” of 3D‑printing a hundred duck figurines for a friend became a playful demonstration of the campus’s maker culture. Beyond the fun, this experience taught her how to harness available resources to prototype concepts quickly—a skill that would prove invaluable in later co‑ops and startup roles.

Hands‑On Experience: Co‑Ops and Labs

One of Wentworth’s distinguishing features is its mandatory two‑co‑op requirement. Ang’s first co‑op placed her as a biomedical research assistant in Associate Professor Uri Feldman’s lab, where she explored home telemedicine and haptics. The second co‑op took her to Day Zero Diagnostics, a startup focused on infectious disease diagnostics, where she worked as a product engineer.

First Co‑Op: Research Assistant in Telemedicine

In Professor Feldman’s lab, Ang was granted autonomy to pursue her own projects. She conducted literature reviews on telemedicine, designed experiments to test haptic feedback devices, and contributed to grant proposals. This role sharpened her research methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication—core competencies for any biomedical engineer.

Second Co‑Op: Product Engineering at Day Zero Diagnostics

Day Zero Diagnostics required Ang to prototype diagnostic tools, perform bench‑top chemical assays, and iterate designs based on test results. The startup environment demanded rapid problem‑solving and cross‑functional collaboration. Ang’s experience here underscored the importance of adaptability and the ability to translate laboratory findings into market‑ready products.

Choosing Between Startup and Corporate

After graduation, Ang faced a pivotal decision: join a multinational biopharmaceutical corporation or a small Boston‑based startup in the DNA storage space. She opted for the startup route, first with Catalog and later with Atlas Data Storage.

The Startup Route: Catalog and Atlas Data Storage

At Catalog, Ang worked on the process engineering team before moving to research and development. Her primary responsibility was to refine the company’s DNA writing machine—a complex system requiring subsystem design, prototyping, and rigorous testing. The role demanded a blend of mechanical design, software integration, and quality assurance.

When Catalog closed due to funding constraints, Ang did not retreat. Instead, she joined Atlas Data Storage as a hardware engineer, continuing her focus on DNA storage technology. Her willingness to embrace uncertainty and pivot quickly exemplifies the resilience required in the fast‑moving biotech sector.

Lessons Learned from Startup Culture

Ang’s reflections highlight several key takeaways:

• Flexibility is essential. Startups often shift priorities; engineers must be ready to tackle new challenges.
• Learning is continuous. Each project introduces new tools and concepts, reinforcing the value of lifelong learning.
• People skills matter. Building relationships with colleagues and mentors can open doors even when projects end.

Actionable Advice for Biomedical Engineering Students

Build Technical Foundations

Master core subjects—materials science, bioinstrumentation, and systems biology—before specializing. Seek out lab courses that emphasize hands‑on experimentation, as these provide a practical understanding that theoretical coursework alone cannot deliver.

Cultivate Soft Skills

Ang stresses the importance of interpersonal communication. Practice presenting complex ideas to non‑technical audiences, and develop active listening habits. These skills enhance teamwork and increase your value to employers.

Network Strategically

Attend industry conferences, join professional societies such as the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), and engage with alumni networks. A strong network can lead to co‑op placements, mentorship, and job offers.

Seek Diverse Experiences

Don’t limit yourself to a single type of project. Ang’s journey—from research labs to product engineering to startup R&D—demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available. Each experience builds a unique skill set that makes you adaptable in a competitive job market.

Getting the Most from Wentworth’s Co‑Op Program

Planning Your Co‑Op Timeline

Map out your co‑op schedule early. Coordinate with academic advisors to ensure that course loads align with internship deadlines. A well‑structured timeline prevents overload and maximizes learning.

Maximizing Learning in the Lab

When working in a lab, set clear objectives for each project. Document procedures meticulously, and seek feedback from supervisors. This habit not only improves project outcomes but also prepares you for the rigorous documentation required in regulated industries.

Next Steps for Aspiring Biomedical Engineers

Ready to take the next step? Here are several actions you can pursue right now:

• Apply to Wentworth’s Biomedical Engineering program today and start building a foundation that blends theory with practice.
• Explore co‑op opportunities and discover how real‑world experience can accelerate your career.
• Read more in the Wentworth Under 30 series to learn from peers who have already paved the way.
• Schedule a free consultation with a Wentworth admissions advisor to discuss how the program aligns with your goals.
• Share your own journey or questions in the comments below—community dialogue fuels growth for everyone.

In the United States, the biomedical engineering field is evolving rapidly. Graduates from Wentworth Institute of Technology, like Dionne Ang, exemplify how a solid technical foundation, coupled with strategic networking and a willingness to embrace new challenges, can lead to impactful careers. Whether you aim for a startup’s agility or a corporation’s resources, the skills you develop during your studies and co‑ops will be your most valuable assets.

Take action today—apply, network, and build the expertise that will define your early career in biomedical engineering.