user profile avatar

Eileene Beco

435

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Education

Paterson Charter School For Science/Technology

High School
2015 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biochemical Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Biotechnology

    • Dream career goals:

      William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math
      Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned the value of resilience, independence, and perseverance. If I wanted or needed something, I had to work for it, which gave me a strong sense of responsibility and determination. These qualities naturally led me to math and science, where challenges require creativity, logic, and persistence to overcome. My passion for solving problems and making a difference in the world eventually steered me toward biomedical engineering, a field that blends scientific inquiry, mathematical precision, and technological innovation to improve human health. Biomedical engineering is an exciting and ever-evolving field, and what draws me most to it is the potential to directly impact people's lives. I am particularly interested in developing prosthetics, aiding in bone regrowth, and enhancing signal processing technologies. These areas of research offer the chance to restore lost mobility, independence, and confidence to those facing physical challenges. Being able to work on solutions that help people regain abilities they may have lost is incredibly rewarding. Through my studies and future work, I hope to contribute to advancements that make these technologies more accessible and effective, ensuring that more people can benefit from innovations in healthcare. However, my journey has not come without challenges. As a woman entering a male-dominated field, I have faced moments of doubt and frustration. STEM, especially engineering, is often perceived as a space where men excel and dominate. As a result, it can be difficult to find mentors, opportunities, or the confidence to assert myself in environments where I am underrepresented. Despite these challenges, I have learned to embrace the obstacles as opportunities to prove that women are just as capable of excelling in these fields as anyone else. I believe that my experiences navigating a male-dominated field have made me more determined to succeed and more passionate about breaking down barriers for the next generation. I know that the more women who enter STEM and succeed, the more opportunities there will be for future generations of girls to see themselves in these roles. Representation matters, and I want to be a part of the movement that shows young girls they can pursue their dreams in math, science, and engineering and still be enough. We don't have to prove ourselves over and over again. We are enough just as we are. One of my goals is not only to make significant contributions to biomedical engineering but also to mentor and encourage young girls to explore STEM careers. By showing them that women can excel in this field, I hope to inspire more girls to pursue their passions, regardless of the challenges they may face. It’s important that we create a world where girls feel empowered to follow their dreams and pursue careers in science and technology without hesitation or doubt. Through perseverance, creativity, and a commitment to innovation, I plan to contribute to the advancement of biomedical engineering and to inspire the next generation of female scientists and engineers. I want to leave a lasting impact on the field, proving that women are not just participants but leaders who can drive change, solve problems, and transform lives.
      Harry B. Anderson Scholarship
      Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned early on that if I wanted or needed something, I had to work for it. This environment shaped me into a determined and resourceful individual, constantly seeking ways to overcome challenges on my own. Whether it was finding creative solutions to problems or managing responsibilities beyond my years, I developed a strong sense of independence and perseverance. These experiences naturally led me to engineering, a field that thrives on problem-solving, resilience, and innovation. Biomedical engineering, in particular, excites me because it combines my passion for science and technology with my desire to help others. The idea that I can design medical solutions that directly improve people’s lives is what drives me. I want to work on developing advanced prosthetics, aiding in bone regrowth, and improving signal processing technologies to help individuals with physical disabilities regain mobility and independence. The ability to restore lost functions or enhance the quality of life through engineering is what makes this field so meaningful to me. Seeing individuals regain confidence and freedom through technological advancements is something I aspire to contribute to. Beyond the technical aspects, I understand the emotional and financial burdens that come with medical challenges. Coming from a background where I had to be self-sufficient, I know how difficult it can be to access the resources and tools needed to thrive. That’s why I hope to work on making biomedical advancements more affordable and accessible, ensuring that those who need life-changing technology are not limited by financial constraints. I believe that technology should be a tool for empowerment rather than a privilege for the few, and I want to dedicate my career to making a tangible difference in people’s lives. In addition to my passion for engineering, I have always loved reading books. Literature has been a source of knowledge, comfort, and inspiration for me, broadening my perspective and teaching me to think critically. Reading has fueled my curiosity and reinforced my belief in the power of innovation to change lives. Whether it’s scientific research, historical accounts, or fictional stories, books have allowed me to explore different ideas and perspectives, which I hope to apply to my engineering work. The ability to understand diverse viewpoints and think outside the box is essential in engineering, and my love for reading has helped me develop these skills. My journey has taught me that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to push forward despite difficulties. I plan to apply that mindset to my studies and career, using biomedical engineering to create innovative solutions that empower individuals and improve lives. By combining my passion for problem-solving with my commitment to making a difference, I hope to contribute to a future where medical technology is not just advanced but also accessible to those who need it most. Ultimately, I want to be more than just an engineer—I want to be a force for positive change. My background has given me a deep appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and the power of knowledge. With a degree in biomedical engineering, I hope to develop technologies that bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live a healthier, fuller life.
      Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship
      Biomedical engineering is more than just a field of study for me—it is a way to combine my love for science and problem-solving with my desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. I have always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and medicine, particularly how innovation can restore mobility, independence, and dignity to individuals facing physical challenges. Whether it’s developing advanced prosthetics, aiding in bone regrowth, or improving signal processing technologies, I want to contribute to groundbreaking advancements that directly enhance the quality of life for others. Coming from a single-parent household, I have always had to work for what I wanted and needed. This instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and self-reliance, qualities that have shaped my approach to both life and academics. However, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is not just financial hardship, but also the struggle of identity. As a Hispanic woman, I have experienced the difficulty of feeling caught between two worlds—too white to fully connect with my cultural community, yet too Hispanic to completely fit in with my white peers. This sense of not fully belonging anywhere has been a deeply personal challenge, but it has also fueled my determination to carve out a space for myself in every area of my life. Women in STEM, particularly women of color, continue to be underrepresented, and I want to be part of the change that shifts that narrative. By pursuing biomedical engineering, I hope to break barriers and show that diversity in this field is not just important but necessary. Different perspectives bring forth more inclusive and effective solutions, and I want to use my voice and experiences to inspire others who may feel like they don’t fit into a traditional mold. The impact I hope to make extends beyond technological advancements—I want to ensure that medical innovations are accessible and affordable, especially for underprivileged communities. Too often, life-changing technology remains out of reach for those who need it most. I want to bridge that gap, ensuring that my work does not just push the boundaries of science but also serves as a tool for equity and empowerment. Despite the adversities I have faced, I have never let them define me. Instead, they have strengthened my resolve to succeed, not only for myself but for others like me who dream of making a difference. Biomedical engineering is my way of contributing to a world where innovation is inclusive, opportunity is available to all, and no one feels like they don’t belong.
      Roy Nelson Memorial Scholarship in Engineering
      Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned early on that if I wanted or needed something, I had to work for it. This environment shaped me into a determined and resourceful individual, constantly seeking ways to overcome challenges on my own. Whether it was finding creative solutions to problems or managing responsibilities beyond my years, I developed a strong sense of independence and perseverance. These experiences naturally led me to engineering, a field that thrives on problem-solving, resilience, and innovation. Biomedical engineering, in particular, excites me because it combines my passion for science and technology with my desire to help others. The idea that I can design medical solutions that directly improve people’s lives is what drives me. I want to work on developing advanced prosthetics, aiding in bone regrowth, and improving signal processing technologies to help individuals with physical disabilities regain mobility and independence. The ability to restore lost functions or enhance the quality of life through engineering is what makes this field so meaningful to me. Seeing individuals regain confidence and freedom through technological advancements is something I aspire to contribute to. Beyond the technical aspects, I understand the emotional and financial burdens that come with medical challenges. Coming from a background where I had to be self-sufficient, I know how difficult it can be to access the resources and tools needed to thrive. That’s why I hope to work on making biomedical advancements more affordable and accessible, ensuring that those who need life-changing technology are not limited by financial constraints. I believe that technology should be a tool for empowerment rather than a privilege for the few, and I want to dedicate my career to making a tangible difference in people’s lives. In addition to my passion for engineering, I have always loved reading books. Literature has been a source of knowledge, comfort, and inspiration for me, broadening my perspective and teaching me to think critically. Reading has fueled my curiosity and reinforced my belief in the power of innovation to change lives. Whether it’s scientific research, historical accounts, or fictional stories, books have allowed me to explore different ideas and perspectives, which I hope to apply to my engineering work. The ability to understand diverse viewpoints and think outside the box is essential in engineering, and my love for reading has helped me develop these skills. My journey has taught me that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to push forward despite difficulties. I plan to apply that mindset to my studies and career, using biomedical engineering to create innovative solutions that empower individuals and improve lives. By combining my passion for problem-solving with my commitment to making a difference, I hope to contribute to a future where medical technology is not just advanced but also accessible to those who need it most. Ultimately, I want to be more than just an engineer—I want to be a force for positive change. My background has given me a deep appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and the power of knowledge. With a degree in biomedical engineering, I hope to develop technologies that bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live a healthier, fuller life.
      Eileene Beco Student Profile | Bold.org