BioBuzz’s Buzzin’ Brood Student Spotlight series celebrates the upcoming generation of life sciences talent — and the programs, institutions, and organizations investing in them.
Name: Krish Shroff
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland
Institution: University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland)
Role: Life Sciences Intern, BioBuzz
Krish Shroff is a chemical engineering sophomore, a self-taught guitarist, and a Life Sciences Intern right here at BioBuzz who’s found that the best system for success is the one you build for yourself. We sat down with Krish to talk about his path to Maryland, what’s exciting him right now, and where he sees himself headed next.
Krish first got hooked on biotechnology as a high school student at a career academy, where student projects and lab work sparked his interest in the field as a career path. He started college as a Biochemistry major at UMBC, but after his freshman year decided chemical engineering was a better fit — a major that still left room to pursue a biotechnology track. This year, Krish transferred to the University of Maryland, drawn by its larger networking opportunities and stronger engineering program, where he’s now pursuing a B.S. in Chemical Engineering as part of the Class of 2029.
Outside the classroom, Krish is a member of AIChE, tutors students off campus, and spends his downtime on the tennis court or with his guitar — he’s even formed a small band with friends. This year, he’s brought that same curiosity to his work as a Life Sciences Intern at BioBuzz. We sat down with Krish to talk about his path to Maryland, what’s exciting him right now, and where he sees himself headed next.
How did you get here?
In high school, I was a biotechnology student at a career academy and grew interested in the field as a career path through student projects and labs. I initially started as a Biochemistry major at UMBC my freshman year, but decided to switch to chemical engineering feeling it better aligned with my interests and still gave me an option to pursue a biotechnology track. I transferred to UMD this year for larger networking opportunities and a strong engineering program.
What is currently blowing your mind right now?
Scientists at APL have been working on a process to harvest water, food, and electricity from air. The idea of being able to extract all of this from thin air is what blows my mind, and it shows how many different ways science can be applied to further humanity.
If you could explain yourself right now in only emojis…
📚 🎸 🎾
📚 — I spend a lot of time studying as a student. I hated it initially but grew to find a system that makes it more enjoyable for me. Knowing my time in school could set me up for a strong future career keeps me motivated.
🎸 — I have played guitar for about three years now, both self-taught and with lessons. Over time, it’s grown to be a major destressor for me, and I formed a small band with my friends. During the year, when I am busy with school, I still play whenever I have the chance and enjoy improving over time.
🎾 — I played a lot of tennis, especially in high school when I was on the tennis team. One summer, I played six hours a day during the week. Though my dreams of playing in college never came to be, I still enjoy playing any kind of racket sport for fun.
If you could travel into the future… what does your LinkedIn headline say?
Chemical Engineer at W.R. Grace
What is your favorite quote and why?
One of my favorite quotes is “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” — Isaac Newton. It reminds me that any further progress or accomplishments in a field comes from the work of countless other people over centuries.
