Engineering technology plays an increasingly important role in maintaining and improving health. Today, many medical advances in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes have occurred because of innovations in bioengineering.
Research in the College of Engineering and Architecture is increasing fundamental understanding about biomaterials, molecular and cellular biological processes, and biomechanics that will lead to improvements in health and the quality of life for millions of Americans. Using advanced microfluidic and protein separation processes, faculty are developing better diagnostic devices to help first responders recognize heart attacks more quickly. Other research will help people to avoid chronic neck injuries, enabling a more complete understanding of interactions between neck muscles, bones, and ligaments, and someday reducing whiplash injuries.
The U.S. population is aging, and by 2050, the largest age group of women will be over 80 years old. Skeletal disorders are among the nation’s most debilitating human health problems today, afflicting one in seven Americans, and many of them women. Researchers in the Bioengineering Research Center are building stronger biomaterials for long-lasting, highly durable, skeletal implants that will mean improved prosthetic materials.
Our computer science faculty members are also developing innovative “smart home” technologies that will allow greater independence for the elderly or disabled.
Degree Programs:
Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering environmental engineering
Laboratories:
