Research is at the center of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME). Our mission is to improve health care by making scientific discoveries, solving problems, and advancing technology using quantitative methods. Our faculty, secondary faculty, adjunct faculty, and emeritus faculty have a productive and diverse research focus covering a wide range of topics.

Some examples of research conducted by the department include:

Biomedical Engineering

Research in the BME Functional Imaging Program focuses on development of improved techniques for investigating brain function. Research projects range from technical MRI development to study of visual systems in the brain and functional investigations of the mechanisms by which the brain recovers function after stroke.

Biomedical Implants and Devices

• Biomaterials research spans the breadth of projects from materials and implantable device development/characterization to the host response to such implantable devices.
• Implant Biomechanics is focused on minimizing the loosening of joint replacements and implants caused by mechanical wear, interfacial debonding, and mechanical interaction between the implant and the surrounding host material.
• Biomaterial-enhanced Tissue Regeneration research applies advanced biomaterials approaches to promote healing and regeneration in pressure ulcers, burns, blood vessels, nerves, bone, cartilage, and vascular anastomosis.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Each beat of the heart is triggered by an electrical impulse that propagates through the heart muscle in a well-ordered sequence. Cardiac electrophysiology is the study of this process and the ways in which it can go wrong.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine is an interdisciplinary research and development program focusing on development of tissue constructs, regenerative matrices, and novel technologies and therapies to replace or repair both soft and mineralized tissues.