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.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Research

Faculty

Engineering new applications for paper mill products

Liza White:

Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering

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Howell Biointerface and Biomimetics Lab

Caitlin Howell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering

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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 Offerings

Undergraduate Level

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomedical Engineering
Minor in Biomedical Engineering

Graduate Degrees

Program Information

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.

The UMaine Office of Institutional Research annually compiles statistical data for all programs across campus. Enrollment and graduation data for all Engineering programs can be found at:

UMaine faculty members help students obtain summer internships in leading research and diagnostics development laboratories throughout New England. Internships with these companies and research institutions typically take place in the junior and senior years of the program.

Students are encouraged to undertake undergraduate research experiences in the laboratories of the department faculty. UMaine Biomedical Engineering professors are all highly active and accomplished researchers. Research projects have included the development of nanoprobes for detection and imaging of cancer; creation of model cellular membranes for the study of membrane-protein interactions, molecular biosensors for detecting pathogens and toxins, and improving tissue-implant compatibility. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in projects such as these to gain hands-on experience in the field, either for course credit, or as paid employees.

Students with satisfactory academic standing at the end of their fourth semester may elect to participate in the “Co-Op” program. This fifteen month program involves two fourteen-week sessions of paid, supervised professional experience as a junior engineer. The Co-Op sessions are typically scheduled during alternating semesters of the third year with a semester of coursework between the sessions. Students are able to participate in the Co-Op experience and still graduate in four years by rescheduling their coursework and taking classes during a summer term. Participating students must register for six credits which, in general, cannot be substituted for the courses required for the BS degree.

The B.S. degree is suitable for entry-level engineering careers and as preparation for graduate-level study in engineering or scientific disciplines. The degree also serves as an excellent foundation for admission to medical degree programs. For students who wish to pursue advanced postgraduate studies in this area, UMaine also offers a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering, in addition to a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering through the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering.

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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.

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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