March 29, 2021
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
Congratulations to two teams of students in our Center for Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) master’s program in medical device design. The biomedical engineering students took first and second place in the University’s annual America’s Got Regulatory Science Talent student competition, which drew the largest number of participants in its history. Students from across the University compete for a chance to present their regulatory science ideas at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They must propose new tools, standards, and approaches to assess the safety, efficacy, quality, and performance of FDA-regulated products.
Within years, for example, it is likely that 3D printing of an organ or tissue will take place in hospitals immediately before being implanted. Alex McMullen, who is also pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering; Aaron Craig ’20, and Megan Luzenski took first place by proposing a database with mandatory reporting of cleared, point-of-care implants to track their quality over time. They also proposed a system for validating implants and the equipment used to make them and periodic in-depth training by manufacturing representatives.
Currently canine models are used to ensure that new medical devices won’t cause clotting when they come into contact with blood. Julia Schroth and Matt Izard ’20 proposed a new in vitro blood flow assay. The assay would use human blood and would more easily control and monitor a host of blood and vessel characteristics–enabling more tests in a shorter time and with less effort and money.
Well done! The CMTI master’s program, offered through the Department of Biomedical Engineering, does an outstanding job of training students in the commercialization process of medical devices. Our close proximity to the University’s world-class Medical Center provides CMTI students with unique opportunities to work closely with clinicians to understand not only their needs, but the constraints that an operating room or other clinical setting imposes on device design. The program also familiarizes students with the complexities of the medical device industry including FDA regulations, intellectual property, and quality systems.
CAST YOUR VOTE
Thanks to all who submitted 48 eye-catching, thought-provoking images to our annual, University-wide Art of Science Competition. Now is your chance to help select the People’s Choice Award winner. All members of the University community can sign in here to pick your favorite entry by April 15. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize. Prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 will also be awarded to winning student entries, as chosen by a panel of judges. All winners will be announced at a date to be determined. For inquiries, contact Brian McIntyre and the project team at artofscience@gmail.com.
FOR STUDENTS
We’ve all been encouraged by the news about COVID-19 cases heading toward record lows. But we can’t let down our guard. Our positive cases among undergraduate students have been comparatively high. So, I urge students to avoid off-campus places where there is very little compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures. And please be open in answering contact tracing questions. Let’s all keep making smart decisions so we can keep our in-person campus experience going!
Monetary support for various summer experiences is available for undergraduate students. Applications are due April 12. Learn more about these various funding opportunities:
Please note: The deadline to apply to the Tripods NSF REU and STEM for All Summer 2021 programs has been extended to April 15. These programs, which run from July 19 – August 13, 2021, offer students an opportunity to learn and do research with neural networks, the computational framework that imitates the human brain. Participants will receive a $1600 stipend for completion. The programs are open to current undergraduates at the University of Rochester, Cornell University, and institutions in the Rochester area. Apply here.
The Careers Unfiltered podcast produced by the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections is back with an all-new season. Learn about a specific industry, hear advice, listen to Rochester stories, or just explore different careers in general. Careers Unfiltered has more than 40 episodes of career conversations with University alumni, students, and staff. New episodes are released weekly and can be found through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
A SPECIAL PLACE
Jen Carson ’21 of mechanical engineering is an example of why our University is a special place for students who want to pursue and, in Jen’s case combine their passions and interests. Jen, the senior class representative for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE) student chapter, has played softball since 6th grade. She also knew she wanted to pursue mechanical engineering since her first year of high school. “The University was really exciting for me because it gave me the opportunity to explore areas outside of engineering, and also to simply be an engineering major on a sports team (women’s varsity softball),” she says. “And then I also liked the idea that I wouldn’t be limited to just engineering classes. There are very few schools where I would have been able to minor in economics like I did here.” Jen is looking forward to using her degree to work in the sports engineering field designing and analyzing equipment. Read more here.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
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