Dilmeet Kaur
Hometown
New Delhi, India
Previous Education
High School: D.P.S., New Delhi, India
B.S Life Sciences: Delhi University, India
M.S. Biotechnology: Hamdard University, Delhi, India
Degree
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Expected Graduation
Spring 2027
What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?
Honestly, it’s the people. Athens has this charm, and UGA has this supportive vibe where you don’t feel like just another student. From late-night study sessions with friends to professors who genuinely care, I’ve found a community that feels like a home away from home. Plus, the campus itself is beautiful especially in fall.
Why did you choose engineering?
I chose engineering because I’ve always been curious about how things work—and, more importantly, how we can make them work better to help people. Biomedical engineering is the perfect mix of science, creativity, and impact. I wanted to make sure my work makes a difference, and this field gives me the space to do that.
Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?
Different backgrounds bring different perspectives, especially in research. Being an international student, I’ve seen how people from different cultures look at the same problem differently, and those conversations often lead to fresh ideas and better solutions. A diverse community pushes you to grow, learn, and think outside your bubble.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?
Moving to a new country and starting a Ph.D. after the pandemic was terrifying. I dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome — constantly wondering if I even belonged here. What helped was finding small wins and celebrating them, even if it was just surviving a tough week or completing my research goals. Over time, I started realizing that I wasn’t alone, most of us go through this, and talking openly with friends and other graduate students about it helped me get through.
What have you learned that has made a difference for you?
The biggest lesson? Honestly, just being kind to myself. Research isn’t always this straight path with clear wins — most of the time, things don’t go the way you expect. There have been plenty of moments where the results weren’t what I hoped for, but even then, I realized I was still learning. Sometimes, it’s not about getting the perfect outcome but about understanding the process, figuring out what doesn’t work, and growing through it. I’ve learned to find little bits of joy, even when experiments don’t turn out the way I planned, because every step teaches me something.
Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?
It’s never just one person; it’s been a whole bunch of people who have helped me along the way. My professors have been amazing mentors. They’ve always pushed me to aim higher, helped me when I felt stuck, and supported me through every stage, especially when I was still trying to figure things out here in the U.S. Most of the courses were completely new to me, and adapting to a different education system wasn’t easy. But my professors were patient, always made time for me during office hours, and explained things in a way that made sure I didn’t feel lost. The friends I’ve made here have also played a huge role. They’re all doing such inspiring work, and being around them has helped me face challenges without feeling like I was alone. It’s been this entire community, professors, friends, and lab mates that has made my time at UGA special and meaningful.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
North Campus, especially the garden area right outside the main library, is one of my favorite spots. On a perfect day, I love just sitting under a tree there with a coffee and a good book; it’s peaceful and grounding. And when I need a real breather, especially after busy weeks in the lab, I head to the State Botanical Garden. It’s the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
What has been your favorite class at UGA?
One of my favorite classes was actually the very first course I took here – Foundations of Engineering Research. It ended up being the perfect introduction to graduate school. It helped me understand what I was really getting into, especially in terms of transitioning into a Ph.D. and adopting a research-focused mindset. That class gave me a solid foundation and made the whole journey ahead feel a little less overwhelming.
What has been your best memory at UGA?
One of my favorite memories at UGA was going to my first-ever American football game with my friends at Sanford Stadium. I went all in on the experience — starting with a tailgate, then heading to the game, and cheering for UGA like I had been doing it for years. The energy was unbelievable, and when the stadium lit up red after the game, it felt magical. It’s one of those moments where I really felt like I was part of the UGA community.
What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?
My advice would be that it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out from day one. Be open to learning, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Progress might feel slow sometimes, but even small steps matter. Engineering is not just about textbooks and formulas — it’s about solving real-world problems, and that takes patience. Celebrate your small wins, find people who support and inspire you, and stay connected to your “why.” If you stay curious and keep showing up, you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll grow along the way.
How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?
I’ve always wanted my work to mean something beyond papers and publications. I hope to use my engineering degree to create diagnostic tools that are practical and affordable, especially for communities where access to healthcare is limited. Whether it’s improving food safety or developing better ways to detect diseases, I want my work to help people in tangible ways.
