The Future of Biomedical Engineering
“Gashora taught me critical thinking, problem-solving, and the power of community. Leading projects and working with my peers taught me how to communicate, adapt, and lead under pressure, skills that have been essential in my college journey.”
Anaise, GGAST 2023, Tufts University 2027
At Gashora, I was part of Robust, the modern dance club, which sparked my love for movement and motivated me to join Cheer at Tufts.
Hi!
My name is Anaise Ineza, and I am a proud member of the GGAST Class 2023. I am the youngest of three girls in my family. I’m studying Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University, where my passion for improving healthcare access and medical technology continues growing. I love dancing and exploring new experiences, which has helped me find a sense of belonging even far from home.
What inspired you to study engineering?
Gashora Girls Academy shaped me into who I am today and helped me find my passion for biomedical engineering. Gashora doesn’t just prepare you academically; it builds you into a whole person. The teachers and staff believed in us, encouraging us to lead and push boundaries. The culture of excellence and support shaped me into someone who thinks I can make a difference.
Gashora taught me to believe in my ability to create meaningful change. This belief inspired me to want to make a difference. While at Gashora, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local hospital. Seeing the impact of limited access to medical devices on patient care inspired me with the desire to improve healthcare in underserved communities, making life-saving medical devices more accessible to those who need them most. This experience first inspired me to pursue engineering to make an impact in medical care in Rwanda.
What are you most proud of if your college journey so far?
I’m proud to have stepped out of my comfort zone, joined Engineers Without Borders (EWB), and become the project lead for the Malawi chapter, which has been transformative.
Anaise and her team.
Engineers Without Borders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. Over the 2023–2024, my team worked on repairing taps in the Solomoni community and assessing the community of Makwelani for future projects. I am excited about our upcoming trip this summer, where we will be focusing on a rainwater catchment system connected to handwashing stations at a local school in Makwelani and exploring the possibility of a new borehole in the community. This March in preparation, I was able to attend the EWB-USA 2025 conference. I met inspiring leaders and changemakers who showed me the true potential of engineering in transforming lives. Their stories deepened my commitment to using my skills to improve communities globally.
Anaise with her fellow Gashora Girls. She is in front right leaning down.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Gashora Girls Academy produces young women who are not only academically excellent but also ready to lead and create change in the world. As I look ahead, I hope to be part of groundbreaking work in biomedical engineering, creating innovative medical devices that reach those in need. Engineering is not just about technical solutions but transforming lives and changing the world.