The Department of Biomedical Engineering. >> bme.wustl.edu

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1 The Department of Biomedical Engineering >> bme.wustl.edu

2 Established in 1997, the Department of Biomedical Engineering seeks to provide a first-class engineering education that prepares students for a variety of careers and a cutting-edge graduate program that advances basic science with the hope of improving the diagnoses and treatments of human diseases. wustl photo Welcome to the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. It is with enormous enthusiasm that I embark on my tenure as the chair of this outstanding community of scholars. The department is broadly focused on the training of engineers at all levels who understand the complexities of biomedical systems and original research aimed at solving complex biomedical problems using engineering methodologies, or the development of new technologies that broaden our understanding of biology and medicine. The department was founded in 1997, and under the leadership of Professor Frank Yin ( ) and Professor Mark Anastasio ( ), the Department has grown to 20 faculty, seven full-time staff, 350+ undergraduates, and 152 doctoral students. The doctoral program is currently ranked 11th in the country, and this rapid ascension is due to the remarkable dedication of the faculty, staff and students to our core values: Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity and Knowledge. I hope these values are apparent as you peruse the brochure and I highlight a few of the major accomplishments and our plans for the future. The cornerstone of a department at a research university is the pursuit of new knowledge. The research in our department can generally be captured in five different areas: biomaterials and tissue engineering; cardiovascular engineering; imaging technologies; molecular, cellular and systems engineering; and neural engineering. All of these areas have a critical mass of faculty within the department, as well as amongst our more than 60 affiliated faculty, to provide rich research and training opportunities. Research in these areas is stimulated by interdisciplinary research centers within the department, such as the Center for Biological Systems Engineering and the Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center, as well as numerous centers at the world-renowned medical school. The department faculty garnered $8.74 million in extramural funding during fiscal year 2014, and BME continues to be one of the leading departments in funding from the National Institutes of Health. As the department moves into the next phase of growth and development, our focus will remain on research and teaching excellence. We will augment our current efforts by creating mechanisms to stimulate multi-investigator research projects, training grants and new degree opportunities, such as a professional master s program, to meet the changing needs of the biotechnology private sector. We have plans to hire five new faculty over the next four years, and will seek individuals who can bridge our existing research areas and who approach problem-solving using multidisciplinary, innovative and integrative techniques. The future of biomedical engineering at Washington University is exciting, and full of promise and growth. I invite you to get to know us better by exploring the following pages and visiting our website (bme.wustl.edu). With best wishes, 20 Tenured/tenure-track faculty 355 Undergraduate students 152 Doctoral students 1,311 Alumni devon hill Steven C. George, MD, PhD Elvera and William Stuckenberg Professor and Chair ii >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 1

3 Research Health-care problems posed by complex diseases present the most daunting challenges for modern society. These diseases include cancer, injuries to physiological systems and disorders associated with embryonic development, aging and the adaptive immune system. Our vision is that advances in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases will require integrative and multiscale engineering approaches to biology and biomedical sciences. The BME department faculty will produce advances in basic science, enabling technologies and multiscale systems science approaches that will provide a more holistic understanding of the spatiotemporal responses of biomolecular and cellular networks that give rise to the onset and progression of such diseases and the propagation of injuries. This will involve an integrative approach with a synergistic focus on development, regeneration and degeneration of cells and tissues, and will be leveraged to transform the development of novel biomaterials, drugs and biomedical devices for diagnosis and treatment. mechanobiology development differentiation, morphogenesis biomedical & biological computing multiscale & multimode imaging molecular & cellular systems engineering regeneration cancer, tissue repair biological processes & networks degeneration systemic aging, neurodegeneration biomaterials synthetic biology biomimetics Solving Global Challenges: Medicine & Health Diagnosing and treating complex diseases are among the world s most significant long-term challenges. Yet these present some of the greatest possibilities for improving global quality of life. Historically, physicians have approached diseases with standardized treatments, but recently, through a convergence of disciplines, physicians, scientists and engineers are beginning to understand the medical and health potential of cutting-edge research in areas such as genome and imaging sciences, novel medical devices and new drugs and delivery methods. geoff story $8.74 m Research expenditures for core faculty (FY14) Research areas Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (BTE) Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) Imaging Technologies (IT) Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering (MCSE) Neural Engineering (NE) 2 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 3

