Graduate Students

AI in synthetic biology? One PhD student says 'the opportunities are endless'

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:22:51 +0000

AI in synthetic biology? One PhD student says 'the opportunities are endless' Alexander Jame… Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:22

Alexander Servantez

Carolus Vitalis grew up in a small town in Chile—a town so small it doesn’t appear on any maps.

Now he’s at the forefront of a large, impactful discussion: the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the field of synthetic biology.

Vitalis performing lab work in the Genetic Logic Lab under Professor Chris Myers at CU �鶹ӰԺ. (Photo by Juan Hanel)

Vitalis, a PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at CU �鶹ӰԺ and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow who has co-authored several book chapters in synthetic biology, was one of the headliners at this year’s TEDxCU event on April 5. The annual speaker series brings the local community together to engage in conversations exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues.

This year’s event had a theme: “anomaly”. Nine speakers from all across the �鶹ӰԺ area took the stage to redefine what it means to be normal. Whether it’s a local Olympic duo sharing their unorthodox training methods, or a CU �鶹ӰԺ student discussing her rare neurocognitive condition, these thought-provoking talks challenged the community to think beyond convention and see their differences as strengths.

For Vitalis, the word “anomaly” is special. It represents a personal journey that takes him back home to his family.

Vitalis fell in love with science when he was just a little boy. But after his father died following a battle with cancer, he quickly realized that biology and engineering isn’t just a fascination. It was his purpose.

“My father wasn’t able to see me graduate from high school. He died right before I started college,” said Vitalis. “I always had a passion for science and synthetic biology, but when he passed everything shifted. At that moment, my curiosity turned into my purpose. I became determined to find out why my family’s genes were not functioning properly and how I could fix it.”

These early passions led Vitalis to the University of Chile, where he graduated with a professional degree in molecular biotechnology engineering. He says this early schooling helped create a strong foundation of knowledge, and fostered problem solving skills crucial to his vision.

Vitalis, a curious and experienced synthetic biologist, examining lab materials in the laboratory. (Photo by Juan Hanel)

Today, Vitalis designs novel DNA sequences under Professor Chris Myers in the Genetic Logic Lab using AI—a burgeoning tool taking the world by storm. It’s a unique intersection of biology and technology that he believes is more than necessary.

“Everything happening within a cell is so complex for a human to understand on their own,” Vitalis said. “If we ever want to develop more precise tools to address challenges in climate, health, agriculture and beyond, we will need the help of a computer to run these simulations and apply the right resources.”

It goes back to the term “anomaly,” the TEDxCU event’s central focus. For years, synthetic biologists have seen cell complexity and variation as an obstacle, limiting their ability to innovate new solutions.

Vitalis is urging the next crop of genetic engineers to embrace these biological anomalies with a team of man and machine that he believes can be revolutionary.

“The opportunities are endless,” said Vitalis. “Maybe one day we can engineer therapeutic bacteria that act as biosensors—detecting disease markers, processing that information and releasing treatment only at the site where it is needed. Or maybe we can modify plants that are tolerant to saline conditions or drought.

“Our field is about modifying biology, so we can potentially impact everywhere biology is involved.”

Vitalis understands the discussion surrounding this new-age collaboration isn’t as simple as it seems. There are some ethical questions and concerns that may arise that he would like to address, as well.

“A lot of people are going to hesitate and wonder if we are ‘playing god’ or messing with higher powers,” Vitalis said. "I want to remind people that humans have been modifying nature for thousands of years by selecting traits in crops and livestock that meet our needs. What is different now is that we can do it with much greater precision, speed and safety, guided by scientific knowledge. There are also strict protocols in place to ensure that these technologies are developed responsibly."

It’s not just about scientific advancements and ethical debates. Most importantly, Vitalis wants to inspire a new era of innovators to challenge the standards and look beyond their upbringing—just like he did on his way to �鶹ӰԺ.

“I hope that my work and my story can inspire people to work together and dream big,” said Vitalis.

Carolus Vitalis, a PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at CU �鶹ӰԺ and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow who has co-authored several book chapters in synthetic biology, was one of the headliners at this year’s TEDxCU event on April 5. His talk discussed the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the field of synthetic biology.

