Alumni Spotlight: Bishoy Abdelmalek ’22

December 2025, by Victoria Yakes '27

Bishoy Abdelmalek graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering with a concentration in tissue engineering (pictured above). He is currently advancing CAR T cell therapy manufacturing at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in Devens, Massachusetts. In early November, he sat down to discuss his journey from childhood curiosity to a career in personalized medicine. What follows are experiences, insights, and advice he offered to the WPI community. 

Early Interest in Engineering

Bishoy traces his interest in engineering to one of the most classic childhood toys: LEGOs. Between building blocks and made-up lands, he discovered the satisfaction of creating something with his own hands and understanding how components function. From there, he brought his curiosity to his honors biology course, where he discovered biomedical engineering, the perfect amalgamation of engineering and medicine. 

His Time as an Undergraduate

Arriving at WPI, Bishoy initially pursued a concentration in biomechanics, driven by his interest in sports. However, he would soon work at the benches of the Cell Culture Lab, one of his favorite courses at WPI, learning hands-on tissue techniques that influenced him to change his concentration to biomaterials. His MQP, which focused on breast tissue microenvironment modeling, solidified his decision to work in cellular and microenvironmental modeling. 

Along the way, he found meaningful mentorship from faculty such as Professor Ambady and Professor Pins. He talks highly of their passion for teaching, openness to build professional connections with students, and even their basketball skills! He also reflects on the department, sharing how collaborative, cohesive, and student-friendly the WPI BME community remained even during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Like many students graduating during the pandemic, Bishoy faced a tough internship season. He stayed busy on campus, working small jobs in an on-campus biology lab and as a local barista. Then, when he least expected it, he received an email during his senior year with a job offer from Bristol Myers Squibb. Months earlier, he had submitted his resume to the MassBio career fair, an action he thought would only provide him with participation credit. Instead, that moment became the catalyst for his first full-time position. It is an experience he often credits for his encouragement of “put yourself out there.”

Current Work

Bishoy has now worked at Bristol Myers Squibb for three years, where he contributes to CAR T cell therapy manufacturing, a personalized therapy where a patient’s immune cells are engineered to target cancer within the body. He shared his knowledge on the topic, describing how the process begins with apheresis, blood extraction in a clinic, through the final manufacturing of the cell therapy product, noting how his role has evolved throughout the years. 

He initially worked in more hands-on operations but now focuses on more project-driven work, focusing on management, delegation, and overarching communication strategies. His WPI education, particularly the emphasis on aseptic technique and fast turnarounds, prepared him well for the rapid-paced, highly regulated environment of biomanufacturing. 

In conjunction with his industry work, Bishoy is pursuing a master’s degree in biotechnology at Northeastern University with the goal of transitioning into research and development further into his career. 

What are some major lessons you have learned from the workplace?

One of the steepest learning curves for new engineers, Bishoy notes, is adapting to GMP protocols and FDA-regulated environments. But, while technical skills can be taught, he emphasizes that an individual’s rigor and passion for the work are much harder to instill. He observes that in the workplace most problems arise from a lack of communication, not technical issues, citing the value of scientific communication between experts and non-experts. “There’s no such thing as working alone,” he says. Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses regarding communicating with others is crucial to success.

He also underscores the importance of strong mentorship and good management. Good mentors, he says, not only provide guidance but actively advocate for your work. Having someone who cares not only about your contributions, but also about you, is invaluable to a young engineer’s trajectory. 

What is your experience with how new technologies are affecting the industry?

“The big, big, one is automation”, Bishoy explains. He spoke about Bristol Myers’s push toward a fully automated end-to-end drug production, which would invoke AI-driven workflows and a stronger focus on personalized medicine. While such innovations might change the roles within the industry, his attitude remains optimistic, pointing to the expansion of robotics engineering departments and in-house AI systems. He emphasizes an engineer’s ability to stay adaptable as workflows modernize, saying the industry has a need for engineers who can blend scientific understanding with flexible problem-solving. 

Do you have any advice for current and graduating students?

For current students, Bishoy warns against pigeonholing yourself too early on. Engineering thrives on creativity and interdisciplinary problem-solving, which requires students to have experience in many topics. He encourages students to explore broadly during their junior or senior years, saying “yes” to opportunities, even if they are outside their comfort zone, and to engage more deeply with faculty expertise. He notes that variety builds confidence, which is something that cannot be taught from coursework alone. 

As for finding a job, he reiterates the value of exposure: attend career fairs, embrace connections, and be persistent. And, when doubt, “Don’t panic.” Biotech jobs are out there, and a student’s persistence is really what separates the passionate engineers from the rest. 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at WPI?

Bishoy was lucky enough to meet his fiancée at WPI, saying one of his most fond memories of their time on-campus was taking her graduation photos in 105°F heat, saved only by a large Dunkin’ ice water. He also remembers his experience in the rat lab, where students isolate a nerve, saying the class was eye-opening and an interesting experience that reminded him of his love for learning. Lastly, he mentioned one of the most profound experiences for many graduating WPI students: the feeling of turning in your final MQP report, describing the feeling of unparalleled accomplishment.

Closing Remarks

In closing, when asked about the differences between learning engineering and practicing engineering, Bishoy says it is less about formulas, more about instinct and creativity. He encourages students to embrace the chaos and enjoy their undergraduate years. “You will find a job,” he says, “it’s going to be okay.”