MSBI Graduate Students

The MSBI program is a course of study intended for students with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering who wish to master biomedical imaging. The program is initially focused on imaging foundations and then evolves to be more focused on medical applications of imaging. MSBI students also have the opportunity to perform independent research, with the popular thesis option to the program.

Where are They Now?


MSBI Alum Gabriella RamilGabriella Ramil
Undergrad degree: Biomedical Engineering
MSBI class year: Class of 2022
Current Position: Systems Engineer in Medical Device Industry
Long term goals: Continue supporting innovation in the medical space.

How did the MSBI program impact your career path?

The MSBI program bolstered my technical skills in general and with respect to biomedical imaging and taught me how to approach problems from multiple angles. Both of these skills are very relevant and crucial when working in industry.

Who would you recommend the MSBI program to?

I would recommend this program to those that are interested in using imaging as a tool to understand medical conditions.


MSBI Alum Daksh DattaDaksh Datta
Undergrad degree: BSc. (Hons) - Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behavior
MSBI class year: Class of 2020
Current Position: Medical Student at the University of Toronto
Long term goal: Physician

How did the MSBI program impact your career path?

The MSBI program allowed me to explore clinical applications of medical imaging and cutting-edge research across many fields in healthcare while learning the fundamental principles of imaging modalities and the role they play in modern clinical practice.

Who would you recommend the MSBI program to?

I would recommend the MSBI program to individuals who are interested in medical imaging and enhancing their research experience surrounded by the latest imaging modality technology and the most knowledgeable professionals in the field.


MSBI Alum Cyrus ManuelCyrus Manuel
Undergrad degree: Biomedical Engineering
MSBI class year: Class of 2017
Current Position: Sr. Informatics Analyst at Genentech
Long term goals: AI/ML technical lead in the health sciences.

How did the MSBI program impact your career path?

Sr. Informatics Analyst at Genentech AI/ML technical lead in the health sciences. The MSBI program gave me rich background in different imaging modalities used in medicine and cutting edge research to gain insight into disease state or disease progression. I cemented my interests in applying advanced image analytics with efficient technologies because of the program.

Who would you recommend the MSBI program to?

I'd recommend the MSBI program to someone who wants a deeper knowledge of medical imaging modalities used at UCSF for research and in practice. It would be useful for those pursuing a career in healthcare and/or those interested in getting more involved with medical imaging research and analysis.


MSBI alum Kiersten SnyderKiersten Snyder
Undergrad degree: Health Science (St. Mary’s College)
MSBI class year: 2016
Current Position: First year medical student
Long term goals: Physician and clinical researcher

How did the MSBI program impact your career path?

The UCSF MSBI program well-prepared me for a future in medicine.  The MSBI courses and clinical electives gave top-quality instruction and laboratory experiences.  Knowledge and experience regarding the clinical and research applications of advanced biomedical imaging is pertinent in all fields of medicine, and I look forward to utilizing these skills in medical school and as a future physician.

Who would you recommend the MSBI program to?

I would recommend the MSBI program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine, clinical research, or a bioengineering PhD program.  


MSBI alum Elizabeth LiElizabeth Li
Undergrade degree: Math Applied Science-Medical/Life Sciences (UCLA)
MSBI class year: 2015
Current Position: Clinical Imaging Specialist, on site at Genentech, Inc.
Long term goals: I hope to remain in the field of clinical imaging research. I plan to return to graduate school and pursue a professional degree related to biomedical imaging. 

How did the MSBI program impact your career path?

The MSBI program has allowed me to apply my undergraduate experiences in a whole new way. Through the program, I have expanded problem-solving abilities by integrating the hard sciences with biology. It has given me the opportunity to connect with and learn from experts in the imaging research community. Because of the program, I was able to gain valuable experience working in both academic and industry settings.

Who would you recommend the MSBI program to?

I would recommend the MSBI program to those who are interested in clinical research. As a one year program, it provides a broad, albeit intense exploration of the theory and applications of various imaging modalities in a variety of disease areas. It is a great program for anyone interested in exploring medical imaging from a bioengineering perspective.