Biomedical Engineering


DESIGNING THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

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

Howell Biointerface and Biomimetics Lab

Caitlin Howell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering

READY TO JOIN US?

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.

Incoming Student Information

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

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

Biomedical Engineering

Combining engineering principles with medical sciences to design healthcare technologies and devices.
Faculty: Bowie, Howell, Khalil, Mason, Tilbury, Wujcik

Biomass Processing & Biorefining

Conversion of biological materials into energy, chemicals, and materials for sustainable solutions.
Faculty: Schwartz, van Walsum, Wheeler

Engineering Education

Development and innovation in teaching methods to enhance engineering learning outcomes.
Faculty: Tilbury, Walton, Weeks

Environmental Science & Engineering

Application of engineering to solve environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
Faculty: DeSisto, Schwartz, van Walsum, Wujcik

Materials Science & Engineering

Research on the properties and applications of materials for advanced engineering solutions.
Faculty: Bousfield, DeSisto, Howell, Mason, Schwartz, van Walsum, Wujcik

Composites & Interfacial Science

Study of composite materials and their interface properties to improve performance.
Faculty: DeSisto, Howell, Mason, Neivandt, Schwartz, Wujcik

Computational Modeling & Radiomics

Using advanced computation to model physical phenomena and analyze medical imaging data.
Faculty: Bousfield, Khalil

Catalysis & Reaction Engineering

Design and study of catalysts to enhance chemical reactions for industrial processes.
Faculty: Schwartz, van Walsum, Wheeler

Molecular Bio-Physics

Investigation of biological molecules’ physical principles and their interactions.
Faculty: Khalil, Mason, Neivandt, Tilbury

Polymer Science & Engineering

Study and engineering of polymers for industrial and biomedical applications.
Faculty: Bousfield, Mason, Neivandt, Wujcik

Process Simulation, Economics, and Life Cycle Analysis

Modeling processes to optimize design, cost, and environmental impact.
Faculty: van Walsum, Wheeler

Pulp & Paper

Engineering solutions for the production and sustainability of paper and related products.
Faculty: Bousfield, Howell, Schwartz

Sensors

Design and development of devices that detect and measure physical, chemical, or biological changes.
Faculty: DeSisto, Howell, Mason, Pendse, Wujcik

Spectroscopy

Study of the interaction between light and matter to analyze chemical and physical properties.
Faculty: Howell, Mason, Neivandt, Schwartz, Tilbury

Tissue Microenvironments

The study of cellular interactions with their surrounding environment, crucial for understanding tissue function, development, and disease progression.
Faculty: Khalil, 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: Bousfield, Mason, van Walsum, 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

Michael Mason

Professor, Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Thomas Schwartz

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

Gerard Van Walsum

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

Clay Wheeler

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

Department Contact Information

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering

Peter Van Walsum
peter.vanwalsum@maine.edu

Department Chair

Cathy Dunn
cdunn@maine.edu

Administrative Specialist

Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737
Tel: 207-581-2277

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Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Commission’s General Criteria and the Biomedical Engineering Program Criteria.