Yiming Li, M.Eng. 2019, MBA 2020

Why did you choose Cornell?
Does the name “Ithaca” ring a bell? Before I realized that Ithaca was the location of Cornell University, I had known it as the name of the island home of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. Cornell is one of the few Ivy League Universities that offer a master of engineering rather than a traditionally research-based masters program. Cornell's program allowed me to customize my own curriculum and professional focus. “Freedom and Responsibility”, the Cornell Tradition, also attracted me, as my ultimate goals were promoting global health and launching economical therapeutics in areas with low resource settings. 

Why did you choose biomedical engineering?
I came to Cornell with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from University of Washington, and I customized my research in the realm of hematology. Through reiteration of relevant experiments, I noticed that successfully launching a medical device requires much more than pure lab work and professional knowledge. I chose the master of engineering in BME at Cornell because it connected me with industry, which allowed me to learn answers to questions such as: how to fit a design to FDA criteria, what clinical resources are needed to facilitate, and which investments are needed to leverage to launch a product?  

What have you been up to since graduating? 
After graduating in 2019, I started in the MBA program at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and graduated in May 2020. Right now, I am working at market insight division of Cargill Incorporated, a privately held global food conglomerate.

How did your Cornell degree prepare you for what you are doing now?
Other than the professional knowledge related to biomedical engineering, I met many of life-long friends at Cornell. My alumni network also provided me with insightful suggestion regarding how I should build my professional path. Last but not least, I benefited a lot from the ability to integrate information from different sources, background, and stakeholders. 

Favorite Cornell experience or memory?
My most impressive memory must be working with my industrial project team of 6 until 3am in the morning in the basement of Weill Hall. We could not turn on the light in our lab room, as our experiment is light-sensitive. Other favorite memories are having my favorite song “Hymn to the sea” played on chime at the Cornell tower, exploring all-you-can-eat dining halls, and enjoying the sunset at Libe Slope. 

What advice might you give to CornellBME students considering a similar path to yours?
As a young person combining both engineering and business background in the industry, do not be afraid of making your own voice heard by professionals more advanced and experienced than you. You have an opinion, and it is okay to express it. Learning is a two-way process, and you never know when you will be inspired by others, and how a strong connection can be built in the near future. 

Anything else you’d like to share?
Make sure to explore the state parks and finger lakes around Ithaca. Cornell Dairy and wineries are also sightseeing spots. 

Favorite quote that helps inspire you in your work/life?
“I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count.”
― Titanic