July 2023 - BME Blaze: Mona Ziaei

In this monthly spotlight, get to know the alumni and students of Columbia's Department of Biomedical Engineering. Read what our BME folks are up to, from our labs' latest research, to our students' plans for the future, to our teams' innovations, start-ups, and other career successes.

We enjoyed catching up with Columbia BME alumna Mona Ziaei as she discussed her experience as a Columbia BME student. Read below to get to know Mona!

Education

• BS, Biomedical Engineering, 2020, George Washington University
• MS, Biomedical Engineering, 2022, Columbia University
• JD, Cardozo School of Law, 2025

Where are you from?

Long Island, NY

What drew you to the field of Biomedical Engineering?

I was always interested in engineering, specifically medical devices, and I knew that majoring in BME would introduce me to a wide array of potential specializations.

What is your current role?

I am currently in law school and plan on specializing in patent law. Patents encompass the intersection between law, engineering, and science. In the future, I hope to use my background in BME to help inventors acquire their IP rights and commercialize their products.

Why did you choose Columbia BME?

I chose Columbia BME for the design, innovation, and entrepreneurship program. The innovation concentration is a combo of engineering and business that really allows students to hone their business and engineering skills in a year-long group project. I enjoyed working with my group to spot a need in the medical device market, brainstorm solutions, and work together to bring a solution to life.

What were some of your favorite projects/memories from the program?

I really enjoyed getting to know all my fellow colleagues during my time as a research assistant in Professor Elizabeth Olson’s lab. Not only did I get a chance to expand on cochlear implant research, an area of research that I have always been passionate about, but I also formed meaningful friendships with my fellow graduate students!

What was your proudest moment at Columbia?

When my team and I delivered our final working product at the end of our year-long design and innovation course despite pandemic restraints.

Receiving the Outstanding Excellence Award for Biomedical Engineering at the end of my Master’s was also a great honor.

How has your experience with Columbia BME contributed towards your goals?

Columbia BME truly helped me realize that I wanted to become a patent attorney. My earliest classes in the design program discussed patent acquisition, prior art searches, and the importance of IP in business. Columbia BME helped me get a biomedical IP internship through the Tamer Fellows Program and the LifeSci NYC program. I was also able to take classes that steered me toward a joint career in engineering and law, such as Biotech Law.

What are your thoughts on the strength of Columbia BME's alumni network, and how has that influenced your career path?

Nearly every professor and advisor I went to for guidance was able to connect me with Columbia BME alumni who were happy to spend time answering questions, recommending classes, and giving advice on networking with employers. 

Any words of wisdom or tips for prospective BME students?

I encourage all BME students to take a class that may be out of their comfort zone! You may be surprised by a new interest.