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.

Jain awarded NSF CAREER Award for vein-on-chip research

Dr. Abhishek Jain is taking the study of veins out of the body and onto a chip to develop better ways to address and treat various diseases. His work recently received support from a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.

Computational simulation showing colorful strands representing different part of T-cell, cell interaction.

New discoveries made in how immune system detects hidden intruders

Research led by Dr. Wonmuk Hwang has led to better understanding on how components of the body’s immune system find intruding or damaged cells, which could lead to novel approaches to viral and cancer treatments.

Illustration of neurons in the brain interacting

Researcher tests infrared light, neuron interaction with Air Force grant

The interaction between neurons and infrared light could open doors in expanding disease treatment options and improving medical devices. Researchers still aren't sure how infrared light plays a role. With the help from a U.S. Air Force grant, Dr. Alex Walsh looks for answers.

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.