Tori Reiner

Major: Biomedical Engineering

What year you graduated: 2022

Preferred pronouns: She/Her

Tori Reiner

Q: Why did you choose your major?

Reiner: Growing up, I knew that I wanted to work to improve healthcare in some way so I followed that path all through school. I always had a passion for science and biology, but loved math as well. So, when it came time to pick a major, I found that biomedical engineering combined all of my interests really well and could help me reach my goals.

Q:  What was your favorite course or instructor?

Reiner: My favorite course was Clinical Immersion over the winter session. I shadowed Dr. Zabel, the chief of plastic surgery at ChristianaCare. This class allowed me to shadow a physician for a month, learn the ins and outs of the medical field, study medical devices and techniques, and build my engineering and observation skills.

This class was taught by Dr. Rooney who along with Dr. Karand and Dr. Khandha were three of my favorite instructors. They put a lot of effort into ensuring the success of students. Each one made time available in and out of class to get to know students, provide extra help, and push each of us to work hard and do our best. They helped me to become a better student, engineer, and person.

Q:  Tell us about your experience with any extracurriculars outside of the classroom.

Reiner: I participated in a lot of extracurriculars and gained valuable leadership experience, built strong relationships, learned about new topics, had a strong academic support system, and spent time doing things I loved.

I was a peer mentor for QUEST/LEAP, a distinguished tier 4 student in the Blue Hen Leadership Program, the apparel and fundraising chair for the women’s club volleyball team, the membership educator and fundraising chair for Alpha Omega Epsilon, project manager for the Bolivia team in Engineers Without Borders, an Ambassador for Biomedical Engineering, an undergraduate researcher, and a puppy sister in PROUD. Each club and program kept me busy, but also allowed me to make the most of my four years.

Q:  What was your favorite study location or hang-out spot on campus?

Reiner: My favorite study and hang-out spot on campus was in a little lounge area right between the BHLP office and package center in Trabant. It was mostly a quiet space that was perfect for studying. However, it was also great for catching up with friends that would often walk by or having lunch with friends between classes.

Q:  What got you interested in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP)?

Reiner: When I applied to UD, I looked into all of the programs that I could apply to at the same time and that is when I learned about the GCSP. I immediately loved it and decided that I was going to apply. I have a passion for creating positive change in the world and this program allowed me to find ways to do that as a student.

Q:  What additional projects, experiences or classes did you participate in as part of GCSP?

Reiner: I was struggling to find something that would help me meet one of the requirements for the GCSP and a faculty member suggested that I look into Engineers Without Borders. I gave it a shot and went to one meeting and ended up loving everything about it. The people were so kind, hard working, and the mission was amazing. I started as a member of the Philippines team before I applied to become a project manager for the Bolivia project which was brand new at the time.

Q:  What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about becoming a GCSP student?

Reiner: My advice would be to just go for it and to plan ahead. The program is amazing and there is a lot to gain from it, but there are multiple requirements that will take a while to do. Making a plan in advance helped me to make sure I was involved in things I enjoyed, matched up with the program requirements, and ensured that I could complete it on time.