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Six biomedical engineering students earn graduating student awards

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:02:03 +0000

Six biomedical engineering students earn graduating student awards Alexander Jame… Wed, 04/23/2025 - 14:02

Alexander Servantez

Six students from the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2025.

These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions.

Each of the seven award winners will be recognized and celebrated at the department's Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 8.

Read below to learn more about these students and their amazing achievements.

Creighton Tisdale

Tisdale has received the Academic Engagement Award for his exemplary commitment to the college ecosystem. He has served as a course assistant for numerous classes, providing an enriching educational experience for his peers. In many cases, he even went above-and-beyond to learn new material in order to make sure he could assist effectively.

He's also excelled tremendously in the classroom and as an undergraduate researcher. Tisdale has maintained a 3.93 GPA and is a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at CU �鶹ӰԺ. In the lab, he has displayed the ability to quickly pick up complex concepts, even becoming a second author on a recently accepted research paper after working in the Shields Lab under Assistant Professor C. Wyatt Shields IV for only six months. Outside of academics, Tisdale coaches youth sports, focusing on making the game accessible and inclusive for anyone. His nominator says Tisdale is a competitive nominee for any awards offered this spring, but academic engagement is where he shines the most.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I came to CU �鶹ӰԺ hoping I could find my way towards designing and improving surgical and medical devices—my undergraduate experience prepared me more than I would've ever imagined. I was lucky enough to work on a senior design project fully focused on electrosurgery and device design, as well as gaining experience with unorthodox diagnostic techniques in my research. CEAS and the BME program allowed me to find the career direction I was seeking from the start by giving me loads of hands-on academic and professional exposure.

Fishion Yohannes

Yohannes is being tapped as a recipient of the Community Engagement Award for her unwavering commitment to community service through her involvement in mentorship, student support programs and advocacy initiatives. As a Lattice Scholars mentor, she is constantly providing guidance and encouragement to CU �鶹ӰԺ's first-generation scholars. She has also served as a lead mentor in the Engineering GoldShirt program, advocating for student success and cultivating an environment built on support, leadership and resilience. Her nominator says her impact is so profound, that many students have come back to become mentors themselves, "hoping to give back even a fraction of what she gave to them. The culture she has built will have a lasting legacy far beyond her time on campus."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduation, I will be pursuing an industry role where I can apply all of the technical, collaborative, and problem-solving skills I’ve developed during my time at CU �鶹ӰԺ. CEAS not only provided me with rigorous academic preparation, but also offered mentorship, resources, and opportunities that shaped my confidence and career direction. Without the support of CU �鶹ӰԺ and CEAS, I truly don't know where I'd be today. I’ve found an irreplaceable community that made me feel supported, empowered, and seen as an engineer. This experience has not only prepared me for industry but has instilled a deep sense of purpose and belonging that I will carry with me into every future endeavor.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My best advice for current students and future students has to be to know that you belong. Engineering is challenging, but you are not alone. Seek out mentors, seek community, and most importantly seek help. It’s OK not to know everything. Imposter syndrome is very real, but please remember that your perspective and contributions are beyond valuable. Your journey will have obstacles, but perseverance, resilience, and a strong support system will guide you. More than anything, never let self-doubt dictate your potential because you are capable, you are worthy, and you have the power to make a difference.

Cassidy Allen

Allen is receiving a Research Award from the college for her outstanding and impactful contributions to the biomedical industry. During her time at CU �鶹ӰԺ, she has helped create a more efficient method for treating Raynaud's Disease using an adaptive device. Currently, treatment for the disease is done using a broad approach where whole extremities (hands, feet, etc.) are treated using a glove or sock-like device. The device's power consumption and design limited the treatment's effectiveness.

