Sheida Sharafi has curated her younger self’s ambition to be a doctor into a medical-adjacent field: biomedical engineering. During her time at Wichita State, she has honed her professional skills through several applied learning and research experiences.
Sheida is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2026 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
What degree will you be earning in May?
Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering with a concentration in biomechanics and mechanobiology and a minor in chemistry
What is your hometown?
Wichita
What schools did you attend before coming to Wichita State?
- Maize High School
- Butler Community College
When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I chose Wichita State because it felt like the perfect combination of legacy, opportunity and growth. My dad and uncles all attended WSU, so being able to continue that family legacy was meaningful to me. At the same time, Wichita State stood out because of its strong College of Engineering, research reputation and commitment to applied learning. I wanted to be somewhere that would let me do more than just sit in class. I wanted real experience, strong mentorship and opportunities to grow into both a better engineer and a stronger leader, and Wichita State gave me all of that.
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State University because I wanted to get away from home but not be too far away. I had heard a lot of praise about the aerospace department in Wichita. I was based out of McConnell Air Force Base, so it appeared to be a perfect match. It also was a bigger city than where I came from, and the city has grown on me since I have lived here.
Did you receive any scholarships to attend Wichita State?
Yes. During my time at Wichita State, I received support through the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, the Kansas Completion Fund and Pell Grant assistance. These resources helped reduce financial stress and allowed me to stay focused on school, leadership and applied learning opportunities. They gave me the flexibility to invest more time into internships, student involvement and my academic goals instead of worrying as much about the financial side of college.
What applied learning experiences did you participate in during your time here?
Applied learning has been one of the most valuable parts of my Wichita State experience. Through NIAR, I gained hands-on experience in crashworthiness and structural dynamics, working with testing, instrumentation and research in an aerospace setting. I also participated in the Johnson & Johnson Electrophysiology Immersion Program, which gave me a closer look at how engineering and healthcare connect in real clinical environments. My internship experience at Textron Aviation further expanded my technical and professional skills, and my patent-pending senior design project pushed me to think creatively about medical device design and problem-solving. These experiences helped me connect what I learned in class to real industry and research applications.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Say yes to opportunities early. Make friends, help people, build your network and do not underestimate how much relationships matter in college and beyond. Stay organized, keep a planner or hard-copy calendar, and learn how to manage your time before everything gets busy. Most importantly, do not wait until you feel completely ready. Some of the best opportunities come when you take the first step before you feel fully confident.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to continue working at NIAR as a research engineer while pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. My long-term goal is to keep building my knowledge in aerospace research and work in the crash lab and structural testing environments where I can apply engineering to real-world safety and innovation challenges.
Fun question: You suddenly find yourself in the middle of a dance battle. What's the first move you're gonna hit 'em with?
A spin, a split and zero hesitation. At that point, the dance battle is mine.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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