Home
Undergraduate
Graduate
Research
Contact
Button

Biomedical Engineering

DESIGNING THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Undergraduate
Graduate
Research
Faculty

Bridging biology and engineering and empowering students to design innovative solutions for healthcare. With a focus on clinical, therapeutic, and diagnostic applications, the program prepares students for impactful careers or advanced studies.

Internships

Programs

Starting Salary

Another stat

PROTECTING MAINE’S COASTS

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

APPLY TODAY!

Eliminating FOEVER CHEMICALS

Onur Apul, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Stay in touch!
give to mcec

READY TO JOIN US?

APPLY TODAY!

Program Offerings 

BIOMEDICAL Engineering Overview

The University of Maine’s Biomedical Engineering Program prepares students to thrive in the dynamic and impactful field of biomedical engineering. This discipline focuses on the intersection of biology, medicine, and engineering, equipping students with the skills to create innovative solutions that benefit society. Biomedical engineers are at the forefront of designing artificial organs, developing advanced cancer detection methods, creating sensors for biological agents, and engineering materials for drug delivery.

UMaine’s program emphasizes rigorous undergraduate engineering instruction in areas like biological systems analysis, instrumentation, and the manipulation of biological processes. The curriculum combines core training in engineering, mathematics, and science with elective courses in humanities, social sciences, and specialized biomedical topics. Students gain hands-on experience through opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, addressing challenges like cancer detection, tissue-implant compatibility, bio-inspired materials, and computational diagnostics.

Graduates of UMaine’s Biomedical Engineering Program are equipped for employment in clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic industries or for pursuing advanced degrees. Additional pathways, including minors in Pre-Medical Studies or Engineering Leadership and Management, and a five-year BS-MBA option, provide flexible opportunities tailored to student interests. With biomedical engineering’s rapid growth, UMaine graduates are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to healthcare innovation and society.

Program Objectives

The program educational objectives are that in the time frame of three to five years after graduation our students will:

  • Hold positions that utilize their engineering training and have advanced in their job responsibilities, or be pursuing postgraduate education
  • Be working as engineering professionals, act ethically by adhering to standards and being committed to the health and safety of employees and the general population
  • Be pursuing innovative solutions to current societal challenges and continue to improve themselves through a variety of learning opportunities
  • Contribute to their employer and society by working effectively in the global economy, contribute to professional, civic, or governmental organizations, be leading or working collaboratively in teams, and be communicating with diverse groups

Student Outcomes

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Department Information

Department Chair: Gerard Van Walsum
Department Administrator: Cathy Dunn

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737
Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

Biomedical & CHEMICAL Engineering Research


The Biomedical & CHEMICAL Engineering Department provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students for research in a wide variety of areas. Explore eaCH AREA and associated faculty members.

Biomedical Optics/Biophotonics

The study of light-tissue interaction for medical imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Michael D. Mason
  • Karissa Tilbury

Biomedical Engineering

Combining engineering principles with medical sciences to design healthcare technologies and devices.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Robert M. Bowie M.D.
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Andre Khalil
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Karissa Tilbury
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Biomass Processing & Biorefining

Conversion of biological materials into energy, chemicals, and materials for sustainable solutions.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • M. Clayton Wheeler

Engineering Education

Development and innovation in teaching methods to enhance engineering learning outcomes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Karissa Tilbury
  • Sara L. Walton
  • Lisa Weeks

Environmental Science & Engineering

Application of engineering to solve environmental challenges and promote sustainability.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • William DeSisto
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Materials Science & Engineering

Research on the properties and applications of materials for advanced engineering solutions.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • William DeSisto
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Yonghao Ni
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Composites & Interfacial Science

Study of composite materials and their interface properties to improve performance.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • William DeSisto
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Yonghao Ni
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Computational Modeling & Radiomics

Using advanced computation to model physical phenomena and analyze medical imaging data.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Andre Khalil

Catalysis & Reaction Engineering

Design and study of catalysts to enhance chemical reactions for industrial processes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • M. Clayton Wheeler

Molecular Bio-Physics

Investigation of biological molecules’ physical principles and their interactions.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Andre Khalil
  • Michael D. Mason
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Karissa Tilbury

Polymer Science & Engineering

Study and engineering of polymers for industrial and biomedical applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Yonghao Ni
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Process Simulation, Economics, and Life Cycle Analysis

Modeling processes to optimize design, cost, and environmental impact.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • M. Clayton Wheeler

Pulp & Paper

Engineering solutions for the production and sustainability of paper and related products.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Yonghao Ni
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Thomas J. Schwartz

Sensors

Design and development of devices that detect and measure physical, chemical, or biological changes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • William DeSisto
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Spectroscopy

Study of the interaction between light and matter to analyze chemical and physical properties.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • Karissa Tilbury

Tissue Microenvironments

The study of cellular interactions with their surrounding environment, crucial for understanding tissue function, development, and disease progression.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Andre Khalil
  • Karissa Tilbury

Transport Phenomena & Separation

The analysis of mass, energy, and momentum transfer in systems, focusing on separation techniques and fluid behavior in engineering processes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Our Faculty and Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential

Thomas Schwartz

Associate Professor Associate Director, Forest Bioproducts Research Institute Graduate Program Coordinator

Clay Wheeler

Professor Director, Forest Bioproducts Research Institute Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Michael Mason

Professor, Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Gerard Van Walsum

Peter Van Walsum Chair of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Professor of Chemical Engineering

MCEC NEWS

Stay conNECTED