Bridging biomedical sciences and computing with curiosity and perseverance
By Mariana Lozovanu | July 10, 2024
Editor’s note
Tiffany Kawamura is a recent graduate from New College at ASU's West Valley campus, receiving bachelor's degrees in applied computing and biomedical sciences. Her academic journey was marked by an exploratory and flexible approach, allowing her to discover her passions through various courses during her freshman year. Despite facing challenges, especially in her initial computing classes, her curiosity and perseverance led her to excel in both fields. She chose New College partly due to familial influence and was pleasantly surprised by the supportive and collaborative student community. Her favorite professor, Eric Eckert, played a significant role in her education, teaching her the value of persistence and self-motivation. Tiffany advises prospective college students to remain flexible and open to exploring different paths during their early college years. She emphasizes that one doesn't need an extensive background in computing or science to succeed; a willingness to learn and collaborate is key.
After graduation, Tiffany aims to work as a software developer, software engineer, or data analyst, preferably in the medical field to integrate her dual expertise. Looking ahead, she envisions continuing her education in mathematics or engineering and maintaining a stable job while drawing inspiration and guidance from her network of like-minded individuals.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I think it was during my freshman year when I was really experimenting and taking a lot of courses. I was taking language, computer, and science courses. I just chose what felt right to me, and at the time, I was very interested in science and computers. It was honestly the first computer class, and ironically enough, it was the worst class I've ever taken. The professor was difficult, and I did not have any computing background at all, but my curiosity drove me to take the minor and eventually the major.
Q: Why did you choose New College?
A: I chose ASU and New College mainly because my family attended, and I wanted to follow what my siblings were doing at the time.
Q: What's something that you learned while at New College that surprised you, or changed your perspective? Why?
A: I think what surprised me the most was how inviting the students were. They were very nice, and I was able to ask a lot of questions. Sometimes I felt very shy to ask, like, "Hey, do you want to be in a study group or something like that?" But most of the time, they were very willing to share contact information or even meet up after class.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while in college?
A: At the West Valley campus, my favorite professor was Eric Eckert. He is very popular within the applied computing major. His classes were formatted in a way that helped me understand the material very well. Even though I struggled with the material during the first year, I realized that if you keep persevering and motivating yourself, you will come out successful in the end. Pushing through and reminding yourself that it's okay really helps when you major in something challenging like that.
Q: What's the best piece of advice you can offer to somebody considering applying for college?
A: Well, just be flexible. When I graduated from high school, I was so adamant about a specific path. I was like, "I'm definitely going to be a doctor." I had everything planned. Allowing yourself to explore during your freshman and sophomore years, and letting your creative side branch out a bit more, can definitely help you later on. You'll be able to point back at specific courses and say, "You know what? I really enjoyed that course. I'm surprised that I did, but I did."
Q: What would you say to a student considering your majors? What do you think would make a good candidate?
A: One thing that I've noticed from people wanting to study applied computing or biomedical sciences is they assume that you need to be exceptionally smart or have a strong computer or science background. However, many people in these majors are learning alongside you. Even if you feel like you don't understand the material, everyone else is learning too. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because, at the end of the day, everyone is learning together. Don't hesitate to turn to your neighbor and say, "Hey, can you help me out?"
Q: What made you want to pursue and combine all these majors?
A: I originally started out with biomedical sciences, which ties back to the previous point about being flexible. By the time I wanted to major in applied computing, I was already a senior. I realized that, although I had devoted a lot of time to biomedical sciences, it didn't mean I couldn't have the same passion for another major.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I would like to work as a software developer. For any tech student, it often comes down to the big three: software developer, software engineer, or data analyst. I mainly want to work for a medical company to tie all of these interests together.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years or more and how did New College help you to get there?
A: I'm one of those people who would like to continue my education later on. I actually plan to pursue a mathematics or engineering degree sometime in the future. In ten years, I hope to have a stable job and still be continuing my education. I would definitely say that college here has helped me expand my horizons and connect with people. Lately, I've been meeting a lot of individuals with similar mindsets, which has been very comforting. I find inspiration from others, and they are often willing to guide you through life.