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.
Engineering new applications for paper mill products
Liza White:
Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering
microfluidics research and development
Caitlin Howell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
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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 Engineering
Graduate Programs
Biomedical Engineering Graduate Programs offer advanced degrees in biomedical innovation and healthcare technology, including options for accelerated pathways, master’s, and doctoral studies.
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
Biomedical Engineering
Biomass Processing & Biorefining
Engineering Education
Environmental Science & Engineering
Materials Science & Engineering
Composites & Interfacial Science
Computational Modeling & Radiomics
Catalysis & Reaction Engineering
Molecular Bio-Physics
Polymer Science & Engineering
Process Simulation, Economics, and Life Cycle Analysis
Pulp & Paper
Sensors
Spectroscopy
Tissue Microenvironments
Transport Phenomena & Separation
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
Evan Wujcik
Clay Wheeler
Sara Walton
Lisa Weeks
MCEC NEWS
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Commission’s General Criteria and the Medical Engineering Program Criteria.
