We are delighted to share that Grace He has accepted a Nuclear Engineering Internship at Siemens Healthineers, beginning in May 2026. In this role, she will help maintain the quality of nuclear imaging systems used in hospitals, with a particular focus on SPECT, through both hardware and data processing applications.
Grace is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neural Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. With strong training in biomedical data science and programming for brain and cognitive sciences, she has developed a growing interest in computational neuroscience and medical technology. At JNERL, where she has conducted research under Rita Peng’s mentorship since Spring 2025, her work has focused on neural imaging and biosignal engineering for neurorehabilitation.
During her time in the lab, Grace has made a meaningful impact through her leadership, positivity, and dedication. She has provided valuable support for research in brain signals and imaging, and she has also contributed actively to the lab’s outreach efforts. At the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fair hosted by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Grainger College of Engineering, Grace represented JNERL by introducing the lab’s research to attendees. Grace also played an important role in JNERL’s participation in the Beckman Institute Open House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The event welcomed thousands of visitors from the Champaign-Urbana community and beyond, and JNERL presented an interactive exhibit featuring research posters, physical models, and educational games that introduced visitors to neuroengineering, neurophysiology, brain function, and brain-machine interfaces. Grace was among the dedicated volunteers who helped explain research concepts, guide activities, and create an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Her thoughtful communication and willingness to engage with others have been deeply appreciated.
Reflecting on her experience, Grace shared that she is very grateful for the opportunities she gained through JNERL, which helped strengthen her skills in neuroimaging analysis. She is excited to build on that foundation and expand her knowledge to other medical imaging systems in nuclear medicine.
We are proud of Grace and all that she has accomplished, and we are excited to see her take this next step. We thank her for her many contributions to JNERL and warmly congratulate her on this wonderful opportunity. We wish her every success in the months ahead and look forward to all she will achieve in advancing human health through technology.