UNH Today

"It is going to be the future of humanity."

This is how Fardeen Siddiqui ‘23 described the field of biotechnology—and the reason he chose to pursue a degree in biotech.

“The combination of science and technology is increasingly becoming a major part of everyday life, and biotechnology is the perfect example of this,” Siddiqui says. “By applying technology to systems in biology, we can accomplish amazing feats, such as 3-D printing human tissue.”

Siddiqui is part of UNH Manchester’s Millyard Scholars Program, which provides scholarships and research opportunities to exceptional incoming freshmen in the college's biotechnology and engineering technology programs.

"By applying technology to systems in biology, we can accomplish amazing feats."

From having lunch with inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, to presenting research at the Winter Symposium, to using electron microscopes at Dartmouth College, Siddiqui says he’s had many unique experiences as a Millyard Scholar. He learns new things every day and has gained critical skills that are not typically offered to freshmen, he says.

“One significant aspect that we’ve learned is how to think and analyze like a researcher,” Siddiqui says. “The phage lab has more room for independence and critical analysis, so we acquire troubleshooting and problem-solving skills—things students don’t usually learn until junior or senior year.”

After he graduates, Siddiqui says he hopes to bring his knowledge and experience to the field of medicine.

“With regenerative medicine becoming the future of treatment, I think it is important for physicians to have a solid background in the fundamentals of biotechnology so that we can apply it to patient care and treatment,” he says.

Siddiqui encourages students with an interest in science to consider becoming a Millyard Scholar at UNH Manchester, which is in the state’s biotech hub and has built partnerships with biomedical pioneers like the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute.

“If you’re interested in the future of science, it’s such an interesting opportunity with several avenues and options to take,” Siddiqui says. “You will be a part of a small yet impactful community leading the future of biotechnology.”

The Millyard Scholars Program is accepting applications for fall 2020 cohorts to the biotechnology, electrical engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology programs.