Inside Johns Hopkins: The Truth About Biomedical Engineering in 2025 | BME Talks Ep. 01
Guest: Safiya Aafreen, PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins University
Hosted by: Yuvaraj V | Biomedical Engineer

Are you a biomedical or biotech student feeling lost about your future? Wondering if coding, AI, or even studying abroad is for you? This is the ONLY podcast you need to watch today.

In this first-ever episode of BME Talks, we sit down with Safiya Aafreen, a rising neuroengineering researcher at Johns Hopkins University, as she takes us through her raw, real, and deeply inspiring journey — from struggling with code in her biotech undergrad to mastering interdisciplinary research in the U.S.

What you’ll learn:
How to get into top schools like Johns Hopkins
Whether a Master’s is really necessary after your Bachelor's
The REAL future of AI in Biomedical Engineering
How to choose your path when you’re confused (we all are!)
Tips for attending conferences, writing papers & getting published
Career advice, coding skills, tools & underrated job roles
And the truth about life as an international student in the U.S.

Timestamps – Jump to Your Favorite Moments

00:00 – Podcast Intro
01:26 – The spark: Why Safiya chose biomedical engineering
02:30 – Was handling interdisciplinary topics during master’s difficult?
03:20 – From biotech to BME: Overcoming struggles with coding
04:18 – How she got into Johns Hopkins: Steps and strategies
06:20 – Is getting good grades enough to enter top schools?
07:00 – Advice to students feeling lost during undergrad
08:50 – A breakthrough or failed research moment
10:15 – Is she grateful to do research in the AI era?
10:42 – Future of AI in biomedical engineering
12:10 – Role of AI & robotics in surgery – Da Vinci systems
12:24 – Is a Master’s degree necessary after BME undergrad?
13:25 – What is Biomedical Engineering? (In her own words)
14:26 – US university funding cuts – advice to international students
16:13 – Reality of studying in the US in 2025
17:49 – Should students consider Europe, China, or other countries too?
18:47 – Are there entrepreneurship/startup opportunities during MS?
20:11 – Differences between Bachelor’s in India vs. Master’s in the US
21:50 – Intense project culture in the US explained
24:00 – Her recent conference experience
24:56 – Why early exposure to conferences is important
26:00 – How to attend a conference: Writing papers, getting accepted
29:00 – Frequently Asked Questions
29:30 – Difference between Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
30:14 – Is coding essential in biomedical engineering?
31:07 – Trending tools and programming languages in BME
31:41 – Underrated career paths in biomedical engineering
32:33 – Is it okay to be unsure about specialization?
33:35 – After a Master’s: PhD or job — what’s better?
34:48 – Do you really need a Master’s for R&D jobs?
35:12 – Final advice from Safiya to all aspiring BME students
37:22 – Podcast wrap-up & ending

Why You Should Watch This
If you’re a student stuck between biotech and BME, unsure about the US vs Europe, confused about whether to go for a master’s, or just looking for clarity — this is YOUR roadmap. No fluff. Just truth, tips, and powerful takeaways.

👩‍💻 Safiya’s story proves that you don’t need to be perfect – you just need direction.
🧠 AI is changing biomedical engineering – don’t get left behind.
📚 Planning to study abroad? This is your reality check.
💡 Want to get into Johns Hopkins? She tells you how.

🙌 If this helped you – like, comment, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this.
📥 Drop your questions in the comments. We’ll feature them in our next episode.
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#BiomedicalEngineering #JohnsHopkins #StudyAbroad #AIInHealthcare #BMETalks #PhDLife #WomenInSTEM #MedTechInnovation #Neuroengineering #CareerAdvice