Tejal Desai

Tejal Desai

Dean and Professor of Engineering, Brown University
RI

Engineers!

Stacey Swisher Harnetty
Khadijah Latiff
Valarie King-Bailey
Elizabeth Rasmussen
Beth Jones
Leteshia Lowe
Sarah Wright
Kelly Hon
Cassandra Eerdmans
Wendy Sahli
Isheeta Laxmanan
Danielle Mulholland
Education
Materials
Medicine
Close Up
  • What I Do

    I am the Dean of Engineering at Brown University where I oversee the entire school of engineering (faculty, students, and staff).  I work with the community to set the vision and make sure we have the resources and support to carry out activities in education, research, and community engagement.   I also have a research lab which carries out work in biomedical engineering, specifically biomedical nanotechnology. 

  • Why Engineering?

    I love being about to find solution to hard problems!  As a biomedical engineering, I can develop technology solution to help people live better lives and hopefully find ways to prevent and treat disease.  

  • School Days

    I went to a public high school in California.  I then went to Brown University for undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and UC Berkeley/UCSF for my PhD in Bioengineering. 

  • My Day At Work

    Teaching, Research, Writing, Collaborating, Speaking, and Meeting with Faculty, Students, and Staff.

  • Best Part

    Being able to support others to pursue their goals in engineering.

  • Proud Moments

    Becoming a full professor in bioengineering at UCSF and coming back to my alma mater to be Dean of Engineering

  • Challenges

    Being an Asian woman leader in Engineering has brought some challenges but I have been able to navigate this with the help of colleagues and mentors.  

  • My Family

    I am married and have three children (20,18, and 15).  I love travelling and spending time with them!

  • Inspiration

    My parents have supported me throughout my career and my spouse has always pushed me to reach my goals.  

  • Want to be an Engineer?

    It is such a rewarding career that will allow you to make an important impact on society.

  • Hobbies

    Travel, exploring, hiking, reading and the outdoors. 

Biography
I became a biomedical engineer because I wanted to develop technologies to make our lives better. I truly believe that anyone can become an engineer and make a difference.
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Volunteer Opportunities
  • I am willing to be contacted by educators for possible speaking engagements in schools or in after school programs or summer camps.
  • I am willing to be interviewed by interested students via email.