Why Engineering: Foram Sanghavi

When Foram Sanghavi came to Tufts in 2017 as a Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering, it marked a major milestone in a career that began in India, where she earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering, and continued at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned a master’s. At Tufts she focuses on biomedical image processing, looking specifically at ways to make procedures for diagnosing prostate cancer more efficient. Her love of teaching also guides her aspirations: her “ultimate aim” is to become a professor.

Engineering has evolved so much that different branches of engineering naturally overlap. Biomedical engineering, for example, encompasses biomechanics, so mechanical engineering students study the same things that a biomedical student is learning. There are unlimited interdisciplinary opportunities. I would also say that engineering inspires me because it has become a field that uses technology in innovative ways to directly or even indirectly benefit humans. It is no longer just about manufacturing a product. It has become integrated into our lives. 

I remember the first time I saw an MRI machine. I wondered, How does this machine work? It was huge. I was fascinated; it really grasped my attention. In that moment I knew, yes, this is the field for me. While pursuing my bachelor’s and master’s, I got exposed to the field of biomedical image processing.

Later, when I was looking for jobs, I realized I was really most passionate about the gray area where electrical engineering and computer science overlap. Since I was most interested in research, I came to Tufts to earn my PhD in electrical engineering.

I don’t know why people have this idea that engineering is difficult; it’s challenging—but that’s what is exciting. And I have had encouragement all along the way. My parents, who are both doctors, also were there for me. My father said, “Don’t worry about the job. Go get the knowledge you want.”

Here at Tufts, Dean Karen Panetta is a very strong advocate for women in engineering. Looking at her achievements, I think if I’m able to achieve half of what she’s done, I’m going to be successful. So my advice to women students considering engineering is: If you feel you want to do something, no matter what, just do it. Don’t stop. That’s what I did. Your path gets paved automatically.

This excerpt is from "Why Engineering? We Asked Five Women" by Laura Ferguson, Tufts Now.