But Allen had other ideas. She introduced sensor-targeted treatment that greatly increased effectiveness and reduced the device's power consumption by nearly 66%. Her novel thinking, as well as her collaboration with other entities in the BME program, have fueled her early research success, and positioned her for a future patent for her technology.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

Next, I will be joining the Cardiac Electrophysiology division at Abbott Laboratories as a software systems engineer in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, I’ll be contributing to the research and development of cutting-edge cardiac ablation systems to treat various arrhythmias with combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and pulsed field ablation (PFA) techniques. My experience at CU �鶹ӰԺ and CEAS prepared me incredibly well for this opportunity. Through hands-on research and course projects, I developed practical and problem-solving skills that I feel confident bringing into this next chapter.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Don’t be afraid to fail! Some of the most valuable experiences come from mistakes and unexpected outcomes. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow, so embrace those moments and use them to become a better thinker and creator.

Shannon Blanco

Blanco is graduating with a dual major in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering. She is receiving the Research Award for her work as a member of Neu Lab under Professor Corey Neu. Since joining this group in 2022, Blanco has contributed greatly to impact in the fields of biofabrication, 3D bioprinting, and the advancement of knowledge of osteoarthritis. Current solutions for younger patients with osteoarthritis who do not qualify for total knee replacements are primarily anti-inflammatory drugs that don’t restore the afflicted cartilage or bone tissue. There is a need for new treatment options, and her work will help bring these options to life.

She is also being recognized as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and worked with multiple stakeholders throughout her time at CU �鶹ӰԺ, including doctors, surgeons and PhD-level scientists. Her nominator says her contributions have been "trusted by all members of the laboratory."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduating this spring, I will be continuing at CU �鶹ӰԺ to pursue my master’s in mechanical engineering through the BAM program. In the future, I hope to work in medical device design or prosthetics. CU �鶹ӰԺ has helped prepare me beyond an educational standpoint by providing opportunities to get involved outside of class and make valuable connections.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Take advantage of the opportunities CU has to offer, whether it's research, clubs, internships, or design projects. Explore different areas, even if you're unsure at first, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Julia Keefe

Keefe's research ownership and tenacious attitude has earned her a Research Award this spring. During her time in the Rationally Designed Immunotherapeutics & Interfaces Research Group under Assistant Professor Kayla Sprenger, Keefe has evolved her learning and skills into novel thinking and questions. In fact, she even found a gap in literature, and her innovative work will one day provide mechanistic insight into the biomedical field.

Her project, funded by the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Program (DLA), identifies protein-ligand conformations to propose druggable targets and aid future immunotherapeutic design. The diligent attention to detail and awareness will advance efforts toward immune regulation in inflammatory and immune-resolution disease states, improving translatability of rationally designed therapeutics that will directly benefit women’s health research. Keefe is also a former dancer. Her nominator says her research prowess is defined by her ability to "combine art and medicine, design and engineering." She presented her research at this year's DLA symposium and is currently working on submitting her research to a peer-reviewed journal.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduation, I am looking to continue working in the field of cancer research and technologies with a focus on women's health. CEAS helped me prepare by allowing me to explore so many different areas of engineering to truly find where my passions lie.

Hayden Tomazin

Tomazin is receiving a Research Award for his exceptional ability to complex scientific concepts and apply them to challenging research problems. His research primarily focuses on magnetically responsive microstructures. Using precise magnetic control to create lock-and-key microassemblies, Tomazin has been developing new fabrication techniques that can open doors for innovative applications in microsurgery and targeted drug delivery. His work could one day pave the way for a new class of noninvasive medical interventions.

Tomazin's contributions will also make their way into two publications out of the Shields Lab, led by Assistant Professor C. Wyatt Shields IV. He will be the second and third author in these publications, showcasing his outstanding dedication and curiosity to research. Beyond the lab, Tomazin has effectively shared his research and knowledge with a broader audience, presenting posters at conferences and through collaborations with other universities. His nominator says this level of undergraduate research achievement is rare, and that Tomazin is "one of the most capable undergraduate researchers I have mentored in my career."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I'm hoping to find a job where I can use my research experience to help make medical treatment more accessible and less invasive.

Seven students from the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2025. These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions to the college and campus community.

