My Discipline: Biomedical Engineering

The Students

The students in the biomedical engineering department at the University of Arizona gain a full and comprehensive knowledge of biology, medicine and engineering. Students start with a fundamental platform of chemistry, advanced calculus, physics, and anatomy. After the first two years of basics, students proceed to choosing a desired track, bio-mechanics, bio-materials, and bio-sensors. In the bio-mechanics track, students learn how to build, create, and operate diagnostic equipment and gain an introduction to maintaining machines involved in medicine, such as MRI scanners and CT scanners. In the bio-materials track, students learn about the biological foundation for the field - cells and tissue. Students learn about utilizing medical technology to analyze cell or bacterial growth, and use mathematical models to model this growth. In the bio-sensors track, students learn primarily about micro-sensors and nanotechnology and how these tiny electronic devices can be used to see what is invisible to the naked eye.

The Field

The field of biomedical engineering is exceptionally diverse and the students in the discipline often pursue a wide variety of fields. Some professionals use cellular models for epidemiological applications and can use online programs to calculate biological threats for organizations such as the CDC. Others use diagnostic equipment to detect cellular irregularities, such as tumors, in order to diagnose cancer or other maladies. Some biomedical engineers use a background in robotics to construct prosthetic devices for amputees. And then there are engineers who develop modest pieces of equipment that are now taken for granted, such as crutches or stethoscopes.

The Passion 

To me, biomedical engineering is the integration of technology and biology, the blending of man and machine, the marriage of magic and medicine. What drew me to the field was a love for science and a desire to help others. Since my freshman year in high school, I have been interested in studying cancer - everything about the illness fascinates me and I have always followed news of cancer very avidly. I love the field of medical research because I believe in the power of science, technology and humanity to cure sickness and ultimately end human suffering.

The People

At the forefront of the field if one of University of Arizona's own Dr. Marvin Slepian, the co-founder of U of A based company, SynCardia. Dr. Slepian, a cardiologist and biomedical engineer, helped to create the Total Artificial Heart, which is the only approved device to operate as a synthetic heart for patients awaiting transplant. The mission was to lengthen the duration for which a patient could survive while awaiting a transplant - the device increased the general life expectancy of patients awaiting transplants from a few weeks to almost a year. SynCardia, the Tucson-based company is also a prominent company in the field of biomedical engineering, and continues to make great strides in the field of cardiology, particularly with the Total Artificial Heart - the next stride is to make the heart bio-degradable. 

The Literature

Nature Nanotechnology

Nature Biotechnology 

Nano Today