4 Research Centers & Collaboration Groundbreaking Research and Innovation Cardiac Bioelectricity & Arrhythmia Center (CBAC) An interdisciplinary center housed within the engineering school, CBAC works to develop new tools for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias a major cause of death and disability. Through an interdisciplinary effort, CBAC investigators apply molecular biology, ion-channel and cell electrophysiology, optical mapping of membrane potential and cell calcium, multi-electrode cardiac electrophysiological mapping, electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) and other noninvasive imaging modalities, and computational biology (mathematical modeling) to study mechanisms of arrhythmias at all levels of the cardiac system. cbac.wustl.edu Center for Biological Systems Engineering (CBSE) The engineering school launched an innovative, multidisciplinary center to revolutionize the way human diseases are diagnosed and treated. Building on the strengths in the schools of Engineering & Applied Science and Medicine, faculty and student researchers from different backgrounds are working together to study the basic sciences of protein structure, models of complex living systems and genetic regulatory networks. By leveraging systems science approaches to understand and control biomolecular and cellular networks, the researchers in the center focus on novel approaches that will enable a new understanding of how cellular processes and decisions are controlled by structures and dynamics of biomolecular networks. cbse.wustl.edu Interdisciplinary research centers and pathways: Cognitive, Computation and Systems Neuroscience (CCSN) Pathway: dbbs.wustl.edu/ccsn Center for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine (C-TRAIN): ctrain.wustl.edu Imaging Sciences Pathway (ISP): imagingpathways.wustl.edu Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology (CINT): cint.wustl.edu Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases (CIMED): cimed.wustl.edu Hope Center for Neurological Disorders: hopecenter.wustl.edu Institute for Materials Science & Engineering (IMSE): imse.wustl.edu g engineering.wustl.edu/research Washington University School of Medicine Collaborations between the #6 ranked School of Medicine and the School of Engineering & Applied Science have led to major advances in areas including positron emission tomography, medical applications of ultrasound, application of computers to hearing research and development of heart valve flow simulators. This atmosphere of collaboration and collegiality between the two schools has been further strengthened and expanded, leading to an exceptional degree of synergy that is one of the department s hallmarks. 3-D printer creates transformative device for heart treatment Igor Efimov, PhD, at the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University, and an international team of biomedical engineers and materials scientists have created a 3-D elastic membrane made of a soft, flexible, silicon material that is precisely shaped to match the heart s epicardium, or the outer layer of the wall of the heart. Current technology is two-dimensional and cannot cover the full surface of the epicardium or maintain reliable contact for continual use without sutures or adhesives. The team can then print tiny sensors onto the membrane that can precisely measure temperature, mechanical strain and ph, among other markers, or deliver a pulse of electricity in cases of arrhythmia. Those sensors could assist physicians with determining the health of the heart, deliver treatment or predict an impending heart attack before a patient exhibits any physical signs. g engineering.wustl.edu/3dheart Unwanted side effect becomes advantage in photoacoustic imaging Lihong Wang, PhD, the Gene K. Beare Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Junjie Yao, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in Wang s lab, found a unique and novel way to use an otherwise unwanted side effect of the lasers they use the photo-bleaching effect to their advantage. The results were published in Physical Review Letters. The researchers use an optical microscopy method called photoacoustic microscopy to take an intensely close look at tissues. The laser beam is a mere 200 nanometers wide. However, the center of the beam is so strong that it bleaches the center of the tissue sample. When researchers pulse the laser beam on the tissue, the molecules no longer give signals packed with information. After each area of the sample is scanned, the researchers create an image. With previous photoacoustic microscopy imaging, the microspheres on the image were blurry. However, with the new photo-imprint photoacoustic microscopy, the resulting image is clear and sharp. Engineering students print pink prosthetic arm for teen girl Thirteen-year-old Sydney Kendall had one request for the Washington University in St. Louis students building her a robotic prosthetic arm: Make it pink. Kendall Gretsch, Henry Lather and Kranti Peddada, all 2014 biomedical engineering Bachelor of Science graduates, accomplished that and more. Using a 3-D printer, they created a robotic prosthetic arm out of bright pink plastic. Total cost: $200, a fraction of the price of standard prosthetics, which start at $6,000. It really showed us the great things you can accomplish when you bridge medicine and technology, Peddada said. The former students developed the robotic hand as part of their engineering design course with Joseph Klaesner, PhD, associate professor of physical therapy at the School of Medicine. Several local medical practitioners, including orthopedic hand surgeons Charles A. Goldfarb, MD, and Lindley Wall, MD, both associate professors of orthopaedic surgery at the School of Medicine, served as mentors. 4 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 5