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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)

BME seniors work to unlock electrotherapy's untapped potential

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:16:38 +0000

BME seniors work to unlock electrotherapy's untapped potential Alexander Jame… Thu, 04/17/2025 - 15:16

Alexander Servantez

CU �鶹ӰԺ alum Griffin Hale was listening to music one day while treating his pain with an electrotherapy device. Each pulsating, electric shock seemed to mesh so beautifully with the various rhythms and melodies—it was almost as if he could feel the music.

He began to wonder: how can music and electric stimulation combine to create a new electrotherapy device that delivers a more immersive and accessible therapeutic experience than ever before?

Nearly a decade's worth of iterating and design has gone into this vision. But a group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) are helping Hale and his team take the next step on their journey during their senior capstone design course.

The project, sponsored by startup company Full Body Sound, aims to gather biological data by analyzing the relationship between electrotherapy and skin conductance. This term refers to the electrical conductivity of the skin and is a key parameter that the team is looking to explore in order to help Hale and his group realize some of their product’s untapped potential.

A histogram representing the various levels of change the group found in skin conductance during electrotherapy.

“We wanted to know if there was any correlation between perceived sensation of electric stimulation and skin conductance. If so, maybe we can use that indicator to create a feedback loop that guides the electrotherapy device to offer varying levels of electrical stimulation tailored to the individual,” said logistics manager Rachel Haug. “We also wanted to analyze the device’s effect on skin conductance. Since skin conductance is often used as an indicator of stress levels, maybe we can take that data and use it to prove the effectiveness of the device.”

To do this, the group purchased an off-the-shelf testing device equipped with sensors to measure skin conductance. They measured 50 different individuals before and after being hooked up to Full Body Sound’s FBS-01 electrotherapy prototype device.

After comparing the data, the team noticed that almost every test subject’s skin conductivity had undergone a noticeable change. But despite that trend, the group concluded that there was no statistical significance or correlation between electrical sensation and skin conductance.

“Most of the data sits within the range of a 25% increase or decrease in skin conductance. There were some outliers below or beyond that, but for the most part our data resembles that stereotypical ‘bell curve’ that you see in engineering so often,” Haug said. “We anticipated from the beginning that this could be a possibility, but it’s still very useful and interesting data for the future.”

A histogram showing the group's pre-test skin conductance levels compared to post-test levels.

While the systems and test engineers were performing tests and gathering data, the other team members were working on the design element. Using their engineering knowledge and experience with the testing device, they were challenged to design their own sensor that can measure skin conductance just as effectively as the one they had purchased previously.

Not only did the team’s sensor perform just as accurately as the purchased device, they were able to build it at a fraction of the price. It even features an intuitive user interface that is easily accessible for both customers and clients—a stretch goal that the group says took a lot of extra work.

“I completely learned a new technical skill in this program and an entirely new coding language in various softwares to help finish our project,” said quality assurance manager Clare Keeler. “If we were selling this product, we wouldn’t want customers to just see a block of code. A big part of my efforts was just transferring some of the analog data we received from the sensor to a digital output value that everybody can understand.”

With the highly anticipated Engineering Expo event right around the corner, the group is working hard to make sure they have the data and their working sensor ready for everyone to see. But they will also have a surprise.

“Of course, we’re going to showcase our sensor. We’ll have visual representations of our research,” said project manager Chloe Knape. “But we’ll also have an electrotherapy device available so that attendees can have fun and try it for themselves.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the CU �鶹ӰԺ Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) are designing their own sensor that can monitor skin conductance during electrotherapy. The sensor was developed during the group's senior capstone design course, and will be showcased at this year's Engineering Expo on Friday, April 25.

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From left to right: Chloe Knape, Anna Mellizo Kroll, Clare Keeler and Rachel Haug

BME seniors design next-generation surgical tool

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:03:24 +0000

BME seniors design next-generation surgical tool Alexander Jame… Fri, 04/11/2025 - 13:03

Alexander Servantez

Surgeons across the country are asked everyday to perform surgical operations with precision and care. But they need the right tools in order for them to be successful.

A group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) at CU �鶹ӰԺ are working to provide those tools by designing a next-generation Argon Beam Coagulator during their senior capstone design course.

Team 6's next-generation Argon Beam Coagulator being demonstrated using a banana.

