Senior used competitiveness, heart, work ethic to balance academics, research, athletics
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“It’s important to always remember your ‘whys’ because when things get tough, your ‘why’ will always prevail,” said Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering graduating senior Madison Ferris. “Knowing why you’re here, what you want to do, and why you do what you’re doing, are what can catapult your future forward.”
Ferris is graduating from UIC this spring with a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering with a concentration in bioinformatics. Her journey to earning her degree was challenging as she balanced her engineering coursework with playing Division I soccer at the university, and helping with research in BME Assistant Professor Beatriz Peñalver Bernabé’s Lab.
Ferris said that she was initially drawn to UIC because it allowed her to pursue engineering and participate in athletics. She saw how UIC prioritizes research and opportunities available for students and took on the challenge of being active in research, athletics, and academics.
“UIC gave me the opportunity to pursue two things I’m passionate about and have the support I needed to be successful in both,” she said.
“With athletics, it’s competitive and teaches you diligence, heart, and a strong work ethic, and that translates off the field into my academics,” Ferris said. “Pressure is a privilege, and it also provides us opportunities for growth and success, and UIC has been a safe space to implement the lessons I’ve learned.”
She added that the university places high value on research and opportunities, and having many options to choose from shaped her academic career. Ferris also has always believed that having the pressure of balancing various activities and academics has been a privilege.
A fascination with medicine, which was a big part of her life, drew Ferris to biomedical engineering growing up. Combining medicine and the impact it has on people with the various aspects of engineering, and being able to do more, was exactly where she saw herself going on her career path. When Ferris thought about how the innovations of biomedical design have heavily affected her and her family’s lives, she expressed her appreciation for being able to contribute back to communities through her work.
“From the classroom to the global stage, Madison embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies Zhinan Wang. “Her journey always reminds me that greatness is not a destination, but a continuous pursuit. I want future BME students to use her story as an example to dream boldly, strive tirelessly, and never underestimate their potential.”
Ferris also noted how grateful she is for Wang for his guidance and assistance throughout her time at UIC.
“He has helped me shape my one-year, five-years, and 10-year plans,” Ferris said. “At one point, I got a concussion, and I was out of school for a long time. Dr. Wang went out of his way to set aside time outside of class to teach me material I had missed at a level I could comprehend and at a pace I could keep up with despite my injury and still prioritize my health.”
She said that her research advisor also supported her a lot and went out of her way to help Ferris succeed. Peñalver Bernabé also provided Ferris with valuable insight and opinions for her future career. Ferris’ advisor has also given her many opportunities to present her research and has helped to shape her leadership skills and put things in perspective when she is facing challenges or problems.
Being heavily involved with Peñalver Bernabé’s lab and research, she attended multiple symposiums where she presented her work and learned how interconnected UIC is in research. In 2024, she attended the North American Menopause Society annual meeting, presenting research alongside leading figures in the field. This inspired her future research possibilities.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Ferris said that being in a new city was really eye-opening and has affected her perspective as she meets people from throughout the Chicagoland area, other states, and countries.
After graduation, Ferris will attend Johns Hopkins University to earn her Master of Science in Engineering at the university’s Center for Biomedical Innovation and Design. She said that she’s excited to be in a program that emphasizes innovation and design and one where she can contribute to the current landscape of medical devices and innovation.