5 Research areas Faculty Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (BTE) This program seeks to determine the fundamental principles regulating growth and remodeling in natural and engineered tissues. The result will be a better understanding of normal growth processes and the responses of cells, tissues and organisms to disease and trauma. This knowledge will be applied to the development of materials that promote healing and the regeneration of functional tissues. Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) This program seeks to create better understanding of the cardiovascular system, as well as innovative ways to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases. Examples include understanding the mechanisms underlying ion channel function and developing new paradigms for treating fibrillation and other heart rhythm disturbances. Our core and more than 60 affiliated faculty partner in a number of interdisciplinary research institutes, centers and pathways. Together, these provide an extremely broad spectrum of teaching and research expertise. This rich diversity, integrating length scales from molecules to the whole organism, together with a solid curriculum grounded in biomedical engineering, has enabled our faculty to make a meaningful impact in many of the premier academic, medical, legal and industrial organizations around the world. No. 1 U.S. News & World Report s per capita core faculty citations from 2001 to 2011 Imaging Technologies (IT) This program seeks to bring the most innovative technology whether it be next-generation hardware, multiple modalities, advanced image reconstruction or signal processing methods, new contrast agents or novel applications to bear on important basic science and clinical issues. Our goal is to develop new technologies to complement the already strong research and clinical imaging activities in our community. Mark A. Anastasio Professor Dennis L. Barbour Associate Professor Jan Bieschke Assistant Professor Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering (MCSE) This program seeks to develop innovative approaches for treating disease by manipulating molecules, cells or systems. For example, diseases associated with misfolded proteins, such as Alzheimer s and Huntington s, could be treated by understanding and eventually modifying how proteins fold into their complex three-dimensional, functional configurations. Better understanding of most biological processes is likely to depend upon systems-wide approaches at all levels. Neural Engineering (NE) This program involves fundamental and applied studies related to neurons, neural systems, behavior and neurological disease encompassing a spectrum of activities, including mathematical modeling; exploring novel approaches to sensory (vision, hearing, smell and touch) and motor processing; exploring fundamentals of neural plasticity; and designing neuroprosthetics. The PhD, Medical Physics, The University of Chicago, 2001 MS, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1995 MSE, University of Pennsylvania, 1993 BS, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1992 Professor Anastasio s research activities broadly address the engineering and scientific principles of biomedical imaging. Almost all modern biomedical imaging systems, including advanced microscopy methods, X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic computed tomography, to name only a few, utilize computational methods for image formation. The development of image reconstruction methods for novel computed imaging systems is a theme that underlies much of his work. His current research projects include the development of photoacoustic and X-ray phase-contrast imaging methods. MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 2003 PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2003 BEE, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1995 Professor Barbour s research interests include sensory neurophysiology, computational neuroscience, braincomputer interfaces and neural plasticity. He also designs software intended to test and train listening ability following hearing loss. His research has the potential to contribute toward improved devices to interface with humans, including hearing aids, auditory prostheses and linguistic brain-computer interfaces. Research areas: NE PhD, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Germany, 2000 Chemistry Diploma, University of Goettingen, Germany, 1996 Professor Bieschke s research interests focus on the processes of protein folding and misfolding and how these processes can lead to widespread aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer s and Parkinson s disease. Self-assembly of proteins in insoluble fibrillar structures can be toxic to the cell but can also have unique material properties. Professor Bieschke aims to dissect and influence these self-assembly processes using biophysical tools such as single-molecule fluorescence, atomic force microscopy and subdiffraction microscopy, in order to develop new strategies to counteract protein misfolding diseases. Research areas: MCSE approaches involve information processing at the molecular, cellular, systems and behavioral levels. Research areas: IT 6 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 7