The project, sponsored by CONMED, funnels ionized argon gas into a pencil-shaped handheld device that surgeons can use during various procedures. The argon gas, ionized by a high-voltage electrode, produces a plasma beam emitting from the tip of the handheld device allowing surgeons to cut tissue and minimize bleeding at the same time.

“When you suspend a beam of argon and ionize it in a plasma, you can reduce the risk of charring or burning to the tissue,” said design engineer and quality assurance manager Creighton Tisdale. “Let’s take a complete knee joint replacement, for example. Clearing out all of the oxygen is pretty crucial and it ensures that there is no extra damage or major bleeding.”

Their iteration of the device aims to expand functionality by offering surgeons a more customizable and adaptive approach. Instead of developing an all-in-one system, the team was tasked with designing a modular device, addressing key cost and practicality issues.

“The premise of our work is offering versatility,” said project manager Devon Mckeon. “Our goal was to create a device that is accessible, so that operating rooms around the world only need to purchase the components that they need, and they can service only the modules that have failed instead of the entire system.”

But perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the handheld device’s detachable grip extension. After consulting with real doctors early on in the design process, the group realized that some surgeons preferred the pencil grip while others preferred a more vertical grip-style attachment.

Instead of choosing one or the other, the group decided to implement both approaches to ensure all surgeons can have the comfortable, ergonomic support of their preference.

CONMED engineer and BME alum Mia Fox testing the argon beam module on an apple.

“You can use the device like you would a pencil. It’s like having a little lightsaber in your hand,” Mckeon said. “But for surgeons who are working from the side that need to keep their wrist straight to cut through the tissue, they can attach the vertical grip and have that capability.”

Coming to this realization was one key to the success of their project, but the team said it wasn’t always easy. Navigating the results of their human factors testing or the thoughts of real-world surgeons made it difficult to settle on specific design specifications.

“One of the surgeons looked at us during one of our meetings and told us ‘you can have 10 surgeons in a room and 11 different opinions,’” said Tisdale with a sneaky smile on his face. “It’s funny, but it’s true.”

Understanding how to work alongside physicians and provide health professionals with tangible solutions is one of the many lessons that the BME program provides students during their senior capstone experience. Whether it was solving device communication issues or making several long drives up to CONMED’s facility in the Denver Tech Center, the group learned a lot about how to manage the design process from beginning to end.

But their sights are no longer in the past. The team says they are excited to show the campus community what they’ve been working on at this year’s Engineering Expo event.

“We are definitely leaning into the showmanship aspect of our project, especially because it’s a really cool end result that we are all proud of,” Mckeon said. “Our biggest goal is to have expo attendees stop by our booth, put on a pair of gloves and try out the different ergonomic attachments. And then we’ll get to demonstrate the argon beam by cutting a steak.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the CU �鶹ӰԺ Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of biomedical engineering seniors are designing a next-generation Argon Beam Coagulator during their senior capstone design course. The project, sponsored by CONMED, is a pencil-shaped handheld device that ionizes argon gas to produce a plasma beam that emits from the tip of the device, allowing surgeons to cut tissue and minimize bleeding at the same time.

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From left to right: Creighton Tisdale, Andrew Swanson, Elizabeth Root, Devon Mckeon and David Katilius

Aerospace engineers to study motion sickness in space

Radhika Patel — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:57:23 +0000

Aerospace engineers to study motion sickness in space Radhika Patel Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:57

In a new experiment, aerospace engineers at the �鶹ӰԺ will work with astronauts to study how people experience motion sickness when they travel to space—with an eye toward reducing these sometimes debilitating symptoms. Torin Clark, BME Faculty at CU �鶹ӰԺ, explained that motion sickness in space is a common problem—athough not necessarily one that many early astronauts talked about.

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Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:13:09 +0000

Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 10:13

Alexander Servantez

Two faculty members in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at CU �鶹ӰԺ have etched their names amongst some of the most successful medical and biological engineers in the world.

Professors Mark Borden and Mark Rentschler have been inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. The program is among the highest professional distinctions given to medical and biological engineers, representing the top 2% of these engineers around the world.

