1. business and industrial
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The Department of
Biomedical Engineering
>> bme.wustl.edu
2013-2014
department of biomedical engineering
Biomedical Engineering at
Washington University
Established in 1997, the Department of Biomedical Engineering seeks to provide a
first-class engineering education that prepares students for a variety of careers
and a cutting-edge graduate program that advances basic science with the hope of
improving the diagnoses and treatment of human diseases.
Since the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) was founded at
Washington University in St. Louis in 1997, our full-time faculty has grown from
two to 19, and our student population to about 400 undergraduate students
and more than 120 graduate students, becoming the largest in the School of
Engineering & Applied Science.
Consistently ranked among the top 15 U.S. biomedical engineering departments,
the graduate program tied for No. 12 in the 2013 U.S. News & World Report
rankings. Our faculty had more than $10 million in research funding in fiscal year
2013, or about 50 percent of the school’s total research expenditures.
This tremendous success and exponential growth of our department can be
attributed to the extraordinary efforts of our talented faculty, outstanding
students and diligent staff, backed by the generous support of friends and
Tenured/tenure-track
faculty
teaching and research. Particularly in partnership with the world-renowned
408
School of Medicine, our research seeks to bring innovative, interdisciplinary
Undergraduate students
colleagues.
Our department builds upon a long tradition of commitment to first-class
approaches to advancing basic science and to allow us to better understand,
diagnose and treat human diseases. We are also committed to providing
outstanding training to the next generation of biomedical engineers that will
lead to successful, productive careers.
Our research focuses on five intersecting research programs: biomaterials
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and tissue engineering; cardiovascular engineering; imaging technologies;
molecular, cellular and systems engineering; and neural engineering. While we
are primarily based in two state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities —
the Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering and Stephen F. & Camilla
T. Brauer Hall — many of our faculty also conduct research at the medical school.
Our core faculty team, with affiliated faculty in a variety of interdisciplinary
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Doctoral students
1,219
Alumni
research initiatives, brings a rich diversity to research and a solid curriculum,
leading our faculty and more than 1,000 alumni to make a meaningful impact
in many of the premier academic, medical, legal and industrial organizations
worldwide.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
Mark Anastasio, PhD
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Interim Department Chair and Professor
bme.wustl.edu >>
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department of biomedical engineering
Research
Health-care problems posed by complex diseases present the most
daunting challenges for modern society. These diseases include cancer,
injuries to physiological systems and disorders associated with embryonic
development, aging and the adaptive immune system. Our vision is that
advances in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases will require
integrative and multiscale engineering approaches to biology and biomedical
sciences. The BME department faculty will produce advances in basic
science, enabling technologies and multiscale systems science approaches
that will provide a more holistic understanding of the spatiotemporal
responses of biomolecular and cellular networks that give rise to the onset
and progression of such diseases and the propagation of injuries. This will
involve an integrative approach with a synergistic focus on development,
regeneration and degeneration of cells and tissues, and will be leveraged
to transform the development of novel biomaterials, drugs and biomedical
devices for diagnosis and treatment.
Solving Global
Challenges:
Medicine & Health
Diagnosing and treating complex
diseases are among the world’s
most significant long-term
multiscale &
multimode
imaging
mechanobiology
challenges. Yet, these present
some of the greatest possibilities
regeneration
cancer, tissue repair
for improving global quality
of life. Historically, physicians
have approached diseases with
standardized treatments, but
biomaterials
development
differentiation,
morphogenesis
biological processes
& networks
recently, through a convergence of
disciplines, physicians, scientists
synthetic
biology
and engineers are beginning
to understand the medical and
medical devices, and new drugs and
$10.15 m
delivery methods.
Research expenditures (FY13)
health potential of cutting-edge
biomedical &
biological
computing
biomimetics
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research in areas such as genome
and imaging sciences, novel
molecular &
cellular systems
engineering
&
degeneration
systemic aging,
neurodegeneration
applied science
ron klein
Research areas
»» Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering
»» Cardiovascular Engineering
»» Imaging Technologies
»» Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering
»» Neural Engineering
bme.wustl.edu >>
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department of biomedical engineering
Groundbreaking Research
& Innovation
Research Centers &
Collaboration
Cardiac Bioelectricity & Arrhythmia Center (CBAC)
Recent major
research awards
An interdisciplinary center housed within the engineering school, CBAC works to
develop new tools for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias — a major
»» Igor Efimov, 4 yrs, $2,025,868,
NIH, Title: “Arrhythmogenic
Remodeling in Human Heart
Failure.”
