Research Overview

Two students, one female and one male, look at vial full of material. They are in a lab space.

Biomedical Engineering Research

Research in the Department of Biomedical Engineering is focused on four primary areas: Imaging technologies, Medical devices, Regenerative medicine and Sensing and monitoring systems. Toward impacting health outcomes, a hallmark of our research is the focus on translation to the clinic and entrepreneurship.

Female researcher looking at illuminated arm experiment

Imaging Technologies

Research efforts are largely based in optical microscopy, spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging for the purposes of improving the diagnosis of cancer and infectious diseases.

Photo of a small spring looking device with an expandable polymer base.

Medical Devices

With a strong translational focus and extensive ties to industry, research topics include on-chip systems, devices to support heart healing, interventional stroke and aneurysm treatment, and pediatric devices.

Regenerative Medicine

Research advances in biomaterials and biomanufacturing include "smart" materials, biomimetic nanomaterials, 3D printing strategies, cell manufacturing, and wound hemostasis.

Research places a microchip onto wearable medical device.

Sensing & Monitoring Systems

Supported by the Center for Remote Health Technologies, research efforts are focused on sensors and point-of-care devices for on-demand detection of biomarkers for chronic disease.

A microscopic view of a lymph organ-on-a-chip. The image shows a cylindrical shape made from small red and blue dots with green tendrils all around it.

Introducing organs-on-chips to the lymph system

Dr. Abhishek Jain is using his expertise in organs-on-chips to develop a new way to model conditions that impact the lymph system. This research is in collaboration with the Texas A&M University College of Medicine.

A female professor demonstrates how to connect a small clear box with a cable for a group of students.

Supporting the cells that build tissue

Dr. Feng Zhao specializes in tissue vascularization (where a capillary network capable of delivering nutrients to the cells is formed within the tissue). One of her newest projects could help reduce lymph damage after surgeries for diseases like cancer.

Engineering faculty named National Academy of Inventors Senior Members

The National Academy of Inventors has named Drs. Melissa Grunlan, Andreas Polycarpou and Taylor Ware to its 2022 class of NAI Senior Members for demonstrating remarkable innovation-producing technologies that have brought real impact to the welfare of society.

View All News

Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations

Funded by an NSF Engineering Research Center grant, PATHS-UP is working to develop revolutionary and cost-effective technologies and systems at the point-of-care.

Southwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium

The SWPDC is a virtual accelerator that supports pediatric device innovators throughout the pediatric device life cycle and is supported by a grant from the FDA.

Other Resources

The Department of Biomedical Engineering regularly collaborates with members of the below groups of both on-campus and external partners.