6 Research areas Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (BTE) Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) Imaging Technologies (IT) Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering (MCSE) Neural Engineering (NE) Jianmin Cui Igor R. Efimov Donald L. Elbert Steven C. George Vitaly A. Klyachko Daniel W. Moran Professor PhD, Physiology & Biophysics, State University of New York, 1992 MS, Peking University, 1986 BS, Peking University, 1983 Professor Cui investigates the molecular basis of bioelectricity and related diseases in nervous and cardiovascular systems, including ion channel function and modulation and discovery of drugs that target ion channels. He is also interested in ultrasound-mediated drug and gene delivery. Research areas: CVE, MCSE, NE The Lucy and Stanley Lopata Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering PhD, Biophysics & Biomedical Engineering, Moscow Institute of Physics & Technology, 1992 MSc, Moscow Institute of Physics & Technology, 1986 BSc, Moscow Institute of Physics & Technology, 1983 Professor Efimov s research focuses on cardiovascular engineering and physiology with the hope of improving therapies for cardiovascular diseases. His research uses novel biophotonic imaging modalities, bioelectronics and molecular biology techniques to investigate the relation between pathological tissue remodeling and human heart disease, and to develop novel cardiac engineering approaches to therapy. His laboratory is also working on development of new generation of implantable devices based on the technology of stretchable and flexible electronics and 3D printing. Research areas: BTE, CVE, IT, MCSE, NE Associate Professor PhD, Chemical Engineering, University of Texas Austin, 1997 BS, University of Notre Dame, 1990 Professor Elbert s research interests are in cell and tissue engineering, protein adsorption, and drug delivery. His laboratory is developing new hydrogel scaffolds that self-assemble in the presence of living cells, applying bottom-up design principles. The materials are bioactive and designed to resist protein adsorption. Modules are formed by a phase separation process and are designed to carry out unique functions, for example, to deliver proteins or drugs, or to degrade to form pores. Assembly of the modules around the cells allows for the formation of multiple compartments that contain different cell types. He believes that these strategies hold great promise to produce synthetic scaffolds that are better mimics of a natural extracellular matrix. Research areas: BTE Elvera and William Stuckenberg Professor and Chair PhD, University of Washington Seattle, 1995 MD, University of Missouri Columbia, 1991 BS, Northwestern University, 1987 Professor George s research interests include tissue engineering with a focus on creating in vitro microphysiological systems that mimic specific features of human organs. Of particular interest is the incorporation of a vascular supply to deliver nutrients and remove waste products from both normal (cardiac muscle) and cancerous tissue. The research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, including the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and includes both hypothesis-driven (mechanisms of cancer metastasis) as well as translational projects (high-throughput drug screening). In addition, the research is highly interdisciplinary and integrates modern technologies in the areas of induced pluripotent stem cells, microfabrication, microfluidics and optical imaging. Assistant Professor PhD, Biophysics. University of Wisconsin Madison, 2002 MS, BS, Moscow State University, 1998 Professor Klyachko s research is focused on synaptic function and plasticity with the goal of understanding how neural circuits analyze information in the brain. His work has important implications for neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Research areas: NE Associate Professor PhD, Bioengineering, Arizona State University, 1994 BS, Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1989 Professor Moran s research interests are in motor control and neuroprostheses. His research group works to understand how the brain controls voluntary upper arm movements. He also works to identify alternative control signals for braincomputer interfaces, which can restore function in patients who have paralysis or neuromuscular disorders. Research areas: NE Research areas: BTE, CVE 8 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 9