cause of death and disability. Through an interdisciplinary effort, CBAC investigators
apply molecular biology, ion-channel and cell electrophysiology, optical mapping of
membrane potential and cell calcium, multi-electrode cardiac electrophysiological
mapping, electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) and other noninvasive imaging
»» Vitaly Klyachko, 5 yrs, $1,690,595,
NINDS, Title: “Multiple Roles of
RMRP in Synaptic Function and
Plasticity.”
modalities, and computational biology (mathematical modeling) to study mechanisms
of arrhythmias at all levels of the cardiac system. cbac.wustl.edu
Center for Biological Systems Engineering (CBSE)
The engineering school launched an innovative, multidisciplinary center to revolutionize
the way human diseases are diagnosed and treated. Building on the strengths in the
from different backgrounds are working together to study the basic sciences of protein
Washington University
School of Medicine
structure, models of complex living systems and genetic regulatory networks. By
Collaborations between the School
leveraging systems science approaches to understand and control biomolecular and
of Medicine and the School of
cellular networks, the researchers in the center focus on novel approaches that will
Engineering & Applied Science
enable a new understanding of how cellular processes and decisions are controlled by
have led to major advances in
schools of Engineering & Applied Science and Medicine, faculty and student researchers
structures and dynamics of biomolecular networks. cbse.wustl.edu
Interdisciplinary research centers and pathways:
»» Cognitive, Computation and Systems
Neuroscience (CCSN) Pathway: dbbs.wustl.edu/ccsn
»» Center for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging
and Nanomedicine (C-TRAIN): ctrain.wustl.edu
»» Imaging Sciences Pathway (ISP): imagingpathways.wustl.edu
»» Center for Innovation in Neuroscience
and Technology (CINT): cint.wustl.edu
»» Center for the Investigation of Membrane
Excitability Diseases (CIMED): cimed.wustl.edu
»» Hope Center for Neurological Disorders: hopecenter.wustl.edu
»» Institute for Materials Science & Engineering (IMSE): imse.wustl.edu
areas including positron emission
tomography, medical applications
of ultrasound, application of
computers to hearing research
and development of heart valve
flow simulators. This atmosphere
of collaboration and collegiality
between the two schools has
been further strengthened and
expanded, leading to an exceptional
degree of synergy that is one of the
department’s hallmarks.
Genes provide clues
to gender disparity in
human hearts
Healthy men and women show little
difference in their hearts, except
for small electrocardiographic
disparities. But new genetic
differences found by Igor Efimov,
PhD, the Lucy and Stanley Lopata
Distinguished Professor of
Biomedical Engineering, in hearts
with disease could ultimately lead to
personalized treatment of various
heart ailments.
While prior studies have clearly
established differences in the
development of heart disease
between men and women, very
few studies had looked at the
molecular mechanisms behind those
differences in human hearts.
Efimov and a former doctoral
student, Christina Ambrosi,
PhD, analyzed 34 human hearts.
They expected very large gender
differences in expression of genes
in the ventricles, but did not find
them. Unexpectedly, they found huge
gender differences in the atria.
g engineering.wustl.edu/geneclues
g engineering.wustl.edu/research
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Team LumaCure takes
top prize in Engineering
World Health Design
Competition
Team LumaCure, which includes
biomedical engineering majors
Charles Wu, junior; Huy Lam,
sophomore; John Prewitt, senior;
Yoga Shentu, sophomore; Matt
Speizman, sophomore; and Fangzhou
Xiao, sophomore, won the $3,000
first-place prize in the 2013
competition. They received their
award at the Biomedical Engineering
Society meeting in September 2013.
The team received the award for its
Electroluminescence Biliblanket,
a low-cost alternative to treating
jaundice in newborns. The device
is a small, glowing mat placed next
to the infant’s skin, with much less
power intensive requirements and
less costly than those currently
used. The team built a prototype
that uses electroluminescent
materials to transmit light,
eliminating the need for expensive
fiber optics, and to supply a lowcost, reliable and safe treatment for
jaundice in newborns, particularly in
the developing world.
»» Yoram Rudy, 4 yrs, $1,520,000,
NIH, Title: “Inverse and Forward
Problems in Electrocardiography.”
»» Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert (with
Richard Gelberman and Stavros
Thomopoulos), $2,673,845, NIH,
Title: “Enhanced Tendon Healing
Through Growth Factor and Cell
Therapies.”
