When I arrived at ACRO Biomedical in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, I was a 19-year-old rising sophomore at Olin College of Engineering with a long-standing interest in biomedical engineering, particularly the use of biomaterials as replacements for human tissues and organs. Earlier that year, I had attended a Taiwanese biomedical meetup in Massachusetts with Dr. Hou, where I met Dr. Dar-Jen Hsieh, the Chairman of ACRO Biomedical. After learning that ACRO’s work aligned directly with my passion for tissue and organ engineering, I was honored to be welcomed for a summer internship from May to July 2026. I was eager not only to gain hands-on biomedical laboratory experience, but also to immerse myself in Taiwanese culture and learn from experts in the field.
From my first day, even as the youngest person in the company, I felt supported and welcomed. My mentors guided me through ACRO’s research, beginning with an introduction to the science behind their technology. I learned about ACRO’s unique way of decellularization using supercritical CO₂ (SCCO₂). Dr. Srinivasan Periasamy, my research and development mentor, supported me throughout the learning process and ensured I had answers to every question.
During my internship, I had the privilege of attending Medical Taiwan in Taipei, where I gained insight into cutting-edge biomedical innovations. This experience broadened my understanding of the global biomedical community and highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Back at ACRO, I benefited from Olin College’s hands-on engineering philosophy, which prepared me well for laboratory work led by Dr. Joey. Under his guidance, I participated in various SCCO₂ decellularization procedures, including: Porcine artery, liver, and kidney, rabbit kidney and heart, and bamboo shoot. I also observed the production of several ACRO Biomedical products, including the wound-care collagen matrix, ABColla Scar Spray, and iMist Collagen Spray. Seeing the full process, from decellularization to product development, gave me a deeper appreciation for how research translates into meaningful medical solutions.
My time at ACRO Biomedical was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over the course of two months, I learned more than I ever could have from classroom instruction. I gained technical knowledge, cultural understanding, and valuable life lessons about collaboration and mentorship. The relationships I formed with my coworkers remain incredibly meaningful to me. This internship affirmed my passion for biomedical engineering and strengthened my commitment to pursuing this field throughout college and beyond. I am endlessly grateful to ACRO Biomedical for their mentorship, generosity, and belief in young engineers.
I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any student interested in tissue engineering or the intersection of medicine, technology, innovation, and global collaboration. ACRO is filled with brilliant, supportive individuals who are eager to teach and share their expertise. It was an extraordinary internship, and I am deeply thankful to have been a part of it.
