As a participant in pilot two of The Arch at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Daniel Kang ’20, a biomedical engineering major with a concentration in mechanics, enhanced his academic portfolio by attending Télécom Physique in Strasbourg, France.

Télécom Physique, formerly École Nationale Supérieure de Physique de Strasbourg (ENSPS), is a French engineering school that was established in 1970. Areas of study include image processing and computer vision; software and network engineering; automation and robotics; biophysics; electronics; photonics; and physics and modeling.

At Télécom Physique, Kang studied technologies and imaging for health care that focused on both industry and research. “I took courses ranging from medical robotics to clinical translation, where I was able to gain a lot of knowledge pertaining to an industry I am extremely passionate about,” said Kang.

In addition to the courses Kang took, he also secured a research opportunity with ICube Laboratories on the Multiscale Materials and Biomechanics team, where he researched a minimally invasive design for a femoral fracture plate for patients with pre-existing surgical interventions. “My research opportunity later transitioned into an internship where I worked in the field of osteosynthesis. I collaborated with a medical implant company and an orthopedic surgeon to redesign a fracture plate using computer aided programs,” said Kang.

When asked what resources he utilized to help secure his away experience, Kang said, “One of the main reasons that I was able to have such a great experience with The Arch program was through the help of the Office of International Programs. The Center for Career and Professional Development also did a great job in integrating professional development programs within The Arch, providing insightful tips on how to go about the job application processes and how to best answer interview questions, which I will carry with me further down my career path.”

Kang encourages students who are trying to secure a semester away opportunity to be proactive and open to every option available. “Studying abroad was not at the top of my list,” said Kang. “Being able to spend eight months in a foreign country has allowed me to grow immensely as an individual. I established many meaningful connections during my trip and have gained invaluable insight into the health-care industry through my internship. I also took some social science classes in French language and culture, which helped me fully immerse myself and appreciate France.”

After graduation, Kang plans to first gain more work experience in research and development in the health-care and the medical device industry; then he would like to pursue his master’s degree in medical device and diagnostic engineering.