Professor Mark Borden (right) talking to a student in his lab.

“I am honored to be selected into the AIMBE College of Fellows,” said Borden, also a faculty member in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. “It’s an exciting achievement and a great opportunity to promote the important research we do here at the university.”

AIMBE College of Fellows membership honors engineers who have made significant advancements in the field of medical and biological engineering. But it also recognizes engineers who have made outstanding contributions to the future of bioengineering education.

Borden has done both. His novel research focuses on developing microbubbles and nano droplets for use in ultrasound imaging.

These little particles are safe to inject into the body and can be used as contrast agents to indicate or predict diseases. They can also be used as a non-invasive technique for drug or oxygen delivery, targeting rare pediatric brain tumors and helping hypoxemic patients struggling to get oxygen through normal respiration.

“It’s quite an interdisciplinary field,” Borden said. “We have to pull knowledge from many different domains—acoustics, ultrasonics, biology. But the main core of our research is the development of new microbubbles and nano droplets. That’s what we are known for.”

Borden has also left his mark in the classroom. He played a key role in the creation of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s BME program, even serving as its inaugural director in 2018. He stayed in the position for five years, during which time the undergraduate program grew significantly and earned ABET accreditation.

Rentschler’s impact transcends both research and education, as well. In 2018, he helped launch Aspero Medical, a startup company that develops micro-textured balloon overtubes used to enable more efficient and less invasive surgical procedures in the small bowel region.

Professor Mark Rentschler showcasing current and upcoming Aspero Medical devices.

These devices have proven to be successful, receiving clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in 2023. Since then, Rentscher and his team have been working to expand on their vision, announcing the development of two new surgical products powerful enough to transform endoscopy procedures even further.

“The first product was an improvement to the tools currently available to physicians,” said Rentschler, who is also a faculty member in mechanical engineering. “The next generation of devices we’re introducing are poised to make significant contributions to physicians and completely shift how they can treat aggressive cancers and precancerous lesions within the gastrointestinal tract.”

Rentschler also helped kickstart a mechanical engineering graduate design program back in 2010. Under his guidance, the program led to dozens of patents on graduate students’ design projects—some of them later going on to be used on patients or implemented by companies across the nation.

AIMBE inductees are also expected to serve as advocates for research by engaging with legislators and promoting public policies that foster continued advancement in medical and biological engineering fields.

It’s a hallmark of the AIMBE College of Fellows program, and both Borden and Rentschler believe they have the experience and expertise to be strong advocates for the future.

“I think we bring some interesting perspectives to these conversations, considering we’ve been in the academic research arena as well as the industry side of things,” Rentschler said. “I am honored to receive this distinction, and I am excited for these new opportunities to make a strong impact going forward.”

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Mukherjee selected into class of 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 22:20:46 +0000

Mukherjee selected into class of 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows Alexander Jame… Wed, 03/19/2025 - 16:20

Assistant Professor Debanjan Mukherjee has been named a member of the 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows. The program supports faculty in achieving their research and innovation goals and promotes collaboration through tailored training, experiential learning and leadership development opportunities.

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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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CU �鶹ӰԺ, Western Colorado launching Biomedical Engineering partnership in Fall 2025

Mallory Phillips — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:01:24 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ, Western Colorado launching Biomedical Engineering partnership in Fall 2025 Mallory Phillips Thu, 03/13/2025 - 08:01

The biomedical engineering program in Gunnison will focus on functional biomechanics and equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to innovate in the areas of physical trauma recovery, orthopedic design, sports science and rehabilitation engineering.

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Grad student researching 3D printing and ultrasound for medicine

Mallory Phillips — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:08:02 +0000

Grad student researching 3D printing and ultrasound for medicine Mallory Phillips Tue, 03/11/2025 - 13:08

Lily Mortensen is advancing research at the leading edge of biomedicine, working on new ways to improve human health. A materials science and engineering PhD student at the �鶹ӰԺ, Mortensen is investigating ways to combine 3D printing and ultrasound technology to benefit individuals suffering from certain medical conditions.

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