About Us
What we do
Our chapter’s mission is to create a community of bioengineers, and those in related fields, oriented around enriching its members’ understanding and access to the field of bioengineering. We do this by targeting opportunities and events towards enough aspects of the field to provide a holistic view of bioengineering.
We have our large events, MIC, BE Day, and Lab Expo targeting medical engineering, student bioengineering projects, and student academic research respectively. These events bring academic, industrial, and interdisciplinary viewpoints on bioengineering together to maximize the information and opportunities provided by each event.
We have our project committees Project Team and BioWorks. Both of these committees focus on enriching BMES members through workshops and year long initiatives that teach members integral engineering skills while working towards a larger goal. Through these committees we provide our members with ample opportunities to grow as bioengineers and future professionals.
We also have our community support and enrichment committees Outreach, NSC, and Social. All three work to pay our bioengineering educations forward to enrich the San Diego community, UCSD Bioengineering community, and our BMES community respectively. All of these committees create opportunities for our members to do good and have fun while also enriching their connection with their major and peers.
Overall, our BMES chapter exists to provide a foundation upon which those interested in bioengineering can build a community for those who share our common interest. We work together to ensure our members not only have a place in our community, but a home. We hope that some piece of our efforts has piqued your interest enough to learn more.
Meet the 2026-2027 executive board!
Pranav Chigullapalli (He/Him)
Hi! I'm Pranav, a 4th year Bioengineering: Biotechnology major with a Global Health minor, and I'm so excited to be serving as Co-President this year! Outside of BMES, I am involved in virology research at the Law Lab at Scripps Research. I've also previously worked in microbiome research and in R&D for epigenetic sequencing at a biotech company. Feel free to reach out!
Nikaash Bahl (he/him)
Hi there! I'm Nikaash, a 4th year BENG: BTECH major from the bay area. I've been a part of BMES since my first year, and am super excited to serve as one of your Co-presidents this term! Outside the org, I've participated in research in multiple labs across campus, and am primarily interested in developing therapeutics for cancer treatment. In my free time I enjoy hanging out in nature and exploring SD. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to talk!
Emily Pan (She/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Pan and I am a senior studying bioengineering: biotechnology, with minors in general biology and ethnic studies. I am super excited to be serving as VP External this year and building new industry connections within our chapter. I have previously served as BioWorks Co-Chair, Medical Innovation Conference Co-Chair and Freshman Representative in BMES. Outside of our org, I am an undergraduate research assistant in the Mali Lab. My hobbies include swimming, hiking, and watching sunsets. Please feel free to reach out to me at e2pan@ucsd.edu if you ever have any questions about BMES, research, classes, etc. or just want to chat! Looking forward to meeting you all this year!
Anika Yogi (She/Her)
Hi!! My name is Anika Yogi and I am a third year Bioengineering Major, minoring in Global Health! I’m so excited to be your Vice President Internal! I have been a part of BMES since my first year and served as Lab Expo Co-Chair last year! Outside of BMES, I am a research assistant in the Christman Lab & am an orientation leader for Marshall College! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to talk!!
Houston Harding (He/Him)
Hey y’all, my name is Houston. I’m a 3rd year BTEC major, originally from Texas. Feel free to talk to me about research, baking, music, or anything else!
Avriza Bestafa (He/Him)
Hi, apa kabar? I’m a senior majoring in Bioengineering: Bioengineering. I am currently interested in the medical device industry, especially for diagnostics (IVD) and imaging. I interned at Hologic as a Systems Engineer last summer, and am currently working as an undergraduate researcher under the Shi Laboratory. Feel free to ask me about those experiences! Fun facts if you made it here: i’m born & raised Indonesian, I’ve been a drummer for over 10 years. Jam w/ me if ur down :)