BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2025: Anamica Khadgi

What is your name, age, classification and major?
My name is Anamica Khadgi. I am 23 years old and a senior majoring in biomedical engineering.

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?
I began studying at MSU in the Fall of 2021 and will be graduating in May 2025.

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?
I chose to attend MSU because everyone I interacted with during the admissions process was so welcoming and warm, which made it feel like the right place to be. I also wanted to be at a strong research institution, and as an R1 university with excellent engineering programs, MSU was a great fit. Coming from a family of engineers, I’ve always loved math, science, and problem-solving, but I’m also passionate about healthcare and biomedical research. Biomedical engineering was the perfect way to bring those interests together and I have really enjoyed it.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?
My favorite campus organizations that I have become a part of are the MSU Speech and Debate Team, International Student Advisory Board, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Jackson Free Clinic Health Ambassadors, and Engineering Recruitment Leaders (BCoE Ambassadors). Each of them has played a huge role in my growth at MSU, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and develop both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I have found meaningful friendships and connected with incredible people through these organizations.

What has been your favorite course at MSU, and why?
My favorite course at MSU has been Tissue Engineering taught by Dr. Lauren Priddy. This course covered everything from basic principles to the latest technologies in the field of tissue engineering. One of my favorite parts of the course was our group project, where we identified a medical condition and developed a tissue engineering solution for it. My team focused on meniscus repair for patients with Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis, which allowed us to apply what we had learned to design a potential treatment strategy. It was challenging at times, but having the freedom to explore our own ideas and collaborate with my peers made it a really rewarding experience.

Which course has been your most challenging at MSU and why? What was something you learned about yourself after taking that course?
The most challenging course I took at MSU was Physics II. I have always found physics a little difficult to grasp, and this class really pushed me to put in extra time and effort to understand the concepts. On top of that, it was a tough semester since I was taking other challenging courses, so my focus was divided. But through the struggle, I learned how to manage my time better and tackle difficult subjects without getting too overwhelmed. In the end, I did well in the class, and honestly, it was a nice confidence boost to see that I could improve in a subject I initially struggled with.

What is one thing you have learned, related to engineering, during your time in the Bagley College of Engineering?
During my time at the Bagley College of Engineering, one of the biggest things I have learned is how to see the world through the eyes of an engineer and a researcher. There have been so many moments when I have walked out of a class or study session and suddenly noticed how the concepts I just learned actually show up in the world. As I get closer to graduation, I have come to appreciate this more informed way of thinking. Through my coursework and projects, I have not only learned how to apply my knowledge to solve real problems but also how important it is to collaborate and learn from others. More than anything, my time here has taught me how to think critically, adapt to challenges, and work with people to develop solutions.

How has MSU and specifically the Bagley College of Engineering, prepared you for professional life after college?
MSU and the Bagley College of Engineering have been instrumental in my growth, both academically and personally. When I first arrived at MSU, I never imagined that I would one day be inducted into the BCoE Hall of Fame. Yet, here I am, and I owe so much of it to the friends, professors, and advisors who have supported me every step of the way. I have been surrounded by incredibly smart and encouraging people who have pushed me to conduct research, apply for competitive opportunities, and attend conferences to explore all that my field has to offer. My time at MSU has given me a strong technical foundation and professional opportunities that have helped me build the confidence to chase my goals, seek out new challenges, embrace uncertainty, and continue growing professionally as an engineer and researcher.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to spend a year or two gaining more research experience before deciding between medical school or graduate school. I’m especially interested in exploring immunology and cancer biology. I want to work in a research setting where I can build on my skills and figure out the best path forward for my career.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?
What I will miss most about MSU is, without a doubt, the people. The friends and mentors I have found here have shaped me in ways I never could have imagined, and I am so grateful for the support, laughter, and lessons they have given me. I have watched my friends grow into incredible people, achieving things that make me so proud, and they have pushed me to grow, too. I will miss the community here, where it is more about lifting each other up than competing, and I have felt that every step of the way. I will miss the small, everyday moments just as much as the big ones—traveling with the debate team, working with residence life, organizing events, and just sitting around with my friends, talking about life. MSU has been my home for the past four years. So, no matter where I go, MSU will always be a part of me. After all, loyal friends we will always be.