Rales Fellows Program Empowers Alum to Tackle Mobility Challenges and Support Caregivers

When Eric Zhao joined the inaugural cohort of Carnegie Mellon University's Rales Fellows Program(opens in new window) — designed to expand access to graduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education — he stepped into a future filled with both uncertainty and promise. As a first-generation graduate student with no prior internship experience, Zhao faced the daunting challenge of transitioning from academia to industry after graduation.

Today, he’s thriving at a robotics startup in San Jose, developing assistive technologies for elder care. His journey is a testament to the power of community support, mentorship and purpose-driven work, all hallmarks of the Rales Fellows Program.

Tools for the real world

Transitioning from graduate school into the workforce can be overwhelming, especially without prior industry experience. Zhao faced this challenge head-on with the support of the Rales Fellows Program, which offers practical guidance every step of the way.

“The Rales staff really go out of their way to support students, whether you're searching for opportunities or preparing to step into them. For me, that meant help with finding roles that aligned with my goals, prepping for interviews and even learning how to negotiate job offers. As someone entering the workforce for the first time, that guidance was invaluable,” he said.

But the support didn’t stop there. Rales Fellows are just as generous, sharing insights from their own industry backgrounds and helping each other expand their professional networks, he said. Zhao, who had connections in the biotech industry, was able to introduce some of his peers to opportunities in that space.

“With the Rales Fellows, it’s been a mutual exchange. Everyone is willing to help each other out, and that makes a big difference,” he said. “The program overall is just extremely helpful, and everyone is very cooperative and supportive.”

Engineering with empathy

In San Jose, Zhao is helping to develop robotic solutions that improve safety for people with limited mobility and reduce the physical strain on their caregivers.

“When we first met, the founder spoke at length with me about the challenges of providing constant care for his elderly father after a hospitalization, particularly the physical demands and the lack of any real break,” Zhao said. “I was genuinely excited to learn he shared my passion for easing the burden on caregivers. I really wanted to work in a place where the work truly matters.”

Zhao opened up about his own family’s experience. His grandmother, who struggles with mobility issues, lives alone and has had incidents where she’s fallen and couldn’t get up on her own.

“Those moments are terrifying, especially when it’s someone you care about,” he said. “You feel helpless knowing there’s always a risk something could happen when you’re not there.”

He believes the most meaningful applications of robotics and artificial intelligence are those that support people at a disadvantage. 

“That’s where technology can truly make a difference,” he said. “And that’s why the work we’re doing now is something I’m deeply passionate about.”

Finding confidence in community

Even after landing the job, Zhao wrestled with imposter syndrome — a quiet but persistent voice questioning whether he truly belonged. Surrounded by teammates with impressive credentials and years of experience, he worried he might be in over his head.

“When I joined the startup, I looked at my teammates’ backgrounds and felt underqualified,” he said. “But the Rales Program did a great job of teaching us how to manage those thoughts. It didn’t erase them, but it gave me tools to stay motivated and focused on my work, and it built my confidence.”

Through workshops and candid conversations with industry leaders, the Rales Fellows Program emphasized the power of self-belief, especially for students from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds.

“One of our biggest takeaways was learning to trust in your ability to reach your goals,” Zhao said. “Imposter syndrome emerged as a major theme throughout the program, and that really resonated with me. Coming from a less privileged background, I’ve often questioned whether I belong in spaces like this. Hearing others share similar experiences helped me realize those doubts are common and that I’m not alone in feeling them.”

Staying connected

Though Zhao has moved on from Pittsburgh, he said the connection the Rales Fellows share remains strong. Whether they're celebrating each other’s career milestones or collaborating to solve technical challenges, the spirit of teamwork they fostered in the classroom continues to thrive in their professional lives.

“Whenever someone posts a career update on LinkedIn, you’ll see a bunch of fellows commenting, congratulating them,” Zhao said. “It’s really heartwarming. We’re still doing our best to support each other.”

Zhao has also seen the ripple effects of the program in unexpected ways.

“One fellow in the new cohort is actually my former roommate. Another went to my high school. It’s a small world, and connections like these make the cohort feel even more special,” he said.

Looking ahead, Zhao said he hopes to give back to the program in more formal ways, maybe through mentorship, financial support or by staying engaged with future cohorts.

“We were the first cohort, and we were handpicked. People believed in us. I want to pay that back, however I can,” he said.