7 Research areas Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (BTE) Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) Imaging Technologies (IT) Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering (MCSE) Neural Engineering (NE) Kristen M. Naegle Rohit V. Pappu Baranidharan Raman Yoram Rudy Shelly E. Sakiyama-Elbert Jin-Yu Shao Assistant Professor PhD, Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010 SM, Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006 MS, Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, 2004 BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, 2001 Professor Naegle s research interests include computational molecular systems biology, post-translational modifications, signal transduction and proteomics. She combines computational mining and modeling techniques with experimental molecular biology approaches to understand the function of post-translational modifications in regulatory networks of the cell. The specific focus of her work is on those regulatory events that are involved in the complex development and propagation of human disease with the possibility of discovering new therapeutic interventions in diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Research areas: MCSE Professor PhD, Theoretical and Biological Physics, Tufts University, 1996 MS, Tufts University, 1993 BSc, Bangalore University, 1990 Eukaryotic proteomes are enriched in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that fail to fold autonomously into welldefined three-dimensional structures. These proteins are often hubs in protein interaction networks and serve as central players in transcriptional regulation and in controlling cellular responses to signals. Professor Pappu s group uses multiscale modeling and biophysical experiments to study three major aspects of IDPs: (i) their sequence-ensemble relationships and mechanisms of molecular recognition; (ii) de novo sequence design to reverse-engineer protein interaction networks by targeting IDP hubs as a model strategy for treatment of cardiovascular disorders; and (iii) mechanisms of self-assembly as it relates to neurodegeneration in Huntington s and related diseases. Professor Pappu is the director of the Center for Biological Systems Engineering (CBSE). Research areas: MCSE Assistant Professor PhD, Computer Science, Texas A&M University, 2005 MS, Computer Science, Texas A&M University, 2003 B Eng, Computer Engineering, University of Madras, 2000 Professor Raman s research interests include computational and systems neuroscience, pattern recognition, sensor-based machine olfaction and bioinspired intelligent systems. He combines theoretical and electrophysiological approaches to study how the brain processes complex sensory signals (especially the olfactory cues), and to identify the fundamental principles of neural computation. In parallel, he is also working on developing novel, neuromorphic algorithms and devices (such as an electronic nose ) that have potential applications in the biomedical, homeland security, robotics and human-computer interaction domains. Research areas: MCSE, NE The Fred Saigh Distinguished Professor of Engineering PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 1978 MSc, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, 1973 BSc, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, 1971 Using computational models, Professor Rudy researches the mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and multicellular levels that underlie normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms, particularly those that lead to sudden cardiac death. Professor Rudy s cardiac cell models have been used worldwide. He has also developed a novel, noninvasive imaging modality for mapping cardiac activation called electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) that is used to study arrhythmias in patients and for clinical diagnosis and guidance of therapy. Professor Rudy is currently the director of the Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia Center (CBAC). Research areas: CVE, IT, MCSE, NE Professor and Associate Chair PhD, Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2000 MS, California Institute of Technology, 1998 BS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1996 Professor Sakiyama-Elbert s research is highly interdisciplinary, combining an understanding of biology, chemistry and biomedical engineering to develop new bioactive materials that can enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration. Her research focuses on developing biomaterials scaffolds for drug delivery and stem cell transplantation to treat peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries. Research areas: BTE, MCSE, NE Associate Professor PhD, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, 1997 MS, Peking University, 1991 BS, Peking University, 1988 With research interests in cellular and molecular biomechanics, Professor Shao works to provide new insights into a variety of diseases (atherosclerosis, leukocyte adhesion deficiency syndrome, cancer metastasis, von Willebrand disease and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) by imposing femtonewton- to nanonewtonlevel forces to single proteins and single cells. His engineering approach will allow for unique contributions to understanding these diseases. He also works to further understand cell adhesion and molecular interactions, as well as cell and tissue development, by combining theoretical modeling and biophysical techniques. Research areas: BTE, CVE, MCSE 10 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 11

