Finding Her Place in STEM: Emerging Leaders Alumna Akshya Mahadevan’s Path to Biotech

We recently caught up with Emerging Leaders in STEM alumna Akshya Mahadevan to reflect on her journey from program participant to bioengineering student and current intern at REGENXBIO, a long-standing partner of Learning Undefeated. In this interview, Akshya shares how early mentorship and hands-on experiences shaped her passion for STEM. She talks about what our Emerging Leaders in STEM program meant to her during a pivotal moment and how those experiences helped prepare her for a real-world role in the biotech industry. From inspiring lab sessions to her day-to-day work developing medical devices, Akshya’s story highlights the power of early exposure, strong mentorship, and believing you belong in STEM. 

Akshya Mahadevan is currently a sophomore bioengineering major at the University of Maryland, College Park. 

What first sparked your interest in STEM? 

STEM, specifically research and biology, has been a strong interest of mine since I was young. My interest was first memorably sparked in grade school when I learned of the MIT ingestible biorobot that could be remotely controlled to remove foreign items from the digestive system. It substantified my passion for bioengineering and combining healthcare with technology. I have been fortunate enough to have multiple mentors in my life. My first and most influential mentor is Mr. Gregory Young, my middle school science and math teacher. He taught me how to conduct research and mentored me through publishing my first scientific manuscript, cementing my interest in scientific inquiry.  

How did you first get involved in the Emerging Leaders in STEM program? 

I initially got involved with the Emerging Leaders in STEM program during the height of the pandemic. I wanted to get more scientifically involved, but this pursuit was unfortunately very difficult at the time. The Emerging Leaders program quickly adapted to the times and provided an amazing platform to virtually interact and learn more about scientific thinking and procedures. 

What were some of the most meaningful or memorable parts of the Emerging Leaders program for you? 

The most memorable part of the program is the open platform for discussion it provided, as well as the opportunity to visit multiple hubs of biotechnological innovation. Through the program, I have been provided the opportunity to visit Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and REGENXBIO. The most specific moment from the Emerging Leaders program that sticks with me is the tour of REGENXBIO. It cemented to me what I wanted to do with my future and the environment I wanted to be in; I realized that I wanted to be a bioengineer that worked to produce the most ideal and cutting-edge of patient solutions amongst like-minded people. 

How do you feel the program helped prepare you for opportunities like your current internship? 

They provided me with an understanding of the scientific process. I have been able to carry that knowledge forward with me in every science experience and class. Without that initial understanding, I strongly believe that I could not have learned as much as I know now.  

What is your role at REGENXBIO, and what does a typical day look like for you? 

I am a device development intern at REGENXBIO. My day can vary from testing devices for efficacy and safety to tinkering with new designs on the 3D printer. Oh, and lots of documentation.  

What has it been like working with professionals in the field and seeing STEM careers up close? 

It has been amazing! Everyone has been so sweet and receptive to all of my questions. It has truly been a great learning experience, and I have learned of so many new jobs that I did not know of before. The healthcare industry is one that is very large and complex; everyone plays such an integral role in ensuring that goals are met, and patient safety is maintained. Mrs. Diane Doughty (manager of my department) and Mr. Gonzalo Reusche (senior in my department) have both been amazing mentors. They taught me many different skills and have allowed me to get hands-on to learn. They have transformed my experience beyond a typical internship by allowing me to express my own creative perspective into projects. 

What has your experience been like as a woman pursuing a STEM pathway? 

I have had the privilege of being a part of programs such as the ones provided by Learning Undefeated, allowing me to break into the scientific field despite stereotypes. While I have been looked down on by some peers, I have been fortunate enough to have twice as many supporters.  

Have you found any mentors or role models who have made a difference for you? 

Not to sound cliche, but my mom! She worked multiple jobs just to be able to fund her master’s in computer science, showing me that I should not let any obstacle stop me from achieving what I want.  

What kinds of opportunities are you hoping to explore next in your education or career? 

I hope to explore more bioengineering! There are so many devices and not enough time to learn them all! I specifically want to learn more about surgical robots, as well as participate in the development of artificial organs and their seamless enmeshment into the human body.   

What advice would you give to girls who are interested in STEM but aren’t sure where to start? 

Get involved in everything! By everything, I mean, join every program and learning opportunity you come across no matter how intimidating it may seem. Everyone starts somewhere! And, to be honest, you are already in the right place if you are interested in Learning Undefeated. In addition, do not pigeonhole yourself into a specific interest as well; stay open-minded and willing to learn about fields you think are uninteresting. You may find yourself surprised.  

Is there something you wish you had known earlier in your STEM journey? 

I wish I had known all of the different careers. I used to feel pressured thinking that there were very few variations of careers, and that I either fit the box for it or I did not. However, when exposed to the inner workings of a company, I was surprised to see there are so many interdisciplinary roles that are not typically mentioned, such as medical science liaisons.  

How would you encourage students who might not yet see themselves in STEM careers? 

Science is for everyone. Do not be afraid to carve out your own path. While it may be difficult, your journey is bound to inspire many.  

 Our Emerging Leaders in STEM alumnae network is thriving, building a strong community where students stay connected long after completing the course. Through this network, we regularly share valuable STEM-related opportunities that help alumnae advance their academic and professional journeys. In fact, it was through this very network that Akshya discovered her current role at REGENXBIO! See how Emerging Leaders in STEM opens doors for students: https://www.learningundefeated.org/emerging-leaders-in-stem/