Shaping the future of health through technology
Across six co-op terms spanning startups, research labs and health-care institutions, Harleen Khangura explored different corners of biomedical engineering while using technology to help solve real-world health-care challenges.
Harleen Khangura, a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student, has spent her co-op journey exploring the many different paths a career in biomedical engineering can take. Through experiences in computational biology, cancer research, medical devices and machine learning, she discovered that while each opportunity looked different, they all shared a common goal: using technology to improve people's lives.
Harleen’s co-op journey
WE Accelerate, Microsoft Azure Stream, Waterloo, ON
Harleen's first co-op experience was through the Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate program, where she participated in the Microsoft Azure stream. The experience introduced her to project-based work and helped her begin developing the technical skills that would carry through future work terms.
Data Science Co-op Student, Breathe Biomedical, Moncton, NB
At Breathe Biomedical, a medical device startup developing technology to detect diseases through biomarkers in breath samples, Harleen worked on data science projects that supported the company's research and product development efforts. The role introduced her to the startup environment while showing her how data could be used to advance health-care innovation.
Computational Biology Research Student, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
During her third co-op term, Harleen worked in a computational biology lab at Cornell University. She helped develop a computational pipeline that translated complex wet lab data into more meaningful insights, allowing researchers to better understand and interpret their findings.
Machine Learning Co-op Student, Uterine Health Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
At UBC's Uterine Health Research Lab, Harleen developed a large language model (LLM)-based tool that extracted information from ovarian and endometrial cancer literature. The project aimed to help researchers and clinicians better understand the current research landscape within an underexplored area of health care.
Machine Learning Co-op Student, SickKids, Toronto, ON
At SickKids, Harleen continued applying machine learning techniques to health-care challenges. She developed a tool designed to help pathologists synthesize information related to rare pediatric cancer subtypes, supporting more informed clinical decision-making.
Machine Learning Co-op Student, Sunnybrook Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
In her current role, Harleen is helping develop a machine learning pipeline that analyzes speech and facial movement data from ALS patients. The project aims to support clinicians in identifying disease progression and has the potential to be used in real clinical settings in the future
Q&A with Harleen
After six co-op terms, what has been the most rewarding thing about the experience?
“Being able to explore different areas of biomedical engineering has been incredibly rewarding.”
“Each co-op term exposed me to a different part of the industry and helped me better understand both the work itself and what I find most fulfilling. Every experience taught me something new about my strengths, the skills I wanted to develop and the type of impact I hope to have in my career.”
“One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing how much I've grown from term to term. With every new role, I brought lessons from previous experiences and continued building on them.”
How did you carve your own path through co-op?
“Learning how to find opportunities was probably the biggest challenge early on.”
“Only one of my co-op jobs came through WaterlooWorks. Most of my opportunities came from reaching out to labs independently, researching organizations and applying externally.”
“At first, that process felt overwhelming because I didn't know what options existed or where to begin."
"Over time, I learned that there isn't one path to finding a co-op position. Talking to classmates, seeking advice and being willing to put myself out there helped me discover opportunities I might not have found otherwise.”
What is your proudest co-op achievement?
“My proudest achievement came during my computational biology role at Cornell University.”
“When I started, I had very little background in the field and often felt completely out of my depth. There were moments where I genuinely questioned whether I belonged in that environment.”
“By the end of the term, I had developed a fully functioning computational pipeline that the lab could continue using after I left. Knowing that I was able to learn so much in a short period of time and leave behind something meaningful was incredibly rewarding.”
What has exploring areas of biomedical engineering taught you?
“The breadth of experiences I've had has been one of the most unique aspects of my co-op journey.”
“While all of my roles involved building technical tools, the problems I worked on were completely different."
"I've worked in medical devices, computational biology, pediatric cancer research, ovarian cancer research and ALS research.”
“Being able to see so many different areas of biomedical engineering helped me understand just how broad the field really is and showed me possibilities I didn't even know existed when I started university.”
Was there a research area that surprised you or changed your perspective?
“My work in ovarian cancer research had a significant impact on me.”
“Before that role, I didn't fully realize how much work still needs to be done within women's health research. I was surprised by how many important discoveries have only been made in recent years.”
“That experience sparked a much stronger interest in women's health and helped me see how much potential there is for future innovation and research within that space.”
What's next for you?
“As I finish my final co-op term and prepare to complete my undergraduate degree, I'm seriously considering graduate school.”
“I know that I enjoy using technical skills to build tools that help people, and that's something I want to continue doing regardless of where my career takes me.”
“I'm still exploring which specific area of health care and research I want to focus on, but I know I want my work to have a meaningful impact on people's lives.”
“Whether that's through research, software, machine learning or another path entirely, my goal is to create tools and technologies that make a positive difference.”