Rohin Iyer (EngSci 0T5, IBBME PhD 1T2) is currently enjoying his role as a senior scientist at Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics Inc.—and he credits his engineering science roots for getting him there.
As an integral player at the company—a progressive biotechnology spin-off founded by Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) Professor John E. Davies—Iyer meets with clinicians, professors, financial advisors and scientists on a routine basis. He’s also leading the development of an allogeneic cell therapy product that is currently in pre-clinical testing for indications ranging from lung repair and spinal cord injury to tissue regeneration and angiogenesis.
But success didn’t come easy—his journey from engineering science to engineering tissues has been challenging yet rewarding. See below for six important lessons Iyer has learned along the way.
Be inspired and build your foundation slowly and early
“My Grade 11 chemistry teacher inspired me to enter a biotechnology paper competition with a few like-minded schoolmates. This involved not just writing up a four-page research paper but also making frequent, lengthy trips to visit a professor at U of T to understand the science behind our project, as well as late-night sessions at Gerstein Science Library. We didn’t win the competition, but that didn’t matter—from then on, my interest was piqued!”
Never take the easy road
“The rumours surrounding EngSci were resoundingly ominous, but despite that, a foolish pride overcame me and I went headlong into the deep end of EngSci, choosing the hardest courses I could.”
EngScis persevere against all odds
“The first year of EngSci was the toughest—marks dropped significantly, my stress level peaked and sleep was a luxury more than a necessity—but before I knew it, I was donning an iron ring.”
Appreciate the world-class education you get as an EngSci
“Being a ‘Jack of all trades’ is something you are basically trained to do as an EngSci. Though certainly not a master of everything that comes my way, I know where to look and how to learn when necessary.”
Keep learning, and use your knowledge to be the best you can be
“Chances are, the EngSci will be among the fittest to survive and adapt—an essential trait in an ever-competitive job market.”
I will always be an EngSci and EngSci will always be part of me
“The iron ring I received in 2005 still adorns my right hand. It’s a source of pride and strength, and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being an engineer and an EngSci.”
Read more about ways that young alumni are encouraging U of T Engineering undergraduate students.
— Jamie Hunter
This is an abridged version of an article first published on the Division of Engineering Science’s website.