Yash Sakhalkar

Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan     

Yash Sakhalkar, who grew up in the Boston suburbs, completed his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. As an undergraduate, he contributed to projects spanning medical devices and pharmaceutical development. At Johnson & Johnson Ethicon, he designed and tested components for a robotic laparoscopic endocutter. He also built a computer vision system at Eli Lilly & Co to accelerate the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapies.

Outside of his work, Yash served as the Vice President of Professional Development in a biomedical engineering fraternity where he created opportunities for his peers to network and grow their careers. He also led a multidisciplinary student team to develop a low-cost solution for perioperative hypothermia for a global health context and volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Following graduation, Yash conducted immunotherapy research at the National Institutes of Health, where he investigated strategies to improve CAR T-cell efficacy against pediatric solid tumors. He later joined the Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he conducted proteomics research to characterize the physiology of meditation and identify biomarkers that could improve the prediction and management of post-operative delirium in cardiac surgery patients.

At the EnMed program, Yash is excited to integrate engineering, medicine, and entrepreneurship to develop solutions for unmet clinical needs. He hopes to strengthen his clinical skills while learning how to translate innovations from concept to commercialization so they can ultimately improve patient care and create meaningful real-world impact.

Outside of school, Yash enjoys spending time in nature, traveling to new places, and being active.