Akshay Garud

Akshay Garud is nearing completion of his Bioengineering degree with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and is anticipated to graduate in 2025. His education at this prestigious university, founded in 1867, spans the intersection of advanced biological sciences and cutting-edge technology, preparing him for impactful contributions in both fields. Akshay is proficient in various programming languages, including Java, Python, and C++, and has a strong command of software tools such as Atom, R Programming, MATLAB Octave, and Node.js. Additionally, he has developed expertise in Microsoft Excel, Onshape, Autocad, Autodesk Inventor, and Imagej. His technical skills extend to 3D Printing, API Testing, and Data Visualization, complemented by a solid theoretical understanding of Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, and Statistics. Akshay has enriched his academic learning with practical experiences through multiple internships. He has been actively involved in research at UIUC’s Gritton Lab, where he studied the neural responses of mice in AI-generated mazes, effectively merging his bioengineering studies with computer science applications. He also interned at TrussHealth, an innovative health tech startup using artificial intelligence to enhance patient monitoring, where he contributed to web application development and API testing. His work at Base Pair Inc. also focused on bioinformatics, particularly RNA-seq data processing pipelines and genomic data analysis, which are crucial for advancing medical research. Outside of his academic and internship endeavors, Akshay plays an active role in the UIUC community. He is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society and participates in MedLaunch, fostering innovations that integrate engineering with healthcare solutions. His passion for music is also evident through his participation in the Illini Awaaz A Cappella Team, adding a vibrant element to various campus events. Moreover, Akshay is dedicated to community service, volunteering with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County to assist people experiencing homelessness. His personal life is enriched by hobbies such as hiking, basketball, and reading, which keep him well-rounded. His leadership and discipline shine through in his achievements as an Eagle Scout and his proficiency as a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo. With a comprehensive blend of academic rigor, practical internship experience, vibrant university involvement, and a commitment to personal and community development, Akshay Garud is well-prepared to contribute to bioengineering and computer science upon graduation significantly.