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Carolus Vitalis, a PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at CU �鶹ӰԺ and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow who has co-authored several book chapters in synthetic biology, during his TEDxCU talk on April 5. (Photo by Juan Hanel)

Student Spotlight: Sam Lowe

Mallory Phillips — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:01:01 +0000

Student Spotlight: Sam Lowe Mallory Phillips Mon, 03/17/2025 - 08:01

What brought you to the �鶹ӰԺ and attracted you to the BME program?

I chose CU �鶹ӰԺ for its innovative, interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering program that bridges engineering and medicine. The hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and strong collaborative environment drew me in, offering the perfect place to explore my passion for biomedical solutions.

Tell us about your research. What is it that you study?

I am studying the intricate neural mechanisms that regulate bladder function, focusing on the interactions between neurons and glial cells in the major pelvic ganglia (MPG)—a key autonomic control center for the bladder. Current research models often exclude the MPG, limiting our understanding of how these cellular interactions influence micturition (the process of urination).  

To address this gap, my work involves developing a novel MPG-bladder preparation in which neurons and glial cells can be optogenetically activated (stimulated using light). By simultaneously recording bladder contractions, this approach will allow us to explore how different cell types contribute to bladder physiology and dysfunctions, particularly lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and neurogenic bladder disorders.  

This research has exciting translational potential—it can help uncover new therapeutic targets and enable rapid screening of drugs for treating bladder dysfunction in preclinical models. Ultimately, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the nervous system’s role in bladder control and opens new avenues for treating bladder-related disorders.

How did you first get involved in your research and what drew you to it?

I got involved in this research after speaking with my professor about gaining lab and research experience to prepare for a PhD. I was eager to work on a project that combined neuroscience and physiology, and this lab offered the perfect opportunity to explore those interests. 

What advice would you share with a student interested in studying biomedical engineering or your specific field?

Stay curious and embrace interdisciplinary learning—biomedical engineering thrives at the intersection of biology, physics, and engineering. Seek out hands-on experiences, connect with mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The best innovations come from those who are willing to explore beyond the textbook. Biomedical engineering is an exciting and expansive field, offering opportunities in everything from medical devices to tissue engineering to computational modeling. While the diversity of the field is inspiring, it can also be overwhelming—so take time to explore different areas, but ultimately hone in on what excites you most. Finding your passion will help you stay motivated, focus your learning, and make a meaningful impact.

As a PhD/Master student, what role has mentoring played in your work? 

Mentoring has been invaluable in my academic journey, both as a mentee and mentor. Learning from experienced researchers has shaped my perspective, while guiding others has strengthened my own understanding and leadership skills.

How would you like your work to help society?

I hope my work contributes to advancing biomedical solutions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Whether through research, innovation, or collaboration, I aim to help bridge the gap between engineering and medicine to create meaningful, real-world impact.

What do you love best about attending CU �鶹ӰԺ?

The collaborative spirit, access to cutting-edge research, and the inspiring faculty and peers make CU �鶹ӰԺ an incredible place to grow as a researcher. Plus, the beautiful surroundings and student community make the experience even more rewarding!

Student spotlight of Samantha Lowe, March 2025.

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Student Spotlight: Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson

Mallory Phillips — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:40:54 +0000

Student Spotlight: Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson Mallory Phillips Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:40

What brought you to the �鶹ӰԺ and attracted you to the BME?

The classes I was able to take in biomedical engineering during my undergraduate studies really excited me, and it felt like whether it was studying medical devices or biomechanics the work that was being done in this field was on the cutting edge of science which I absolutely loved. It also felt that the work done in this field would be at the forefront of improving quality of life for people of all ages for years to come, and I knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree to deepen my understanding and skillset in the types of projects that biomedical engineers get to do. As I was looking at different graduate schools, CU really stuck out to me. There was work being done here in all spheres of biomedical research, from immunoengineering to human movement and as somebody who did not have an incredibly specific idea for what research I wanted to do for my thesis the breadth of options was incredibly attractive to me. I also had several friends who had done their undergraduate studies here at CU and they absolutely loved it, with no shortage of incredible stories to tell about favorite professors or moments in class that really made them fall in love with their profession. At the end of the day, I realized it was the only place I wanted to pursue my degree and I've been beyond happy with my decision to do so.

