University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science | 2025 Dean's Report - Flipbook - Page 24
INTERNATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
NEXT INNOVATION SCHOLAR
J
onathan Raj ’24 traveled thousands of miles from his home in Dubai
Raj developed the social innovation pillar in NIS, negotiating partnerships
to further his education at the University of Cincinnati. Through the
between UC and local nonpro昀椀t organizations. For his NIS work, he
Accelerated Engineering Degree (ACCEND) program, Raj was able to
received the Neil Armstrong New Frontier Award for innovation leadership.
“ THE INNOVATIVE DESIGN THINKING
earn both a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and a master’s
degree in mechanical engineering within 昀椀ve years.
In 2022, he traveled to Tanzania where he uncovered valuable insights
into educational and nutritional programs by applying human-centered
I CULTIVATED WHILE HELPING TO
DEVELOP NIS CONNECTED ME WITH
INCREDIBLE PEOPLE AND EXPOSED
Raj received UC’s highly selective NEXT Innovation Scholarship, part
design strategies. With a remarkable journey marked by innovation,
of a transformative academic program that immerses students in cross-
leadership, and global impact, Raj exempli昀椀es the transformative power
THAT PUSHED ME OUT OF MY
disciplinary and cross-cultural experiences within UC and beyond. Raj
of interdisciplinary education and global collaboration at UC. He is now
COMFORT ZONE.” – JONATHAN RAJ
was one of ten students in the 昀椀rst NEXT Innovation Scholar (NIS) cohort,
working at AtriCure in Cincinnati, where he previously worked as a
and the director of the program credits much of its success today to
co-op student.
Raj’s dedication and enthusiasm for the program.
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DEAN’S REPORT
ME TO PROJECTS AND EXPERIENCES
