<strong>What is your name and where are you from?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">My name is Melissa Fernandez and I was born here but my parents are from Cuba.</span></blockquote>
<strong>What degree are you pursuing?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">I am pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering and will be attending Medical School in the future. </span></blockquote>
<strong>Why did you decide to study biomedical engineering?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">I decided to become a Biomedical Engineer because I need to know the how and why things happen and I believe this degree will provide me with the perfect foundation for medical school.</span></blockquote>
<strong>What’s it like being a woman in engineering? Do you feel that your gender gives you a different perspective and/or experience from your male colleagues?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">Being a woman engineer makes me work harder because I know that not only is this the perfect field for me, but I will be able to lead by example and influence other young women to pursue a degree in engineering. </span></blockquote>
<strong>What is the most challenging part about being an engineer?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">The most challenging part of being an engineer is staying motivated and positive through all the bumps in the road. </span></blockquote>
<strong>Are you a part of any clubs or organizations at FIU? Carried any leadership roles?</strong>
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I am a new member of Phi Delta Epsilon, medical fraternity. </span></p>
</blockquote>
<strong>Do you have any female mentors or role models that you look up to?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">One role model that I really look up to is my mom. She studied Chemical Engineering in Cuba and has never stopped working hard and pursuing her dreams here in the United States. </span></blockquote>
<strong>Which part about your BME experience are you most proud of and/or excited for?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">My proudest moment in my BME experience was simply making the switch to this major. It has made me so happy and has kept me motivated. I am excited for all the BME electives and classes that are to come in my near future and how they will apply to my future in medical school. </span></blockquote>
<strong>Do you have any advice for women in BME?</strong>
<blockquote><span class="s1">My only advice is that to keep going! It only goes up from here!</span></blockquote>