Nesa is committed to empowering young women in STEM to pursue bold, unconventional paths.

Nesa Shamdasani is pursuing a double major in biomedical engineering and computer science at U-M Ann Arbor. This interdisciplinary path reflects her passion for the intersection of healthcare, technology, and social impact, and represents the realization of a dream shaped by her family’s sacrifices as first-generation immigrants. Her grandmother, a lifelong advocate for education, instilled in her the belief that knowledge can change circumstances — an ethos that continues to guide her pursuit of innovation with purpose.

At U-M, Nesa has leveraged opportunities to bridge engineering and medicine. As part of MHEAL, she is helping develop a laparoscopic surgery training device for medical residents in Ghana, while her research in the Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Lab has deepened her scientific foundation. Nesa also designed an AI-powered web application called Claris that addresses the problem of fragmented research information systems by providing researchers with a streamlined, accessible workspace. These experiences have shaped her long-term vision of leading a biotech company that builds thoughtful, human-centered solutions in medicine.

Nesa’s commitment extends beyond technical innovation to mentorship and advocacy. As a member of the Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program (WISE RP), she found critical support through mentorship and professional development. Inspired by the WISE community, she also serves as a peer mentor to incoming students. Nesa is committed to empowering young women in STEM to pursue bold, unconventional paths.

Nesa continues to further her research and expand her skills through community college coursework, and she is pursuing self-initiated projects that strengthen her technical foundation. As she continues growing as a student, leader, and builder, she is deeply grateful to the CEW+ community for recognizing her journey — and for supporting her vision of advancing equity, innovation, and impact in healthcare.

CEW+ commends Nesa’s rigorous interdisciplinary path and commitment to women in STEM and names her an Irma M. Wyman Scholar.