URI graduate Heather DiFazio pursued bachelor’s degrees in German and Biomedical Engineering through our International Engineering Program. Her time at URI helped her find her passion and set her up for future success.

The Cranston, Rhode Island native pursued student leadership roles, conducted neuroscience research on campus, and gained early industry experience through a recurring summer internship with a RI-based medical manufacturing company. She then spent her fourth year abroad in Germany, attending the Technical University of Braunschweig for a semester, followed by a full-time internship at Siemens Healthineers in Bavaria, where she was introduced to the world of medical imaging.

While completing her final year at URI, Heather successfully applied for a U.S. Department of State Fulbright grant, which funded a year-long postgraduate research project at the University of Bern in Switzerland. Her research focuses on developing an artificial intelligence module for a surgical diagnostic device to differentiate between tumorous and healthy tissue. Heather is continuing her work in Bern today, as her Fulbright grant was extended to further support her ongoing research. Heather also credits the experience with significantly improving her German language skills.

“URI’s International Engineering Program provided me with a unique combination of technical education, professional experience, and global exposure,” said DiFazio. “Opportunities in both research and internships enhanced my academic journey, and the program’s cross-cultural experiences prepared me to confidently work on international teams addressing real-world challenges.”