From Education to Expertise: Lily Haile

For many young professionals, a master’s program can act as an incubator for career growth. This was certainly true for Tufts alumna Lily Haile, EG23, who used her time in the master’s of biomedical engineering program at Tufts University’s School of Engineering to refine her problem-solving skills and technical abilities. Upon graduation, she was ready to enter the biotechnology sector with confidence.  “My experience at Tufts served as a launching point for my career in biotechnology,” Haile explained.

Haile knew she wanted to build a career that would have a positive impact on people’s lives. After completing an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Hawassa University in Ethiopia, she decided to take her education a step further with a master’s degree. In her current position as a quality control specialist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Haile finds herself applying the same rigorous mindset that she strengthened during her time at Tufts to help bring life-changing products to the public.

When choosing a master’s program, Tufts University had several desirable features that Haile was looking for. “Tufts stood out for its academic rigor, collaborative culture, and proximity to one of the most influential biotechnology ecosystems in the world,” she said. She also appreciated the program’s equal focus on developing technical competence while strengthening the skills scientists and engineers need to succeed in industry careers.

One of the most impactful courses Haile took at Tufts was a tissue engineering research lab (BME 0175). Like many Tufts courses, the class centered around hands-on experiences. Activities like handling human adult stem cells, preparing and using a bioreactor, and assembling a system to grow tissue gave Haile a new perspective on biomedical research. “It challenged me to move beyond theoretical understanding and fully engage in hands-on, research-driven inquiry,” Haile recalled.

Beyond her coursework, Haile completed research in the Optical Diagnostics for Diseased and Engineered Tissue Group (ODDET Lab). The lab, which was run by Professor Irene Georgakoudi, focused on creating new methods to assess different aspects of human tissue development. Their methods relied on light interactions with molecules that are naturally present in our cells and tissues. Just like in the classroom, Haile became a methodical researcher through her experiences in the lab.

Even non-research-related experiences honed Haile’s abilities in areas that would later be helpful in her career. Haile took full advantage of opportunities at Tufts like the chance to work as a teaching assistant for a graduate-level course in medical imaging, where she practiced explaining research and coordinating groups.

The combination of engineering skills and broader abilities she strengthened at Tufts gave her an advantage when pursuing work opportunities. “Being able to articulate my research approach, problem-solving strategies, and technical capabilities distinguished me as a candidate and supported my successful transition into the biotechnology industry,” she said.

Today, she applies the same data-driven attention to detail that she cultivated at Tufts to her work in quality control in the biotechnology industry. After a brief stint as a quality control associate at Bristol Meyers Squibb, Haile transitioned to Vertex Pharmaceuticals where she performs analytical assays in the lab and ensures proper documentation for the company’s products.

Haile feels that Tufts was the perfect training ground for her current work. “Tufts helped me develop adaptability and strategic thinking to operate effectively in highly regulated, fast-paced environments.”

Research and career development opportunities in biotechnology continue to grow at Tufts. In spring 2026, the School of Engineering launched a biotechnology industry series which invites biotechnology leaders to Tufts to discuss their career paths and share insights about the future of biotechnology. Recent speakers included Cellarity CEO Ted Myles and Atsuko Polzin, Senior Vice President and Head of Intellectual Property at Scholar Rock. Master’s students can pursue biotechnology research in labs across the School of Engineering or participate in co-ops at nearby biotechnology companies to gain up to six months of work experience.

Haile still carries everything she learned with her at Tufts noting that, “perhaps most importantly, Tufts instilled a mindset of continuous improvement, a commitment to learning, evolving, and raising the standard of my contributions.”