Interview with Tiana Bressan
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Biomedical Engineering at the University of Guelph?
I’m originally from Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Ontario. Back in high school, I visited the University of Guelph on a campus tour and ended up wandering into the engineering booths. That’s when I picked up a pamphlet for Biomedical Engineering. I had never heard of it before, but it seemed like the perfect middle ground for someone who couldn’t choose between math, science, and maybe going to med school. Basically, it ticked all the boxes for a curious-but-indecisive student.
Guelph felt like the right fit almost instantly. Coming from the North, I loved that it had trees, trails, and space to breathe—but was still close enough to the big cities if I needed a change of pace. The campus felt like home, and as an Italian, I immediately noticed that the food wasn’t too shabby either. The engineering community was friendly and close-knit, and receiving the President’s Scholarship gave me the freedom to get involved and say yes to opportunities without stressing too much about finances. Honestly, it was one of those rare times when something just felt right—and it was.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
What I loved most about the Biomedical Engineering program was how hands-on it was. In second year, we literally took apart a lawn mower and 3D-modeled every piece in SolidWorks—not exactly what I pictured when I signed up for biomed, but surprisingly fun and a great example of how the program blended practical learning with creativity.
Every year had design courses that pushed us to think critically and work as a team. The professors really made a difference too—down-to-earth, supportive, and always encouraging us to take on projects outside the classroom.
One thing that stuck with me was what the program director said on day one: engineering used to be about competition— “look left, look right, only one of you will make it.” But at Guelph, it was “look around—these are the people who’ll help you get to graduation.” And they were right. The community was collaborative, not cutthroat, and that made all the difference.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I’m currently a fourth-year medical student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, planning to specialize in Emergency Medicine. Coming from an engineering background has been way more useful in med school than I ever expected. Turns out, breaking down complex systems, thinking logically under pressure, and surviving long nights with minimal caffeine are all very transferable skills. There are a few other engineers in my class too—we joke that we’re wired a little differently, but in a good way. That foundation in problem-solving has definitely been a strength.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
My time at Guelph was the perfect launchpad for exploring both engineering and healthcare. After first year, I found myself in Peru—shadowing a physician in a rural community, thanks to the President’s Scholarship and some very supportive faculty. That trip opened my eyes to healthcare in remote settings and was one of the big “aha” moments that nudged me toward medicine.
Later on, I went to an engineering conference in Prague, which gave me a whole new perspective on how different countries tackle healthcare challenges. Back on campus, being part of a smaller engineering program meant there were tons of ways to get involved—EngSoc, volunteer projects, you name it. I learned how to lead, how to collaborate, and how to problem-solve with people from all kinds of backgrounds. All those experiences have followed me into med school and continue to shape the kind of doctor I hope to become.
What advice would you give someone considering the Biomedical Engineering program or applying to the University of Guelph?
If you’re thinking about it, go visit the campus. Sometimes just being there is enough to know it’s the right fit (plus, the food doesn’t hurt). Biomedical Engineering is a super flexible program that keeps a lot of doors open. You’re not locked into one path, and the skills you pick up—like problem-solving, teamwork, and thinking on your feet—are useful pretty much anywhere.
And if your interests shift along the way? Totally normal. Studying engineering doesn’t mean you have to be an engineer forever. What really matters is jumping in, trying new things, and figuring out what actually gets you excited to wake up in the morning.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
My engineering crew in Mountain Hall were regulars at Pastabilities. It definitely wasn’t fine dining, but there was something special about a big, steamy bowl of pasta after a long lab or midterm.
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
There were great study spots all over campus, and I liked to keep things interesting. I made it my unofficial mission to explore every building—UC, library, gym, engineering—you name it. Switching up my study space kept things fresh and gave me a chance to discover little corners of campus I might’ve missed (plus, it was a great excuse for a study break walk).
What was your pre-exam ritual?
Right before exams, my go-to move was grabbing a vanilla latte from Mountain and blasting “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. Don’t ask me why—it just became the ritual. Nothing says “I’m ready for this” like caffeine and classic rock.
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
- The Campus Atmosphere – Guelph’s campus is something special. Between the old stone buildings, massive trees, and hidden study nooks, it always felt like a place you could breathe, think, and reset. Everything was walkable, which made it feel like its own little world.
- The People – Whether it was classmates, professors, or the folks at the coffee shop, people at Guelph were kind, approachable, and community-minded. I met some of my best friends there, and it always felt like people genuinely had your back.
- The Unexpected Opportunities – From travelling to Prague for an engineering conference to joining Varsity Squash or spending a summer doing research in Peru, I found opportunities that I never would have imagined when I first arrived. Guelph made it easy to say yes to new experiences.
- The Culture of Support – There was a real emphasis on balance. Professors supported not just academics, but student well-being and personal growth, too. Guelph’s version of “work-life balance” didn’t require sacrificing either.
- The Room to Grow – I showed up to Guelph with one idea of what I wanted to do, and by the time I graduated, I was on a completely different path (in the best way possible). The school gave me the space to change my mind, try new things, and figure out what truly clicked. No pressure to have it all figured out, just room to evolve
