Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University
Originally from Seattle, Joanne Kim skipped high school to attend the University of Washington where she researched the migration of breast cancer cells on patterned substrates. After later transferring to Cornell University and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering, Kim worked as an engineer at Intel Corporation, specializing in using chemical decapsulation methods for failure analysis.
“Identifying failure mechanisms in microchips was analogous to making diagnoses in human patients and largely inspired me to look into medicine from the world of tech,” she said. “ENMED allowed me to embrace and build upon my experience in the tech industry while simultaneously seeking the human element that I believe can only be found in medicine. I was also very excited by the challenge of earning two degrees in just four years from such distinct disciplines and the idea of not being limited by traditional job titles.”
As a lifelong equestrian, Kim spends most of her free time showjumping and spending time at the stables. She also loves interior design, skiing, and cuddling with her Balinese cat Meeko.
