Amy Koester

Hometown: Red Bud, IL

Class of: 2016

E-mail: koester@purdue.edu

 

 

Why I chose Purdue?
Growing up in a small town really gave me the desire to move away from home and experience something completely new and different. I knew I wanted to go to a college with a large campus and when I decided to pursue engineering, Purdue automatically jumped to the top of the list. After visiting for the first time, I immediately fell in love and couldn’t imagine enrolling anywhere else.

Why I chose Engineering and BME?
I had a very difficult time in high school deciding on my college major. After discussion with my father, I decided to look into engineering. Throughout my research of different disciplines and programs, I stumbled upon BME and I was completely amazed by the technology being developed so I decided to become a part of the field. After joining the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, I decided I wanted to have more impact in direct patient care so I have decided to become a Physician Assistant after completing my undergraduate studies.

Extra-curricular activities:
I’ve been involved with Habitat for Humanity this past year and I had a great experience helping build houses for families. I also lead new students around campus as a Team Leader for BGR two years ago.

Engineering-related experience/CO-OP/Intern/Research/Other:
I have worked in a research laboratory in the Nutrition Department here at Purdue. In the lab, I studied the epigenetic effects of cancer and helped to identify natural cancer treatments. I also gained a lot of experiencing reviewing and analyzing scientific articles related to epigenetics. I’m also working as an emergency department scribe in Lafayette to gain some clinical experience.

Post-graduation plans:
After graduation, I am planning on getting my Masters in Physician Assistant Studies and entering the clinical medical field. I’m very excited to use the knowledge and skills I’ve learned as a BME to help treat patients.