Tejal Desai

Tejal Desai

Dean and Professor of Engineering, Brown University
RI

Engineers!

Amber Aguilar
Melanie Cragnolin
Kay Hatlestad
Kristin Malosh
Lauren Olsen
Kirei Watson
Diana Manning
Tiffany Pagtulingan, P.E.
Sarah Vigmostad
Kaytee Robertson
Valarie King-Bailey
Sowmya Nagesh
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.