Emily Sullivan | Biomedical Engineering

“What surprised me the most about Rutgers Engineering is how such a big school is able to feel like such a close-knit community.” – Emily Sullivan

Biomedical engineering (BME) major and Honors College student Emily Sullivan was awarded a 2024 Rutgers Impact Award for her work in improving disability access at Rutgers. Her committed advocacy for the disabled stems from her own – often frustrating – experiences following a traumatic brain injury in 2014, when she realized she needed to be a self-advocate and wanted to contribute to a field – like BME – that directly impacts patients and their quality of life.

Why Rutgers?

I chose Rutgers because of the opportunities it offers. While growing up, Rutgers was pretty much in my backyard, and it wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I realized how much Rutgers would allow me to explore my potential.

What do you like best about your BME major?

My favorite thing about BME is the opportunity to make real, measurable changes in the quality of life for patients.

Do you have a favorite professor?

Associate Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Director Kristen Labazzo was a very important person in my time at Rutgers. I took her Byrne Seminar during my first year and stayed in touch with her through the years. She is now my senior design advisor.

Have you been involved in any special projects?

My biggest personal project, for which I won an Impact Award, has been my work to establish a Disability Cultural Center on campus. This began as an independent research project that culminated in a paper, “Examining Disabilities at Rutgers: Student Experiences and a Proposal.” I’ve been having meetings with various members of Rutgers leadership over the past few months to try to bring the Center to fruition.

What about extracurriculars?

I’ve been involved through Honors College for most of my time at Rutgers – as a diversity peer educator, as a changemaking mentor for first year students, as a TA for the cultural competency course, and through programming efforts. Off campus, I’m also very involved in my hometown rescue squad – Milltown Rescue Squad – where I am an EMT and the vice president.

What surprised you the most about Rutgers Engineering?

What surprised me the most about Rutgers Engineering is how such a big school is able to feel like such a close-knit community.

What will you miss the most?

I’ll miss the engaged community – there’s always something going on, and always someone new to speak with.

What are your post-graduate plans?

I have enrolled in Rutgers’ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy for a master’s in public health with a concentration in global public health.

What would you tell future SoE students?

Take advantage of everything Rutgers has to offer – you don’t have to love every single experience, but you may never have the same opportunities again.

What three words best describe your SoE experience?

Challenging. Engaging. Rewarding.