Most families have traditions that tie them together in some way. For the Soehnlen family from North Canton, three siblings have stated their own Rocket tradition: majoring in bioengineering at The University of Toledo.
Older sister Sophia was first when she joined UToledo’s bioengineering B.S. to M.S. program in 2018. Knowing that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine, Sophia decided that a pre-med degree in bioengineering was her best path forward.
From left, siblings Dominick, Sophia and Cecilia Soehnlen, from North Canton, who have found success as UToledo students and a career path through the College of Engineering’s bioengineering B.S. to M.S. program.
“Medicine is inseparably linked to technological progress,” she said. “Physicians need to be adept with emerging technologies integral to patient care. When physicians can articulate clinical demands and collaborate seamlessly with engineers, that creates a bridge to groundbreaking medical advancements and enhanced patient quality of life.”
The focused education she received in the bioengineering B.S. to M.S. program taught her to approach challenges systematically and from multiple perspectives to devise effective solutions.
“The ability to think critically has been essential in navigating the intricate relationship between engineering concepts and medical applications, laying the groundwork for my pursuit of innovative solutions in healthcare.”
Sophia graduated from UToledo with her bachelor of science in bioengineering in 2022 and her master of science in bioengineering in 2023 and is currently attending medical school at the Ohio State University.
In addition to laying a strong groundwork for medical school, the College of Engineering’s integrated co-op program, one of eight in the nation, also allowed Sophia to work in the field of medicine alongside surgeons at The University of Toledo Medical Center for three full semesters.
“My academic journey at The University of Toledo was highlighted by my co-op participation in Clinical Immersion Experience, which allowed me to dive deeper into the dynamic interplay between engineering and medicine,” she said. “Through this opportunity, I worked alongside an orthopedic surgeon to identify unmet clinical needs and further pursue innovative solutions in our Senior Design course. This collaborative effort led to the research I conducted throughout my master’s degree and the patent of a novel orthopedic surgical device aimed at reducing surgical complications.
“Such accomplishments underscore The University of Toledo’s commitment to fostering innovation among students, while supporting them in their journey to transform their passions into groundbreaking achievements. The education I received was not just about absorbing information; it was an invitation to inquire, explore and seek solutions.”
Younger brother, Dominick, was next in line to join as a Rocket engineer in fall 2022. He is now a senior with a pre-med concentration.
“Family is a very large part of my life, so having the opportunity to attend college with my siblings has been extremely rewarding,” he said. “Sophia has been a big inspiration for me in my journey through college. Watching her achieve the goals she has set pushes me to keep expanding my aspirations. During my first year, she helped immerse me in the world of medicine by bringing me along with her to a research symposium at The University of Toledo. She encouraged me to explore different areas of medicine and explained how it ties back to my own interests in engineering, which has really directed my academic career.”
In addition to the challenging curriculum, Dominick also is taking advantage of the many leadership opportunities at UToledo.
“As a bioengineering and pre-med student at The University of Toledo, I am challenged by the rigorous academic programs, but I also really enjoy immersing myself in the vibrant and diverse campus community and the numerous student organizations,” he said. “Sophia introduced me to the Engineering Leadership Institute, a student-run organization that focuses on personal and professional growth opportunities that provide students with the skillset to be empowering leaders.”
Not one to be left behind, their younger sister, Cecilia, joined UToledo as a bioengineering student last fall.
While Cecilia shared that her decision to attend The University of Toledo and major in bioengineering was significantly influenced by the experiences of her older siblings, she also found support in the University community.
“The many resources offered at The University of Toledo to cater my educational experience to my own interests have been invaluable in helping me navigate my future,” she said. “Having access to tutors, writing help and academic advising was a crucial part of the success in my first semester. And having my siblings as mentors really gave me the confidence that I would be able to achieve my own goals.
“One of my favorite aspects of the College of Engineering is the close-knit community that allows you to get to know your professors, most of which also know my older siblings very well,” Cecelia added. “This has truly helped my learning experience and made me feel comfortable going to them with questions to get the most out of each class.”
Cecelia said she also hopes to attend medical school so that she can connect her engineering knowledge with the medical world.
“Sharing this common goal with Dominick and Sophia has not only strengthened our bond but also provided me with a secure support system I can rely on whenever I feel overwhelmed,” she said.
Dominick said that being at UToledo with his younger sister has allowed him to help Cecelia make the transition from high school and succeed as a student, just as Sophia did for him. He also plans to continue to follow her path into medical school.
The success of Sophia, Dominick and Cecelia at UToledo is a reflection of their hard work and the quality of their education at the College of Engineering, said the Soehnlens’ parents, Christina and Mark.
“We are very blessed to have children who work hard and study,” they said. “Each time we visit the College of Engineering, we are amazed at the intelligence of the professors and humbled by their desire to share their knowledge and help our children succeed in their studies. Another wonderful aspect wehave noticed is the friendships and mentorships each of the children have had in their classes. Each one of them have met wonderful peers and older students that have become fast friends, and, in the process, help guide each other in their studies.”
And for Sophia, watching the success of her younger siblings as part of their new family tradition has been reward in itself.
“It is truly special to watch them discover their own opportunities at The University of Toledo, crafting unique experiences to achieve their goals,” she said. “I will be looking forward to the day we will get to work alongside each other to advance the integration of engineering in medicine.”
