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A design room complete with team tables and chairs. Large windows let in natural light
The renovated design studio. | Image: Texas A&M Engineering

The Biomedical Engineering Design Studio, located on the first floor of the Emerging Technologies Building, has provided a space tailored to the specific needs for teaching medical device design. Having hands-on experience with all aspects of the device life cycle is crucial. This studio allows students to immerse themselves in the design process and have tools and equipment that are not readily available other places on campus.

The first stage of renovation was an extensive overhaul comprised of tearing down a wall between two rooms and reconfiguring the space. Stage two of the renovation took place several months later and involved furnishing and adding electrical drop-downs. The space now includes 20 workstations for student teams, each of which accommodates five students and rolling storage for device prototypes.

A room under renovation including a ladder and some drop sheets covering carpet.
Renovation in progress. The wall between the two classrooms was torn down to create the foundation of the new studio. | Image: Texas A&M Engineering

Thanks to former student and industry donations, the space now houses a large 3D printer and virtual anatomy table, which allows students to interact with virtual cadavers and disease models and even provides the opportunity for CAD drawing “implantations”.

Future projects include advanced AV installation and expansion of both a prototyping wall and a historical medical device library.

Remembering Jim Machek

James “Jim” Machek passed away on Sept. 10, 2021. During his three years as a professor of practice in the department, his teaching efforts focused on the design course sequence. He was instrumental in advocating for and conceptualizing the design studio. After his passing, the department and students focused on finding a way to memorialize him via this space. Through former student contributions, $17,628 was raised in Machek’s name in 2021. Donations are still being accepted through the Texas A&M Foundation.