Finding Belonging, Building Purpose: How Nicolás Lindo Found His Place at CU Denver

For Nicolás Lindo, the journey to becoming a physician began long before he ever set foot in a U.S. classroom. Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, his earliest ambitions were rooted in a deep curiosity about the human body and a desire to help others heal.

“Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a surgeon,” Nicolás said. “I was fascinated by the human body and inspired by how medicine could restore life and movement.”

That dream followed him through profound loss. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicolás lost his father. Soon after, his mother passed away—just before he moved to the United States to receive his green card.

“Losing both of my parents at such a young age was incredibly difficult, but it also became my reason to keep pushing forward,” he shared.

Rediscovering Purpose Through Education

Nicolás arrived in the United States in 2022 and later made the decision to move to Denver, drawn by the opportunity for a fresh start and a clear path toward his goals.

After a year of adjusting to a new country and a new life, Nicolás knew it was time to return to school. He enrolled at the Community College of Denver, where his passion for science, engineering, and medicine quickly resurfaced. That rediscovery led him to CU Denver’s Biomedical engineering program, which immediately stood out.

“It was a perfect blend of everything I’ve always loved,” Lindo said. “I’m building the foundation that connects engineering with medicine.”

Education That Connects You to Your Dreams

Now a biomedical engineering major with a minor in biology in CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing, Nicolás is building the academic and technical foundation for a future in orthopedic surgery—a career that merges engineering innovation with compassionate patient care.

“My goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon, combining my engineering background with hands-on medical care to design better solutions for people who’ve lost mobility or function,” he said.

That goal became deeply personal after Nicolás suffered an arm injury that limited his own mobility. “That experience made me realize how much I want to help others regain theirs,” he shared.

Through CU Denver, Lindo is gaining hands-on research experience at the Al Borno Lab on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, where he works on 3D segmentation and biomechanical simulations of the mouse forelimb.

“This work has shown me how engineering can truly translate into real medical impact,” he said. “It’s only made me more determined to bridge both worlds — technology and healing.”

Finding Community and a Place to Belong

For Lindo, CU Denver represents more than academic opportunity. It is a place where students are supported, encouraged and empowered, regardless of where they begin.

“CU Denver was the natural choice for me — not only because it’s the only university in Colorado offering a biomedical engineering degree, but also because of its incredible sense of community and support,” Lindo said. “Being surrounded by people who believe in innovation, compassion and resilience motivates me every day to keep moving toward my dream.”

As Nicolás continues his journey, CU Denver remains the place where his ambitions are nurtured and his future is within reach. His story reflects the CU Denver College Of Engineering, Design, and Computing experience: an education that meets students where they are, connects them to meaningful opportunity and empowers them to turn perseverance into purpose.

For students seeking more than a degree, for those looking for community, direction and a pathway to their dreams, CU Denver is a place to belong, grow and build a future that makes an impact.