8 Major awards funded FY 13 Research areas Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (BTE) Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) Imaging Technologies (IT) Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering (MCSE) Neural Engineering (NE) Mark Anastasio, 3 yrs., $275K, NSF, Title: Collaborative Research Development of Preclinical X-ray Phase Contract Tomography for 3D Imaging of Engineering Tissues. Mark Anastasio and Lihong Wang, 4 yrs., $2.5 million, NIH, Title: Whole-body Small-animal Photoacoustic-ultrasonic Computed Tomography. Igor Efimov, 4 yrs., $2.02 million, NIH, Title: Arrhythmogenic Remodeling in Human Heart Failure. Igor Efimov, 1 yr., $251K, NIH, Title: Low Energy Ventricular Defibrillator. Vitaly Klyachko, 5 yrs., $1.69 million, NINDS, Title: Multiple Roles of RMRP in Synaptic Function and Plasticity. Vitaly Klyachko, 4 yrs., $1.52 million, NINDS, Title: The Role of BK Channels in Neuropathology of Fragile X Syndrome. Jonathan R. Silva Assistant Professor PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2008 MSc, Case Western Reserve University, 2004 BSc, Johns Hopkins University, 2000 Combining experiment with theory, we study how the excitable tissues of the heart, brain and pancreas are regulated by the molecular motions of ion channels. Because channels are so critical for excitable tissue physiology, they are often targeted by neurotoxins, bioweapons, insecticides, anesthetics and anti-arrhythmics. By using fluorescence to measure changes in conformation and ionic currents to assess function, the effects of small molecules, genetic mutation and post-translational modification can be understood at the nano-scale. These results are then incorporated into detailed computational models to understand how they regulate cell and organ physiology. Research areas: CVE, MCSE Larry A. Taber The Dennis and Barbara Kessler Professor of Biomedical Engineering PhD, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, 1979 MS, Stanford University, 1975 BS, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1974 Professor Taber s research focuses on the biomechanics of cardiovascular, brain and eye development in the embryo. Using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques, he is studying cardiac looping, folding of the cerebral cortex and retinal morphogenesis. Looping abnormalities cause numerous cardiac malformations, abnormal folding of the brain is associated with several neurological disorders and perturbed development of the eye can cause severe visual impairment. This research provides insight into the mechanical causes of congenital heart, brain and eye defects. Research areas: BTE, CVE, NE Kurt A. Thoroughman Associate Professor & Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies PhD, Johns Hopkins University, 1999 BA, University of Chicago, 1993 Professor Thoroughman studies human learning and motor control. His lab characterizes motor learning processes in healthy human adults and identifies the specific signals used to plan movements and build motor predictions, which will in turn predict the neuronal activities required for motor learning. Comparing these predictions to physiological recordings from nonhuman primates indicates brain areas that likely underlie these computations. Emerging research projects include how experience changes not just what is learned but the learning process itself; learning via observation of others; ability of people to learn with explicit reward feedback; and theories of movement, biomechanics, reflex and brain. Professor Thoroughman also studies innovations in undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). His work aims to improve motivation, achievement and understanding across courses and semesters, especially for undergraduates. Lihong Wang The Gene K. Beare Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering PhD, Electrical Engineering, Rice University, 1992 MS, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 1987 BS, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 1984 Professor Wang s research interest is in biophotonic imaging. His laboratory invented or discovered functional photoacoustic tomography, 3D photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), the photoacoustic Doppler effect, photoacoustic reporter gene imaging, focused scanning microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography, the universal photoacoustic or thermoacoustic reconstruction algorithm, frequency-swept ultrasound-modulated optical tomography, time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing, sonoluminescence tomography, Mueller-matrix optical coherence tomography, optical coherence computed tomography and oblique-incidence reflectometry. Professor Wang s Monte Carlo model of photon transport in scattering media has been used worldwide. Research areas: IT Frank Yin Stephen F. and Camilla T. Brauer Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering MD, University of California, San Diego, 1973 PhD, University of California, San Diego, 1970 MS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1967 BS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1965 Professor Yin s research expertise is in biomechanics of both fluids and solids. The bulk of his research entailed elucidating the mechanical properties of myocardial and pericardial tissue, heart valves and, most recently, the actin cytoskeleton of cells. He has also studied the effects of hypertension and various therapeutic drugs on arterial hemodynamics. His work has applications for cancer, tissue healing and remodeling, as well as treatment of high blood pressure. From 1997 to 2013 he served as chairman of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Research areas: BTE Barani Raman (with Audrey Odom), 1 yr., $449K, Children s Discovery Institute, Title: Towards noninvasive diagnosis of malaria infection through exhaled breath analysis. Yoram Rudy, 4 yrs., $1.52 million, NIH, Title: Inverse and Forward Problems in Electrocardiography. Yoram Rudy, 4 yrs., $1.52 million, NIH, Title: Cardiac Excitation and Arrhythmias. Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert (with Richard Gelberman and Stavros Thomopoulos), 5 yrs., $2.67 million, NIH, Title: Enhanced Tendon Healing through Growth Factor and Cell Therapies. Lihong Wang, 5 yrs., $3.5 million, NIH Transformative Research Award, Title: In Vivo Imaging of Single Circulating Cells. Lihong Wang, 2 yrs., $110K, NIST, Title: Reflection-mode photoacoustic imaging of tissue phantom standards. Lihong Wang, 3 yrs., $320K, NSF, Title: Collaborative Research/IDBR: High-throughput measurement of oxygen consumption rates of single cells using wide-field optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy. Research areas: NE 12 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 13

