Bruin Engineering Ambassador Aspires to Make Medicine More Affordable and Accessible

Dec 17, 2024

UCLA Samueli Newsroom

When Julien Clairis-Gauthier opened his UCLA acceptance letter, he burst into tears. His dream school, the one that would help him pursue innovations in both health care and engineering, was finally within reach.“It was everything I had hoped for — a prestigious engineering program, a vibrant campus and a community of people who inspire me every day,” Clairis-Gauthier said.

Now a third-year bioengineering student at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, Clairis-Gauthier has channeled that dream into a mission: to create a more equitable health care system. Whether he’s in the lab, leading campus tours as a UCLA Engineering Ambassador or finding a creative outlet in the arts, he is driven by a passion for cross-disciplinary connection and innovation.

Clairis-Gauthier’s love for science began early. One of his earliest memories was getting a science kit for Christmas. “I’d beg my dad to help me set up experiments any chance I could,” he said. That enthusiasm continued to grow in high school, where he learned that science and math were not just about memorizing facts; they offer endless possibilities, knowledge and applications. During a summer program at the Bioscience Leadership Academy at the Translational Genomics Research Institute in his hometown of Phoenix, Clairis-Gauthier discovered biomedical engineering, a combination of biology, math and hands-on problem-solving that felt tailor-made for his interests.

But it was UCLA Samueli that gave Clairis-Gauthier the space to explore engineering and its many applications. In the first quarter of his freshman year, he took a hands-on Engineering 1 course on 3D printing pill capsules and polymerizing hydrogels within them. The class taught him and other students how to design research experiments, analyze data and present findings. It was this experience that led to a summer internship at Harvard’s Aizenberg Lab for Clairis-Gauthier. His project, developing a flexible microrobot inspired by millipedes, challenged him to design experiments independently and taught him how to approach problem-solving with creativity and confidence.

He’s particularly drawn to advancements in gene therapy and drug delivery, fields that hold enormous potential for addressing complex diseases. After graduation, he plans to work in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry where he can leverage his bioengineering training to help create health care solutions. But, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complex intersection between biotechnology and health care business, Clairis-Gauthier plans to pursue an MBA. He says he hopes to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and business strategy, making advanced medical treatments more affordable and accessible.

“I do this because I love UCLA Engineering so much — I couldn’t imagine keeping it to myself,” said Julien Clairis-Gauthier of his experience working as a UCLA Engineering Ambassador. “Being an ambassador gives me the chance to help students see themselves in STEM, just like someone once helped me.”

“What excites me most is the chance to create solutions that directly improve people’s lives,” Clairis-Gauthier said. “But it’s just as important to make those solutions accessible to everyone, especially underrepresented communities. It’s not just about breakthroughs — it’s about ensuring those breakthroughs reach the people who need them most.”

In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Clairis-Gauthier also finds time to explore his interests in music and dance. He played the piano as a kid and still turns to music when he needs to recharge. As a member of ACA All Day, a competitive dance team at UCLA, he uses dance as a creative outlet and a way to stay grounded.

“Having these passions outside of my career and academic goals has taught me the importance of balance,” he said. “Whether I’m tackling research, difficult exams, group projects, or pushing through challenges, that sense of joy and fulfillment I get from dance and music reminds me that success is about more than just the end goal; it’s about enjoying and growing throughout the journey.”

Clairis-Gauthier is involved in the Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity and the National Society of Black Engineers at UCLA, two organizations that he said have become foundational to his engineering journey. He also enjoys being an Engineering Ambassador, which offers him the chance to share his experiences with prospective students and promote the value of diversity and inclusion.

“I do this because I love UCLA Engineering so much — I couldn’t imagine keeping it to myself,” he said. “Being an ambassador gives me the chance to help students see themselves in STEM, just like someone once helped me.”

For aspiring researchers unsure about what fields to pursue, Clairis-Gauthier recommends embracing a journey of exploration, diving into multiple areas and taking note of those moments that ignite a “spark” — a thrill and hunger to learn more.

“When you experience that, it’s a sign you’re heading in the right direction,” he said. “This sense of insatiable curiosity will become the driving force behind your career. Keep pursuing that feeling, as it means you’re doing what you truly love.”

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