Tell us about your research. What is it that you study?

I'm working with Dr. Cara Welker out of the Welker Lab to examine the mechanics of gait for individuals with above-knee amputations. Using motion capture data collected and made available through an open-source format in order to make this type of research more accessible, I am determining the differences in mobility between several groups of people who use a prosthetic lower limb to ambulate. I've been able to take that motion capture data and extract joint moments and angles from the lower body, from which I'm able to compare to healthy individuals and determine specific areas where movement is limited. From there I am working to suggest improvements to prosthetic design in order to help improve the mobility for people with these amputations.

How did you first get involved in your research and what drew you to it?

I took a class with Dr. Welker called Modeling of Human Movement where we learned about the different ways that we can study how people move and how to help them move better. During the course of this class we were introduced to this dataset and I was instantly inspired by the potential for research based on it. As I researched individuals with amputation further, I found that the tools that medical professionals and insurance companies use to assess their movement were outdated and frequently miscategorized people's movement groups. These groupings determine the access that people have to different prosthetics and physical therapies, as well as any financial assistance they might receive to help them try to live a more normal life. I also found that there was little to no research holistically examining their gait and thought that it was incredibly important to have a better understanding of how these individuals move so that we can get them the help they need.

What kinds of challenges do you encounter in your research?

A big problem in biomedical engineering studies is a lack of availability of large datasets, as it can be difficult to collect data for all the myriad problems that humans face when it comes to their mobility. It is a big part of the reason why we need more biomedical engineers out there doing the work and collecting the data so that we can better understand these problems and how to treat them. Another challenge I've faced personally is the scale of this field. Some of the problems we deal with may only affect a few specific individuals, while others have global ramifications. I have found it important to try and stay grounded in the reasons why we do the research we do. Finding some type of personal connection to try and solve even some of these issues that seem gargantuan in scope one step at a time has really helped me move forward in this field with a little bit more confidence that what I am doing will have an impact.

What advice would you share with a student interested in studying biomedical engineering or your specific field?

First of all, I would say go for it! Even if you feel that you do not have the background you need or that you do not have a specific area that you want to study, there is so much work to be done in this field and if you have the passion for it there is somebody out there who can help you get there. The work I have gotten to be a part of within this field is absolutely the most rewarding and interesting of anything I have ever done, and I cannot wait to continue to explore everything that this field has to offer. Everybody has some type of connection to a biomedical problem, whether it be a family member who got sick, a friend who was on crutches for a little while, or any of the larger problems that we can see in the world. Studying and working in this field allows you to be at the forefront of people trying to find solutions to these problems, and if that sounds like fun to you then biomedical engineering is a phenomenal way to get involved.

As a PhD/Master student, what role has mentoring played in your work?

One of the best experiences I have had as a master's student is getting the opportunity to TA for an undergraduate class. In my experience it is very difficult to see the applications of the things we are required to study beyond homework or tests, and it was a lot of fun working with younger students and getting to show them some of the applications of the math we learn to solving real-world problems. I find it very important to focus on the why aspect of the things we learn, and hope I was able to get that across to the students I had the pleasure of working with. I hope to do more work with younger students in the future, who knows maybe I will even have my own class one day!

How would you like your work to help society?

Since I was a little kid I always liked the idea that if you attack a problem from the right angle, there is a solution waiting to be found. Engineering has allowed me to expand on that notion, identifying the specific problems that people face and finding solutions that help improve the quality of their lives. If I am lucky enough for my work to have an impact on society, I hope that it is to encourage others to spend the time and the effort it takes to understand the problems that people face and how important it is to help each other solve as many of them as we can.

What do you love best about attending CU �鶹ӰԺ?

It is really hard to pick just one thing, the amazing programs this school has to offer, the incredible faculty on staff here with real-world experience across industry and academia, being this close to the mountains, it has all been incredible. But I would have to say my favorite thing about CU has been the sense of community I have felt in my time here. Students and faculty alike have been incredibly welcoming to me, and it has felt as though everybody here genuinely wants me to succeed. Whether it has been providing me with resources to find an area of study that I am passionate about, pointing me in the direction of industry experts with the answers to my questions, or even just organizing fun events to make CU feel more like home I truly feel that the community here is one of a kind.

