Master of Science, Regulatory Affairs

Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:

Learning | Growth | Experience

Getting a degree while life is happening isn’t always easy. What are some of the challenges you’ve had to face and how have you overcome them?

As a first-generation international student, I didn’t have many connections in the healthcare industry in the US. By attending conferences, workshops and leading the student chapter of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) at Northeastern as the secretary, I established a great network of professionals aligned to my field of study, along with fostering a community for future international students interested in working in healthcare. Financially, I am grateful to have been awarded for a scholarship from ISPE which relieved me of much of the financial burden of carrying out my degree in Boston.

What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?

I have emerged as a person with grit, determination and a will to make things happen. Back in 2021, I was unsure of my career choice while working in research, and the past two years have been transformative in my career growth. I have realized that I am a person with grit–the journey of an international student with no prior connections is always tough. While building credibility in the industry was tough, I was able to be determined enough to make my mark in the industry so far. I have also realized that my journey so far has been supported by mentors who have made me the professional I am today.

What advice do you have for others considering higher education, either at Northeastern or elsewhere?

Find your voice and make yourself heard. Use the years at college to explore your unique identity and figure out how you can contribute to the industry.

Why are you interested in the degree you’re pursuing? What motivates you?

Regulatory affairs is a mix of law, science and business which is relevant in various stages of a product development lifecycle, starting from product ideation to manufacturing and commercialization. As someone who’s worked in research and seen product ideation, I am motivated by what makes a product successful, specifically in the healthcare market. I am passionate about helping companies bring their ideas to life, especially in the healthcare industry where the integration of technology with healthcare holds a lot of promise.

Where do you imagine yourself five years after school?

I worked in biopharma R&D and work with medical device companies (surgical eye implants, digital health technology, virtualreality based medical devices, wearables) to navigate their regulatory strategy in launching devices in the US and internationally. I have worked with F500 companies and startups, am passionate about health misinformation and social media, and have contributed to AI for All week at Northeastern, teaching how AI enabled devices can be built compliant to global regulations in total product development cycle. After graduation, I will be joining as a Quality Systems Specialist at Analog Devices, MA working on the digital healthcare team. I imagine myself to be working in quality and regulatory roles and further advancing my career in this domain after five years.

What are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?

I love getting involved in hackathons, contributing to regulatory research and speaking at conferences. I love travelling, painting and making Asian food!

Connect with Attrayee: LinkedIn