Biomedical Engineering Winter 2026 Update

Research highlights

Tay Netoff and Alex Opitz

$4M grant for first-of-its-kind study on bipolar disorder

The research team will conduct a first-in-the-world study of prefrontal cortical stimulation in severe bipolar disorder.

AI watch

FDA clearance for AI-powered essential tremor treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted 510(k) clearance for the first-of-its-kind Felix™ NeuroAI™ Wristband for tremor-related functional limitations in the upper limbs in adults with essential tremor.

engineered heart valve

Biologically engineered heart valves grow with the recipient

In a newly published pilot study, researchers showed that biologically engineered valved conduits grew with the recipient over a 52-week period.

cell fusion approach

A novel functionality for cell-based therapeutics

Researchers have demonstrated the potential of cell-cell fusion mediated by measles virus as a cell therapy modality.

Faculty and staff highlights

Jonathan Sachs

Jonathan Sachs named Biomedical Engineering department head

Sachs, who joined the University nearly 20 years ago, intends to continue to invest in innovations in research and teaching, while also focusing fresh energy on building community vibrance and departmental visibility.

Tay Netoff

Netoff named inaugural recipient of faculty impact fellowship

Professor Tay Netoff has been named the inaugural recipient of the Ronald L. and Janet A. Christenson Faculty Impact Fellowship. The distinguised three-year faculty fellowship is designed to help the College of Science and Engineering retain its best and brightest faculty and fuel high-impact discovery and scholarship.

Kyle Kunzmann

New graduate program coordinator named

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is excited to welcome Kyle Kunzmann as Graduate Program Coordinator.

Student highlight

Student panel event

Students lead career and industry events

BME student groups have hosted impactful events, including an alumni Q&A and industry tour with Boston Scientific, a graduate student panel, and women’s health documentary screening with expert discussion.