Student spotlight featuring graduate student Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson.

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CU Engineering announces inaugural Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:43:19 +0000

CU Engineering announces inaugural Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellows Alexander Jame… Fri, 02/14/2025 - 09:43

CU Engineering has named the inaugural recipients of its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellows program, which supports faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students in bringing research to market. The fellows, selected for their work in fields like robotics, biomedical devices and advanced materials, receive funding, mentorship and entrepreneurial support to accelerate commercialization.

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Recent PhD graduate Payton Martinez receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:47:29 +0000

Recent PhD graduate Payton Martinez receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award Alexander Jame… Mon, 12/16/2024 - 09:47

Alexander Servantez

Payton Martinez, a recent biomedical engineering (BME) PhD graduate, has been selected to receive the CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award.

This award is given annually to a doctoral research student completing their PhD degree requirements whose written dissertation demonstrates outstanding quality, research excellence and topical importance.

Growing up in the Denver area, Martinez would often take apart electronic devices to study their mechanisms and understand how they worked. He said he loved math, science and working with his hands.

Payton Martinez, recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering and winner of the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award.

As Martinez became older, he took a sharp interest in medical technology and neuroscience. He began to notice family members going in and out of the hospital for various illnesses, and he wondered about the risks associated with the treatments they were being given.

“I realized that I wanted to use engineering to focus on something valuable,” Martinez said. “Not an item or a product like a television. Something valuable like the lives of humans or even animals.”

Martinez attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering. He was then introduced to the Borden Research Lab, led by Professor Mark A. Borden at the �鶹ӰԺ.

Here, he was able to continue his studies in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s BME graduate program and quench the thirst for all his curiosities at once: medicine, technology and neuroscience.

Martinez’ dissertation is titled “Improving the Treatment of DMG Using Focused Ultrasound and Microbubbles Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening.” The research explores how ultrasound and microbubbles can potentially work in tandem to effectively deliver drugs to the brain and treat neurological diseases in the future.

According to Martinez, neurological disorders were the second leading cause of death in 2016. This is not because our drugs and therapeutic treatments are ineffective. Instead, Martinez argues we need to improve drug delivery methods in order to reach these brain-related illnesses.

“Many pharmaceutical companies have developed drugs over the years that work super well when you have the drug and cell right next to each other,” Martinez said. “But our brains have a blood-brain barrier that prevents these effective drugs from getting past and attacking the cell.

“The big issue when it comes to neurological diseases and brain cancer is taking the drugs and figuring out a way to deliver them to humans.”

During his time in the Borden lab, Martinez focused specifically on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a brain tumor located in the pons region of the brain that primarily affects children.

This rare form of cancer is unique. While some cancerous tumors have a slightly leaky or porous blood-brain barrier, allowing certain drug treatments to pass, the DIPG blood-brain barrier is fully intact. This makes the cancer almost impossible to treat in any way that is both safe and cost-effective.

“Using the technology we developed in the Borden lab, we were able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and reduce the tumor size in mice,” Martinez said. “Of course, this is on a much smaller scale than treating humans. But overall, we were able to increase the survival of these tumor-bearing mice.”

Martinez looks to expand on this research even further in the future. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University using ultrasound and microbubbles to possibly treat other neurological ailments as well. His goal is to remain in academia and eventually start his own lab where he can continue to push the limits of his research and discoveries.

The achievement of this award will be recognized at the College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduation Ceremony on December 19, 2024.

More than anything, Martinez wants to give thanks.

“I’m extremely grateful to receive this award, and I am thankful for my advisor, Mark Borden, for nominating me,” Martinez said. “Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way. A lot of my journey was learning from experts and mentors and it’s extremely impacted what I know and have done today.”

Payton Martinez, a recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering has been selected to receive the CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award. His research explores how ultrasound and microbubbles can potentially work in tandem to effectively deliver drugs to the brain and treat neurological diseases in the future.

