BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AT STEVENSON UNIVERSITY
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEDICAL DEVICE DESIGNERS
BY NICK BARCZAK
During the last week of September 2023 , the students and faculty of Stevenson University ’ s Biomedical Engineering ( BME ) program took a break from the regular rhythm of academic life . Instead of focusing on coursework or spending time in the lab , they took on a new project : building bikes . Alongside volunteer engineers from the Image Center of Maryland ’ s Volunteers for Medical Engineering program , Stevenson students and faculty hand-built unique bicycles designed to meet the individual needs of 25 Maryland children with disabilities . More than just an opportunity to learn by doing and serve the community , the event exemplified the approach of Stevenson ’ s Biomedical Engineering program : combining knowledge , technical skills , critical thinking , and creativity with hands-on learning can help improve peoples ’ lives .
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION FOR A BROAD DISCIPLINE
Since 2019 , Stevenson has been educating the next generation of biomedical engineers . Combining math , science , and engineering , biomedical engineers solve problems in healthcare with the goal of enhancing peoples ’ quality of life . In the workforce , this translates into a variety of career paths . Professional biomedical engineers develop new medical devices , engage in research , create new diagnostic tests , design computer systems and software , and work in a variety of other healthcare-related applications . To expose students to the many opportunities in the field , Stevenson ’ s program takes a multidisciplinary approach . “ Biomedical Engineers have many roles , including design , manufacturing , technical sales , or even marketing ,” said Neil Rothman , Biomedical Engineering Professor . “ Our graduates are well-prepared to pursue these careers , or enter a professional program , such as medicine , law , or physical therapy , or go on to a graduate program in engineering or a related field .” Like all Stevenson programs , Biomedical Engineering ’ s small class sizes allow students and faculty to develop strong working relationships . Students work closely with faculty to complete projects and build real , functioning devices . These have included wearable devices that monitor stress , activity , and sleep to a muscle-activated gripper , a sip-puff controlled laser pointer , and a punching exercise device for stroke rehabilitation . Through these projects , students
14 | VENTURES / SUMMER-FALL 2024