The Biomedical Engineer Inspired by her Grandfather to Make a Difference

Las Vegas native Lauren Tomita arrived at USC with a deep curiosity and a desire to help others — an ambition sparked by her grandfather’s encouragement and later shaped by her family’s frustrations with the limitations of modern healthcare.

Tomita has already made her mark at USC Viterbi through student leadership, impactful research, and a passion for innovation. As she prepares to join Medtronic and pursue a master’s degree, she reflects on the challenges, growth, and community that defined her time at USC Viterbi.

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Name: Lauren Tomita
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Degree: BS Biomedical Engineering (Electrical Emphasis)

 

What first inspired you to study engineering?

My biggest inspiration growing up was my grandfather. He filled my childhood with the best memories, from learning how to make pancakes to watching sunsets in Hawaii. He always encouraged curiosity and a love for understanding how things worked. That curiosity naturally grew into a desire to help others, which led to my dream of working in the medical field. When my grandfather got sick, though, his doctor’s appointments were filled with timelines and limits that were focused more on how long he had left instead of what could be done. I was frustrated by hearing “no” over and over again, and I was heartbroken watching someone I loved suffer without answers. That experience made me realize I wanted to be in a field where I could not only help people but also push the boundaries of possibility.

What is something you’ve achieved while at USC Viterbi that you’re most passionate about?

This year, I am President of the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME). ASBME is a student-run biomedical engineering organization at USC that serves the engineering student body through academic, social, and professional events. I’ve had the opportunity to lead an incredible executive board in expanding support and opportunities for our BME community. We introduced new professional development events and hands-on technical workshops to help students connect beyond the classroom. Our biggest accomplishment was organizing the annual Make-A-Thon, a three-day competition where students prototype devices to address challenges in the medical field. This year’s challenge was focused on creating devices for athletes with knee injuries. It’s been incredibly rewarding to create a space where students can explore their passions and feel supported by their peers.

Tell us about the research you have been working on or a project you took part in during your studies that made an impact on you.

One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was during my time at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). I am working to assist in the integration of new AI programs in their cardiology clinic to improve patient communication and the creation of depart summaries. I had the opportunity to speak to physicians, nurses, PSRs, and patients to better understand their day-to-day lives and, specifically, how AI technology could be used to improve their overall experience.

Are there any extracurricular activities or organizations you have been part of during your studies?

Beyond my coursework, I’ve been involved in Women’s Club Volleyball, Impact Investing Group, and research in Dr.  Jason J. Kutch’s Applied Movement and Pain Lab (AMPL). At AMPL, I worked on Project STOKE in collaboration with the Haptics and Robotics Virtual Interaction (HaRVI) Lab to study how surfing affects chronic pain and how we could replicate those therapeutic benefits using virtual reality (VR). My main contribution was developing a variable-speed fan system that responds to changes in speed in VR to increase immersion for users. Our projects were recently published by the IEEE, and it was exciting to be part of the research team for the past four years.

What are your plans post-graduation?

After graduation, I’ll be joining Medtronic’s engineering team to develop algorithms and software for Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). I will also be completing my Master’s in Medical Device and Diagnostics Engineering (MDDE) at USC. Long term, I hope to launch a company focused on improving patient care through innovative technology.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

The people make the place! Surround yourself with classmates and friends who inspire you, challenge you, and celebrate your wins along the way. Some of my most meaningful memories come from long nights studying in Leavey with friends and working with classmates on challenging projects. Those experiences were just as impactful as the movie nights, intramural volleyball games, and spontaneous moments that brought joy outside of class. Looking back, it’s the combination of academic growth and lasting friendships that made my college experience truly meaningful.

What’s an area where you feel like you’ve really grown between your first semester of college and today?

During my first semester, classes were really intimidating and I often questioned if I belonged in engineering. I used to see challenges as signs that I wasn’t good enough or didn’t belong. Over time, I’ve come to understand that challenges are where the most meaningful growth happens. They should not be avoided but embraced because they push you to think differently, adapt, and build confidence in your abilities.

Published on April 30th, 2025

Last updated on May 7th, 2025