9 Undergraduate Students Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Washington University offers a four-year curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree, which is designed to prepare students for graduate school, medical school or industry. No. 14 Biomedical engineers have a tremendous impact on the lives of people around the world, developing lifesaving cures and improving quality of life. Studying biomedical engineering allows students the opportunity to learn the principles Undergraduate program in U.S. News ranking (2014) of engineering and biology to solve problems at molecular to whole-body levels. Undergraduate students work with engineering and medical faculty on projects ranging from surgical devices and imaging techniques to bioactive materials 24% wustl photo wustl photo and drug delivery systems. The curriculum is structured around a basic core of 104 units. A complementary of 2013 BME graduates went on to attend medical school program of at least 16 units completes the degree requirements. Students in BME may also receive up to six units of academic credit for a research or design project. devon hill Research & independent study Undergraduates are encouraged to pursue laboratory or industrial research during the school year or summer break. Many Washington University faculty have research openings for students. International experience In addition to the study-abroad programs available through the College of Arts and Sciences, there are Biomedical Engineering-specific exchange programs available to students during the semester or summer. 14 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 15

10 Graduate Students Our vision is that future leaders and lasting impact will arise from successfully integrating engineering concepts and approaches across molecular to whole- body levels. Moreover, those also trained to integrate the analytical, modeling and systems approaches of engineering to the complex, and sometimes overwhelming, descriptive details of biology will be uniquely positioned to address new and exciting opportunities. We are committed to educating and training the next generation of biomedical engineers with this vision in mind. Consequently, we have leveraged our existing strengths to build our department around the five research programs representing some of the most exciting frontiers. We focus on five overlapping research programs that represent frontier areas of biomedical engineering and leverage the existing strengths of our current faculty and resources. These areas provide exciting training opportunities for students with a variety of backgrounds and interests. There is ample support for students to pursue their research training. The core faculty s annual per capita research expenditures currently exceed $675,000, putting us in the top tier of research departments nationwide. WUSTL School of Medicine consistently ranks in the top ten of the 125 U.S. medical schools and third in funding from the National Institutes of Health for research and training. The cross-disciplinary relationships, especially with the acclaimed School of Medicine, seamlessly integrate the principles of engineering design with clinical needs to strive for advancements in both basic science and translational innovations. Sarah Gutbrod Biomedical Engineering PhD student Matthew MacEwan Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of NanoMed LLC and Retectix LLC NanoMed/Retectix is a medical device company focused on the development and production of nanofabricated surgical meshes and biomaterials utilizing novel platform technology developed at Washington University in St. Louis. Matthew is responsible for product development, preclinical/clinical testing, regulatory compliance and corporate strategy. Matthew is a member of the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis and is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering and an MD with clinical specialization in neurosurgery. ron klein No. 11 Graduate program in U.S. News ranking (2014) Degrees offered Master of Science (MS) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Engineering Combined MS/MBA (given jointly with the Olin Business School) Combined MD/PhD (given jointly with the School of Medicine) 16 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 17

11 Biomedical Engineering Alumni Select companies where our alumni work: My engineering background has equipped me with skills and technical knowledge that I now use every day as a future physician, in both the hospital and the classroom. Zoë Julian Current medical student, previously a Biocompatibility Specialist at Boston Scientific, Class of 2009 Abbott Laboratories Accenture Amgen Analogic Corp. L Oréal Massachusetts General Hospital MD Anderson Cancer Center Philips Philips Healthcare Princeton University Procter & Gamble biomérieux Inc. Medtronic Roche Diagnostics Boston Scientific Corp. Microsoft Shell Mike Lynch BSBME, MSBME, 00 Co-founder and CSO, OPX Biotechnologies The race is on to develop greener fuels and chemicals from renewable resources, and Boulder, Colo. based OPX Biotechnologies Inc. with two Washington University alumni at the