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Two BME graduate students bring home scholarships from Innovate-A-Thon Prosthetics event

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:10:58 +0000

Two BME graduate students bring home scholarships from Innovate-A-Thon Prosthetics event Alexander Jame… Fri, 11/08/2024 - 16:10

Alexander Servantez

Two biomedical engineering graduate students were invited to participate in the October Innovate-A-Thon competition.

Master’s students Sahana Balaji and Sophia Ramsey represented the �鶹ӰԺ in the two-week hybrid event, sponsored by nonprofit organization Education2Success. They competed with and against students from Boise State University to design above-the-knee prosthetic solutions for citizens in Tanzania.

Balaji and her team took home the top prize: a $600 scholarship for each team member. She also said the competition was a great opportunity to showcase and develop her innovation prowess in front of a panel of industry professionals and entrepreneurs.

Sahana Balaji, BME master's student and member of the winning team in the October Innovate-A-Thon competition.

“My background is very computational, specifically on women’s health. I didn’t have the same experience with computer-aided design as the others in the competition, so I kept on questioning whether or not I’m cut out for this,” she said. “In the end, I learned a lot and I proved that my background can come in handy.”

According to Steven Szymeczek, director of the Innovate-A-Thon, the competition is judged on both the prosthetic technology and a business model that is creative and feasible. It also needs to be economically sustainable and relevant to Tanzanian culture.

Balaji’s group designed a flexible, ball-jointed prosthetic leg with a 135-degree range of motion. It grants Tanzanian users peak mobility to perform all cultural activities without any risks of wear-and-tear.

Their design also featured a simple approach, relying on interchangeable parts rather than cutting-edge technology. Balaji said this strategy allowed them to account for users who lack the resources and money to replace their prosthetic device or visit a clinic if things did go awry.

“We could have implemented electronics into our prosthetic,” Balaji said. “But do Tanzanian people have the budget, time or means to fix those parts if there were problems?

“Ultimately, we decided to implement locally sourced material. We used tools and parts that you could find in a hardware store, so that users can fix the device themselves and have time to visit the clinic within their own schedules for any other major issues.”

Sophia Ramsey, BME master's student and participant in the October Innovate-A-Thon competition.

The approach ended up putting them over the top, said Szymeczek. But the scoring was very close. Each team presented models so innovative and thoughtful that there was nearly a three-way tie for first place. Szymeczek said it was one of the most competitive iterations of the Innovate-A-Thon to date.

“Sometimes it varies between the best scores and the lowest scores,” he said. “These scores were very close, and it’s a testament to all the background and expertise they showed and learned during this program.”

Among the teams just short of first place was Sophia Ramsey’s. Although the BME MS student was unable to take home the top prize, her participation alone scored her a $500 scholarship. And just like Balaji, she said the experience and connection held the true value.

“The program really gives you a good snapshot of what it’s like to be an engineer in the field with tight deadlines and a team to collaborate with,” Ramsey said. “I’m also getting set up with some of the industry professionals who judged and advised this competition to explore some future career opportunities.”

This iteration of the Innovate-A-Thon was the first to feature students from CU �鶹ӰԺ. Szymeczek says their team will launch more competitions in the future, and they hope to see more students take advantage of this opportunity.

Two biomedical engineering master's students brought home scholarships for their exceptional prosthetic designs in the October Innovate-A-Thon competition.

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A sketch of the winning prosthetic design that earned BME graduate student Sahana Balaji and her team $600 scholarships at the October Innovate-A-Thon competition.

Biomedical engineering’s Career Symposium returns for its third year

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:10:17 +0000

Biomedical engineering’s Career Symposium returns for its third year Alexander Jame… Fri, 10/11/2024 - 14:10

Alexander Servantez

More than 160 CU �鶹ӰԺ students put on their best business attire on Monday for the third annual Biomedical Engineering Career Symposium. Their mission? Go toe-to-toe with the workforce.

The symposium, organized by the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and run by students, provided an opportunity for students to connect and learn from various company representatives in the med-tech industry. It featured company information sessions, company tabling, product demonstrations, and one-on-one meetings with experienced industry professionals.

Fourteen companies and organizations, including CONMED, Medtronic and others, were in attendance to recruit some of �鶹ӰԺ’s finest aspiring biomedical engineers. In past years, students have received job and internship opportunities with the help of the symposium. At the very least, students walked away with valuable insight into the diverse career paths the industry has to offer.

