Meet Dilmeet Kaur | Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dilmeet Kaur and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dilmeet, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?

The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was leaving my home (in Delhi, India) to pursue my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Georgia, Athens, in 2022 after I was awarded the Bioengineering Fellowship. For me, it was like taking a leap into the unknown, away from the comforts of my home and city to a new cultural and educational landscape, all while struggling with the imposter syndrome.

This decision was influenced by my interest in research and the desire to bridge the gap between intricate scientific research and real-world medical applications. As Marie Curie once said, “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” This quote resonates deeply with my journey especially as my resolve was tested by a near-death experience with Covid-19, which only strengthened my commitment to scientific innovation for global health. Looking back, this choice, though immensely challenging, was quite empowering.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

In 2022, I was awarded the prestigious Bioengineering Fellowship by the College of Engineering at UGA, a fully funded opportunity that allowed me to work closely with engineering faculty on biomedical projects, and I was also selected as the Graduate Student Ambassador. Currently, as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Nano-electrochemistry Lab under Dr. Ramaraja Ramasamy, I am developing a rapid diagnostic platform for the detection of foodborne pathogens. This endeavor, aimed at tackling the significant public health challenge of foodborne illnesses—which account for an estimated 48 million illnesses and 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. with a total economic cost of $152 billion—stands at the intersection of innovation and public safety. One of the projects, funded by the Centre for Food Safety UGA, aims to fabricate a biosensor that goes beyond traditional detection methods by enabling the identification of viral particles quickly and efficiently, a crucial factor in preventing outbreaks and ensuring food safety.

My journey through the world of research has been deeply influenced by a steadfast commitment to public health improvement.This journey began during my undergraduate years as a member of the student council, where I spearheaded initiatives that directly impacted our campus and community’s health and well-being, notably a hygiene campaign that highlighted my early involvement in public health advocacy. Working as a project associate at the National Institute of Immunology, India, I was involved in developing a PCR-free luminescence-based kit for ultra-sensitive detection of COVID-19, which honed my skills in navigating the complexities of infectious disease research and laid the groundwork for my current project.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Taking up a career in biomedical engineering after having an M.S. in Biotechnology was a bold decision that involved not just a shift in academic focus but also a life-changing geographical move. The transition to a new country, especially at the University of Georgia to pursue my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, meant adapting to a different educational system, culture, and way of life, all while staying focused on my academic and research commitments. The lessons along the way have been invaluable. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, the power of community, and the need for patience and perseverance in research. Every failure in the lab was a lesson in disguise, teaching me that setbacks are not the end but steps on the ladder of progress. Another major challenge for me was dealing with the imposter syndrome, which was far more deep-seated than I thought it was. This was manifested in questioning my accomplishments and made me wonder if I truly belonged to this Ph.D. program, this country, as I would often feel out of place and could not gather the courage to speak my mind because of the fear of embarrassment. My approach to overcoming this problem was not to silence my self-doubt but to celebrate little achievements and successes. Like getting a perfect GPA at the end of a semester, should be rewarded with a short trip to a new city, or completing a segment in my research project deserves an exploratory flying lesson, or a winery tour. Recognizing and confronting these feelings, as well as engaging in intellectual conversations with my peers and other international graduate students experiencing similar challenges, and gradually building my confidence, made me realize that imposter syndrome is a common hurdle and not a personal failing.

The journey “from bench to bedside” is at the heart of my aspiration to launch a biomedical device company. This phrase captures the essence of my work and future ambitions—bridging the gap between intricate scientific research and real-world medical applications. The development of biosensors for disease and foodborne pathogen detection represents not just an academic endeavor but a stepping stone towards creating accessible, life-saving technologies. By pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship, I am equipping myself with the necessary tools to navigate this journey effectively. Understanding the intricacies of bringing a medical product to market—from regulatory pathways to commercialization strategies—is crucial for translating laboratory breakthroughs into viable healthcare solutions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Having my best friend visit for a week is the perfect excuse to dive into all the cool stuff Atlanta and Athens have to offer. We’d kick things off in Atlanta with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. I love to go there, and I also have a resident pass for it, the best deal on saving some money on the ticket. Imagine hanging out next to huge tanks, watching all sorts of sea creatures swim by—it’s like stepping into another world. One of my favorite Mediterranean food joints is Cafe Agora, and Atlanta has this buzzing food scene and cool bars, so we’d explore more spots. Back in Athens, I would start my day with brunch at Mama’s Boy or Coffee at Thousand Faces. Cali n Tito’s for lunch and Jinya Ramen bar for some ramen and my favorite litchitini. And because I love showing off the local music scene, we’d check out some live bands at Flicker and 40 Watt as Athens knows how to keep things interesting with its mix of tunes and friendly faces. We’d also spend some chill time wandering through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia because sometimes you just need to slow down and admire the nature around us. And for those perfect end-of-the-day moments, Hybar’s rooftop is the spot to catch the sunset with a drink in hand. Of course, we’d hit up the farmers market and Creature Comforts for some local shopping and sipping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Absolutely! My family has been my biggest strength, and my deepest appreciation goes to them. Even though we’re miles apart, my connection with my mom has only gotten stronger. We make time for regular FaceTime calls, which are honestly the best part of my day. She’s become my go-to person for figuring out adult life stuff, like walking me through how to cook our family’s favorite recipes over a video call, or just listening patiently as I ramble on about my latest research stuff. She doesn’t always get all the science talk, but she’s always there, trying her best to keep up and showing interest because she knows it matters to me. My dad, whose guidance, sense of security, and entrepreneurial spirit have inspired me to dream bigger and reach further, instilling in me the courage to start my own company soon. Then of course my brother, Jatin, whose mere presence in my life has been a source of joy and who, in my absence, has cared for our parents, allowing me to chase my dreams without worry. My late grandparents hold a special place in my heart; their belief in education and their encouragement to pursue my ambitions have been foundational to who I am today. My best friends back home, were always there to answer my calls, listen to my rant about a bad day at work, and provide comfort, no matter the distance or the hour. My gratitude also extends to my friends and lab mates here in Athens, who have welcomed me with open arms and cared for me as my family would. Their friendship has made this journey far less daunting and much more beautiful.

In the realm of academia, I’d like to thank my mentor at the University of Georgia, Dr. Ramaraja Ramasamy, who navigated me through the complexities of my research project. Lastly, I must acknowledge the Bioengineering Fellowship program at UGA. This opportunity has been a launching pad for my aspirations, connecting me with a network of brilliant minds and resources that have been instrumental in my growth.

To all of them, I dedicate my shoutout, with a heart full of gratitude.

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