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.

Research Areas

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

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.

Research News

Female student looks at microscope display of cell

Gut research innovations could help veterans through regenerative medicine

Dr. Shreya Raghavan is developing new ways to use regenerative medicine to understand and more effectively treat gastrointestinal diseases, such as Gulf War Illness, a multi-symptom illness that impacts an estimated 25% to 35% of veterans from the Gulf War.

Two students discuss cell photo in lab

Taking inspiration from nature for late-stage cancer care

Dr. Isaac Adjei and his lab focus much of their research on treating late-stage cancer patients. To improve the efficacy of immunotherapies, the team uses nanoparticles to try and change the environment inside a tumor to give the immune cells the upper hand.

Student holding beaker of liquid in lab

Gaharwar lab is lighting hydrogels via nanomaterials

Dr. Akhilesh Gaharwar and his graduate student Patrick Lee are developing a new class of hydrogels that can leverage light in a multitude of ways, including drug delivery and regenerative medicine treatments.

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Programmatic Initiatives

Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations logo

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 logo

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.