This year’s iteration of the event looked a little different. Students were required to attend a ProReady workshop in order to register for the symposium. Designed by Engineering Career Services, the ProReady initiative supports student career development, and these workshops helped prepare students to speak to company representatives in a professional setting.

“Last year, we had companies telling us that students were struggling to interact with representatives,” said Vivian Shi, a third-year student and BMES Career Symposium Committee member. “This year, our biggest focus was changing that, and I think we did a good job."

A BME student chats with a company representative at the 2024 BME Career Symposium.

Many of the students in attendance echoed some of those same sentiments. BME senior Christian Moon, who has been to multiple career symposiums, saw first hand how the workshop and symposium has affected his comfortability and confidence.

“Being able to practice interviews is nice,” Moon said. “It can be awkward to talk to people and talk about yourself. But it’s good practice and useful when interacting with people who are actually in the industry.”

Putting together an event like this is no easy task. On top of their own individual coursework, the BMES Career Symposium Committee spent long, tireless nights bringing the ballroom to life for their fellow BME classmates.

Clare Keeler, BMES Career Symposium committee chair, recalled the extensive planning involved, including difficulties wrangling commitments from companies or finding the perfect room arrangement. However, seeing vibrant and life-changing relationships being built during the event made all their hard work worth it.

“Overall, it makes me very happy that I was able to provide this experience for other students. It was a really long process dating back to April. My goal was to expand the symposium, and it just feels amazing seeing it come to life,” Keeler said.

Some company representatives gave their praise for this year’s symposium, including CONMED representative and former CU �鶹ӰԺ alumna Mia Fox.

Fox co-founded the BME Career Symposium and was a part of the BME program’s first graduating class in 2023. She knows first hand just how difficult coordinating this event can be, and she was proud of the committee for building on the legacy her class started during her time on campus.

“The committee has done a good job taking feedback from both students and company representatives,” Fox said. “They ran with that and they did a really good job.

“This event is unique. It’s different. It’s run by students, for students. I hope everyone continues to see the importance in that going forward.”

More than 160 of CU �鶹ӰԺ's finest Biomedical Engineering students attended the third annual Career Symposium in search of post-college opportunities.

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Three male BME students talking to a male company representative at the 2024 BME Career Symposium.

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Three current BME students talking to a company representative at the 2024 BME Career Symposium.

Recent PhD graduates reflect on their journeys and future plans

Anonymous — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:03:24 +0000

Recent PhD graduates reflect on their journeys and future plans Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/12/2024 - 13:03

As another academic year comes to a close, we proudly celebrate the achievements of our recent PhD graduates. These scholars - Payton Martinez, Emily Miller, and Lukas Buecherl - are ready to embark on their next adventures. We had the opportunity to speak with these graduates about their future plans, experiences, and advice for current and prospective PhD students.

What's Next for Them?

Many of the recent graduates are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Dr. Payton Martinez is heading to Stanford Univeristy for a postdoctoral appointment with Dr. Raag Airan. Dr. Emily Miller has accepted a postdoctoral position at the University of Utah in the Movement Bioengineering Lab. She will continue her research in cartilage biomechanics and osteoarthritis. Dr. Lukas Buecherl has accepted a tenure-track assistant professor position at Utah State University. He will continue his research in the Biological Engineering Department.

The CU �鶹ӰԺ Experience

The graduates all agreed that their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ was instrumental in preparing them for their careers. "The interconnectedness of the medical school and engineering school allowed me to gain experience in a variety of fields (cancer biology to mechanical engineering). This also prepared me to work and discuss complex topics with people from different backgrounds," said Dr. Martinez. "Now, as I move on I am able to make a stronger impact on the field of drug delivery by bringing new perspectives to an already interdisciplinary field."

Dr. Miller, who worked in Dr. Corey Neu's Soft Tissue Bioengineering Lab, said that she was, "Allowed a good deal of independence in what work and research projects I pursued which hopefully prepared me well for a career as an independent researcher."

