Erika Bowen
Hometown
Buford, GA
High School
Buford High School
Degree
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation
2027
Previous Degrees
Bachelor of Biological Engineering, UGA, 2022
Associate of Science (Computer Science), UNG, 2019
Associate of Science (Physics), UNG, 2019
What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?
My favorite part about being an engineering student at UGA is how great the balance is between the resources of a large institution and the sense of community. UGA has found a way to offer incredible opportunities while still making the program feel close-knit and supportive. This balance lends itself to an active network of alumni in biomedical and biological engineering who return, invest, and contribute to the growth of the program, and I’ve loved getting to meet so many of them and see my possible future. As a more “artsy engineer,” I also value that UGA engineering equally covers humanities, ethics, and social skills alongside typical engineering training that prepares us well for entering the workforce as thoughtful and responsible leaders.
I’ve also discovered that being a student in a newer biomedical engineering program is actually really cool because I’ve been able to witness and contribute to program growth and change during my six years here. Being involved in molding this program has given me a unique perspective not only on how courses and labs are organized and what works (or doesn’t), but also on how to collaborate across multiple buildings, build connections with the community through science communication, and strengthen those bonds by receiving support back from the community in return. It has also given me insight into processes like academic hiring and program development, which has deepened my appreciation for how an engineering department evolves relevant in building any kind of larger science institution: an interesting challenge I may now seek in my career.
Why did you choose engineering?
I identified engineering as the ideal major for me because since middle school I have always liked STEAM subjects. I landed on biomedical engineering in particular because I had a strong interest in biology and the medical field but was too scared of surgeries, blood, etc. In my junior year of high school in my anatomy class, Ms. Angela Edwards showed the class “Regenerative Medicine 101”: a now 14 year old video published by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist where researchers were making tissues from bioprinting with a computer printer they modified for depositing cells. She also showed us Brazilian research on tilapia skin for burn treatments. I just thought all of this looked so futuristic and cool and I just wanted to be a part of something like that. My father, Robie Bowen, also had some influence being a manufacturing engineer himself so I knew I could have good job stability in that field.
Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?
It’s important for the university to have a diverse community because different perspectives lead to innovation, and innovation creates solutions that can benefit everybody. Diversity also ensures representation, which creates a more comfortable environment where learning can truly thrive. But even more than that, everybody deserves not just the respect and opportunity to sit at the table, but also to be asked to contribute, to be supported, and to participate fully. When all voices are included in meaningful ways, the entire community grows stronger.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge I have faced at UGA has been learning to navigate college and adulthood while carrying the weight of being a transfer student and a first-generation student. Upon first transferring to UGA, I was also grieving the loss of my partner, and then theCOVID pandemic happened shortly after, compounding that grief. All of these circumstances combined had initially left me feeling ill-equipped at times to handle the responsibilities and uncertainties of college life.
What helped me overcome this was leaning into the resources and community that UGA provides mentors, professors, peers, and support networks who believed in me even when I was unsure of myself. Over time, I learned how to ask for help, how to advocate for myself, and how to use my experiences as motivation to keep moving forward. These challenges gave me resilience and empathy, and they shaped me into someone who can face difficulties head-on while still striving to grow, contribute, and support others around me.
What have you learned that has made a difference for you?
When it comes to being an engineering student, I’ve learned that reading, writing, and science communication are just as important to my development as the technical work I do. They’ve shaped the way I share my ideas and connect with others. I’ve also realized that networking sounds really formal in explanation and practice but really can be just making friends or acquaintances as an adult and finding people who share your interests and goals.
When it comes to teaching and mentoring, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that teaching is like a bus ride. I may be the one driving, but I’m also a passenger sitting alongside my students. We’re all on this journey of learning together (me learning how to better teach or getting to know my students, and them learning the course material or navigating academic life). Even if we’re looking out different windows and noticing different things, we’re still sharing the same ride. By beginning on equal footing with my students, I create a comfortable environment where questions flow easily, and I can slowly guide them toward independent learning or dropping them off at their bus stop when they are ready.
Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?
In pursuing my degrees, my parents, Robie and Kay Bowen, and my grandmother, Alma Bowen, have supported me financially in a way I hope to one day provide for my own children. Of course, my PI, Dr. Gomillion, has been instrumental to my success as I transitioned into her cell culture lab without a single moment of prior cell-culture experience. Alongside former lab members, Dr. Higgins and Dr. Dixon, she has made research both fun and approachable, so I never felt like I couldn’t accomplish my degree or my research.
Pertaining to my teaching-related endeavors, Dr. Banka, Dr. Ginn, Dr. Hallow, and Dr. Gomillion have all given me vastly different teaching experiences in my service as a teaching assistant, which has helped me craft my own teaching philosophies and methods to be an effective mentor. Even beyond my those roles, they supported me in pursuing teaching and mentoring awards: awards that my dear friend Morgane Golan helped me identify and pursue beyond the college of engineering.
In terms of social and emotional support, I’d be remiss not to mention my fiancé, Nathan Shamaun, and my friend, Kaitlyn Castillo, whose constant encouragement and support have carried me through the most challenging parts of my college journey.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I’m a simple girl, and I really just like sitting and working on the couches at Driftmier Engineering Center. When I feel everyone working hard around me it inspires me to also get my work done. Plus, I love seeing all my former students, mentees, and summer camp participants every once in a while!
What has been your favorite class at UGA?
My favorite class was BIOE4720E/6720E Human Factors and Ergonomics in Biomedical Device Design with Dr. Kisaalita. The course emphasized the importance of considering human factors and ergonomics when creating biomedical devices. It was both a discussion-based and a project-based class where we sometimes had discussions about case studies to help us realize the importance of considering these things then projects to implement what we learned specifically leading up to and focusing on usability testing which is extremely applicable to a biological engineer’s career. Dr. Kisaalita made the class even more memorable through his enthusiasm and mentorship, even taking us on a field trip to Avanos, a medical technology company, so we could see these principles applied in practice.
What has been your best memory at UGA?
My best memory at UGA was my first football game against Notre Dame in 2019. I didn’t have tickets, but I stood on the Tate Center side looking into the stadium in awe. It made me proud that my new school, which I had just transferred to, could draw that many people. It was also the first moment I felt I had really made it to Athens.
What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?
Dr. J.B. Sharma, a retired physics professor from UNG, always stressed the importance of thoroughly understanding mathematical definitions. He believed that with a strong foundation, you could derive any formula even if you couldn’t remember it exactly. That lesson applies beyond math: in life and in engineering, building strong foundations in knowledge and skills is what leads to lasting success.
I strongly recommend UGA Engineering because I have been able to build that foundation here through involvement with organizations both inside and outside the College of Engineering. The network I have created will make career opportunities easier to find, and the skills I have developed through each experience will help me stand out among other graduates. You can do the same, but first you must commit to building your own “mathematical definitions.” Sit down and create a plan that includes academic and social clubs, professional organizations, internships, and research opportunities.
Use your early years to intentionally connect with people who can guide you to grow professionally, academically, and emotionally. The pursuit of opportunities beyond the classroom is crucial and impactful. Make the most of the college’s resources. After all, you pay for them, so don’t let them go to waste. If you do, you will be well prepared to navigate engineering, which is often most of the battle.
How do you hope to impact society with
your engineering degree?
I hope to impact society by continuing to advance biomedical research while also creating opportunities for students to learn and grow. My passion for mentoring and supporting others is just as important to me as the research itself, and I want my career to reflect both. By combining innovation with mentorship, I can contribute to better healthcare solutions while also preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers to carry that work forward.
