Class of 2026: Morgan Heberley finds purpose through patient care and community
Name: Morgan Heberley
College: College of Engineering
Major: Biomedical Engineering, translational cancer engineering track
Plans after graduation: Working for Johnson & Johnson as an associate clinical account specialist supporting heart arrhythmia procedures in operating rooms in northern New Jersey
Favorite Hokie memory: Football games and the Metallica concert at Lane Stadium
Morgan Heberley came to Virginia Tech unsure if engineering was the right path for her. Drawn to healthcare, math, and working with people, she found biomedical engineering to be the perfect fit.
After earning her bachelor’s degree last year and completing her master’s degree this spring, Heberley leaves Virginia Tech with a new definition of success, a career centered on helping patients, and a stronger sense of confidence in herself.
Finding a passion for patient care
Heberley originally imagined biomedical engineering as behind-the-scenes laboratory work focused on developing technology to help people. Her perspective shifted as she discovered opportunities to work directly with patients and physicians.
“Once I realized I could directly interact with patients, that became what I wanted to pursue,” she said. “The most rewarding thing about my major is having a direct impact on patients and their families.”
Heberley’s senior design project strengthened her passion for medical technology. She worked with a team of her peers to develop an ablation probe for treating head and neck tumors. After navigating teamwork, manufacturing challenges, and problem-solving for nearly a year, her team earned an award for their work.
“It felt like the first time I was really involved in something impactful,” she said.
Building a community that lasts a lifetime
While academics brought Heberley to Virginia Tech, the sense of community became one of the defining parts of her college experience.
Heberley credits much of that experience to the friendships, professors, and mentors she found along the way, particularly biomedical engineering professor Ashley Taylor.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone more passionate about what they do,” Heberley said. “She really makes you understand the meaningful impact biomedical engineers can have.”
Outside the classroom, Heberley built community through her work with Housing Services, volunteering at a local animal shelter, and embracing Hokie traditions like football games.
“I remember my first football game and thinking, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’” she said. “I think of Virginia Tech as a warm place with people that I love. I’ve met people here who will be in my life forever.”
Growing beyond her comfort zone
Coming to Virginia Tech from Haddonfield, New Jersey, Heberley said leaving home initially felt intimidating.
“This place pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I was very shy and kind of a homebody. Going to school far away from home was very intimidating for me. After doing it, I have this new interest to go out, meet people, and try new things in new places, because that worked so well here for me.”
From studying abroad in Italy and Germany to backpacking across Europe last summer, Heberley said Virginia Tech helped transform her into someone eager to explore the world.
Looking ahead, success means something different to Heberley than it did as a first-year student.
“I used to think success meant a good job and salary,” she said. “Now, success is being surrounded by people I love, doing something I’m passionate about that helps people, and finding balance.”
