Harsev Singh, who earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) degree in 2025 from Mount Sinai’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, says he was encouraged to explore his interests and ask big questions.
In the following Q&A, Mr. Singh reveals how an array of opportunities—and his curiosity—were fundamental in helping him shape the next steps in his career.
What is your academic background?
I graduated from Colgate University in 2023, where I majored in Physical Science and minored in Global Public and Environmental Health. During the summer of 2022 and senior year, I began conducting research in different labs, as well as for my senior thesis. Once completing my senior thesis, I realized I wanted to continue doing research, as well as pursue more clinical experiences. That’s when I found out about the graduate programs at Mount Sinai, where I would be able to get more hands-on research experience, as well as take some interesting classes and explore some clinical work, too.
What first attracted you to this field?
I was drawn to this field through my exposure to research that connected scientific inquiry with real-world health challenges. During college, I had the privilege to work on projects that combined elements of public health, clinical data, and biological research, which helped me understand and appreciate how research can uncover insights that directly impact patient care. I found it particularly rewarding to work with teams, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to work that had both scientific and human significance. These experiences inspired my interest in pursuing a path that would allow me to engage in research while working toward a career in medicine.
Who were your mentors, and what are some of your research highlights?
I had the privilege of working under James Iatridis, PhD, in his Spine Bioengineering Lab, who fully supported my transition into translational research, along with lab members Alon Lai, PhD, and Denise Iliff, MSBS. One highlight was investigating the mechanisms of nerve ingrowth and inflammation in chronic low back pain, where I elucidated the role of guidance cue proteins, such as Netrin-1, in intervertebral disc degeneration in an in vivo rat model. My interest in musculoskeletal research only grew from these experiences and the mentorship I received, which helped me further develop my critical thinking skills and maintain a clinical viewpoint on everything we investigated.
Why Mount Sinai—what, specifically, are the strong points of the program?
I was trying to find a place that combined strong academics and strong research, and Mount Sinai checked off those boxes. The variety of research and classes you could engage in was profound and inspiring. But what really stood out to me was the sense of community and commitment to service. I had grown to realize that the faculty and staff were genuinely invested in my growth, both professionally and personally.
Mount Sinai fosters an environment where you are encouraged to explore your interests, ask big questions, and contribute to something larger than yourself, all while being surrounded by people who want you to succeed. Having groups, such as the MSBS mentorship program, allowed for peer-to-peer support. On the service side, being able to engage with the surrounding community through different programs was truly meaningful. I was able to connect with, learn from, and contribute to a community in an impactful way. The way that Mount Sinai integrates research, academics, community, and service is, in my eyes, what makes this program exceptional.
Also, how did you excel at Mount Sinai?
I think what really helped me thrive was being curious and getting involved with experiences beyond the classroom. I engaged in great research opportunities, which allowed me to develop new skills and combine them with critical thinking regarding real-world problems. However, I was also able to get involved with leadership roles and service programs, such as being one of the MSBS mentorship directors, which kept me connected to the community and allowed me to grow personally. Having a supportive group of peers and mentors who shared similar passions and goals created an environment where I felt motivated to keep pushing forward, even when things got hard. That sense of community, shared purpose, and curiosity is what led to my success while at Mount Sinai.
What’s Next?
I will continue in the Iatridis Lab for a bit longer to answer a few more questions about my project. Then, I will be applying to medical school. I am very excited to take the next step toward becoming a physician—to build on everything I have learned, both in and out of the lab, and to continue to grow in an environment focused on academic curiosity, clinical learning, service, and community.