Both Dr. Miller and Dr. Buecherl speak very highly about the research workshops and conferences they attended while at CU �鶹ӰԺ. "I was also able to attend many research workshops and conferences during my PhD, which allowed me to network with other researchers, eventually leading indirectly towards finding my postdoctoral position," Dr. Miller stated. Dr. Buecherl echoed a similar sentiment saying, "Through my PhD at CU �鶹ӰԺ, I was able to attend and present at conferences and published peer-reviewed articles. These experiences helped me in finding my place in the research community."

Advice for Future and Current PhD Students

When asked what advice they would give to current and future PhD students, the graduates offered valuable insights. "My advice would be to plan ahead, just thinking about a potential experiment can help remove a lot of issues even before doing anything. In the long run, this will save a lot of time," advises Dr. Martinez.

Dr. Miller emphasized the importance of finding a project that will continue to bring you excitement. "Find research where you enjoy the day-to-day work, whatever that may be. For some people it could be coding, for others it could be working with people, and for others it could be lab bench top work."

Dr. Buecherl highlights the importance of building a strong support network. "My advice to new students is to seize opportunities to engage with other researchers and scientists. Remember, you belong in the field, and they are just as excited to get to know you and your work as you are to meet them."

The Biomedical Engineering Program at CU �鶹ӰԺ has played a pivotal role in shaping these successful graduates. Known for its highly interdisciplinary program, the department offers students numerous opportunities to work with faculty mentors across various research areas. The diverse environment fosters innovation and collaboration, leading to groundbreaking research and real-world applications.

As these recent PhD graduates move on to the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and experience gained at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Their journeys serve as a testament to the university's commitment to excellence in education and research. The future looks bright for these scholars and we eagerly anticipate their continued success and impact in the world of biomedical engineering. Congratulations to all of our recent graduates!

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From left: Martinez, Miller and Buecherl after graduation at the UMC.

Celebrating the Bright Futures of the Biomedical Graduates

Anonymous — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Celebrating the Bright Futures of the Biomedical Graduates Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 00:00

Thursday, May 9, 2024 marked a momentous occasion, a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding quest for knowledge. It was a celebration of a graduating class, a cohort of bright minds ready to make a significant impact on the world of biomedical science.

The journey to this point has been anything but easy. With this class being only the second graduating class, the number of graduates has significantly expanded over the last year. Last year, the department had 15 graduates (14 Bachelors and 1 Masters), and this year, that number jumped to 73 graduates (3PhD, 10 Masters, and 60 Bachelors). From the foundational principles of biology to cutting-edge advancement in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, these students have demonstrated exceptional resilience and intellectual curiosity.

Throughout their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ, these students have been supported by an outstanding faculty, whose commitment to excellence in teaching and research has provided a strong foundation for their academic and professional growth. The collaborative environment fostered within the Biomedical Engineering Department has allowed students to engage in meaningful research projects, many of which have the potential to revolutionize healthcare.

Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of the Terumo Corporation, was this year's keynote speaker. Ms. Gawin's remarkable journey and leadership in the medical technology industry served as an inspiration to all of the graduates. Her insights and experiences will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance as the graduates embark on their own professional paths.

As the graduates step into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the spirit of innovation and a deep sense of purpose. The field of biomedical science is ever-evolving, and our graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether they pursue careers in research, clinical practice, industry, or further education, their contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of medicine and healthcare.

To the Class of 2024, we say congratulations! May your careers be filled with success, discovery, and fulfillment. The University of Colorado, �鶹ӰԺ is immensely proud of your achievement and eagerly anticipates the remarkable contributions you will make to the world! Congratulations, Biomedical Graduates of 2024, and a special thank you to Antoinette Gawin for joining us on this special day and inspiring the next generation of biomedical professionals!

To view and download the pictures from the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony, please visit this link.

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Two graduate students earn major National Science Foundation honors

Anonymous — Wed, 15 May 2024 21:39:30 +0000

Two graduate students earn major National Science Foundation honors Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/15/2024 - 15:39

Jeff Zehnder

The National Science Foundation has bestowed two prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program awards to �鶹ӰԺ biomedical engineering students.

The national awards recognize and support outstanding grad students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

Graduate students Shantae Gallegos and Emma Aldrich are each receiving the honor for 2024. Find out more about their research below.

Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.

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