helm is in the race to win. Elizabeth Phillips BSBME, NCAA Woman of the Year, current medical student The 2012 finalists were selected based on academic achievement, athletic excellence and dedication to community service and leadership. Abigail Cohen BSBME, 13 Co-founder, Sparo Labs, Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellow Cohen was part of a student-led team that founded Sparo Labs, which stemmed from an award-winning project to develop a lowcost spirometer, a device that measures lung function. The team had spent about a year and a half developing the product and a prototype that conquers the historical issues of high cost and difficulty of use. Most spirometers cost between $1,000 and $2,000, making them unaffordable for hospitals and clinics in the developing world. However, the device the student team designed costs about $8. The low cost could allow health-care providers in developing countries to purchase the Covidien Epic FDA GE GE Healthcare Genentech Google Phillips, who graduated in 2012 with a Mike Lynch, MD/PhD, AB 00, BSBME 00, degree in biomedical engineering and a 4.0 MSBME 00, the driving force behind the GPA, completed her career as one of the company s platform technologies, cofounded OPX Biotechnologies (OPXBIO) in history. She became the first-ever three- most decorated student-athletes in school Kimberly-Clark 2007 and serves as chief scientific officer. time NCAA Elite 88/89 Award winner Chas Eggert, BSChE 75, MBA 85, came in any NCAA division. In 2012, Phillips on board as president and CEO in 2008, was named the Capital One Academic bringing a wealth of chemical industry All-America of the Year Division III award experience. Together, these innovators are winner for women s track & field/crossrapidly propelling OPXBIO toward the lead country, making her the first track & field/ spirometers, which are specially in the emerging bioproducts industry. cross country Academic All-America of designed for accuracy and durability the Year winner in Washington U. history. despite their price. She also earned first-team Academic All- $68,400 America honors in 2011 and Micro Systems Engineering Inc. Millennium Pharmaceuticals Monsanto Neutrogena Owens Corning Peace Corps Pfizer Inc. Reported starting salaries for 2013 WUSTL Biomedical Engineering Bachelor of Science graduates Siemens Sigma-Aldrich St. Jude Medical Stryker Teach For America Texas Instruments VA Medical Center Wyle $46,900 National average * National Association of Colleges and Employers Salary Survey Sept >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 19

12 Facilities Realizing the need for new research laboratories and specialized facilities School of Engineering & Applied Science that would support the school s intellectual vision and plans, Chancellor Mark The School of Engineering & Applied Science is a top-ranked, dynamic Wrighton committed the site at the northeast corner of WUSTL s Danforth school with 91 tenured and tenure-track professors, 40 additional full-time Campus for the School of Engineering & Applied Science. In 2007, the faculty, 1,300 undergraduate students, more than 750 graduate students school developed a master plan for a new engineering complex that would complement and connect to the existing Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering. The proposed approximately 700,000-square-foot complex would provide modern research and instructional facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology needed to enable collaboration across disciplines. The Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering and Stephen F. & Camilla T. Brauer Hall of Engineering are the home of Biomedical Engineering. Each of these state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities contains modular office, laboratory and teaching complexes of various sizes. The flexible design of each building also easily accommodates different types of research and the requisite infrastructure, such as specialized imaging equipment, scanning and transmission electron microscopes and high-speed, high-capacity computing clusters. LEED: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. $150 m Invested since 2001 in engineering space and more than 20,000 alumni. With approximately $25 million in annual sponsored research, the school focuses intellectual efforts through a new convergence paradigm, particularly as applied to medicine and health, energy and environment, entrepreneurship and security. The school includes five academic departments: Biomedical Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Electrical and Systems Engineering; Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, in addition to the Professional Education program and a joint undergraduate program with the University of Missouri St. Louis. The school is ranked among U.S. News & World Report s top 50 Engineering Schools. 91 Tenured and tenure-track faculty 1,304 Undergraduate students 433 Master s students 355 Doctoral students 20K Alumni Uncas A. Whitaker Hall Whitaker Hall opened in December 2002 with approximately 110,000 square feet of space for the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Stephen F. & Camilla T. Brauer Hall Brauer Hall opened in June 2010 with approximately 151,000 square feet of space for the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering. g engineering.wustl.edu dan gill $25 m Total research expenditures 20 >> school of engineering & applied science bme.wustl.edu >> 21

13 Department of Biomedical Engineering Campus Box 1097 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO (314) >> bme.wustl.edu