»» Igor Efimov, 2 yrs, $437,330, NIH,
Title: “Opto-electric Mapping of
Action Potentials.”
»» Dan Moran, 4 yrs, $1,992,456,
NSF, Title: “Development of New
Algorithmic Models and Tools
to Enhance Neural Adaptation
in Brain Computer Interface
Systems.”
»» Rohit Pappu, 4 yrs, $847,075,
NSF, Title: “Phase Behavior of
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.”
»» Barani Raman, 3 yrs, $732,084,
ONR, Title: “Neuromorphic
Chemical Sensing Using
Miniaturized Microsensor Arrays.”
»» Lihong Wang, 5 years, $3,800,000,
NIH Director’s Pioneer Award to
explore novel imaging techniques
using light that promise
significant improvements in
biomedical imaging and light
therapy.
g engineering.wustl.edu/lumacure
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department of biomedical engineering
Faculty
Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering
Our core and more than 60 affiliated faculty partner in a number of
This program seeks to determine the fundamental principles regulating
interdisciplinary research institutes, centers and pathways. Together, these
growth and remodeling in natural and engineered tissues. The result will be a
provide an extremely broad spectrum of teaching and research expertise.
better understanding of normal growth processes and the responses of cells,
This rich diversity, integrating length scales from molecules to the whole
tissues and organisms to disease and trauma. This knowledge will be applied
organism, together with a solid curriculum grounded in biomedical engineering,
to the development of materials that promote healing and the regeneration
has enabled our faculty to make a meaningful impact in many of the premier
of functional tissues.
academic, medical, legal and industrial organizations around the world.
No. 1
U.S. News & World Report’s per capita
core faculty citations from 2001 to 2011
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Donald L. Elbert
Shelly E. Sakiyama-Elbert
Larry A. Taber
Frank Yin
Associate Professor
Professor and Associate Chair
PhD, Chemical Engineering,
University of Texas-Austin, 1997
PhD, Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 2000
The Dennis and Barbara Kessler
Professor of Biomedical
Engineering
Stephen F. and Camilla T. Brauer
Distinguished Professor of
Biomedical Engineering
BS, University of Notre Dame, 1990
MS, California Institute of
Technology, 1998
Professor Elbert’s research interests
are in cell and tissue engineering,
protein adsorption, and drug delivery.
His laboratory is developing new
hydrogel scaffolds that self-assemble
in the presence of living cells, applying
“bottom-up” design principles. The
materials are bioactive and designed to
resist protein adsorption. “Modules’” are
formed by a phase separation process and
are designed to carry out unique functions,
for example, to deliver proteins or drugs,
or to degrade to form pores. Assembly of
the modules around the cells allows for the
formation of multiple compartments that
contain different cell types. He believes
that these strategies hold great promise to
produce synthetic scaffolds that are better
mimics of natural extracellular matrix.
PhD, Aeronautics and Astronautics,
Stanford University, 1979
MD, University of
California, San Diego, 1973
BS, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 1996
MS, Stanford University, 1975
PhD, University of
California, San Diego, 1970
Professor Sakiyama-Elbert’s research
is highly interdisciplinary, combining an
understanding of biology, chemistry and
biomedical engineering to develop new
bioactive materials that can enhance
wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Her research focuses on developing
biomaterials scaffolds for drug delivery
and stem cell transplantation to treat
peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries.
BS, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1974
Professor Taber’s research focuses on
the biomechanics of cardiovascular, brain
and eye development in the embryo.
Using a combination of experimental and
theoretical techniques, he is studying
cardiac looping, folding of the cerebral
cortex and retinal morphogenesis.
Looping abnormalities cause numerous
cardiac malformations, abnormal folding
of the brain is associated with several
neurological disorders, and perturbed
development of the eye can cause severe
visual impairment. This research provides
insight into the mechanical causes of
congenital heart, brain and eye defects.
MS, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 1967
BS, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 1965
Professor Yin’s research expertise is
biomechanics of both fluids and solids.
The bulk of his research entailed
elucidating the mechanical properties
of myocardial and pericardial tissue,
heart valves and, most recently, the
actin cytoskeleton of cells. He has also
studied the effects of hypertension and
various therapeutic drugs on arterial
hemodynamics. His work has applications
to cancer, tissue healing and remodeling, as
well as treatment of high blood pressure.
From 1997 to 2013 he served as chairman of
the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
bme.wustl.edu >>
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department of biomedical engineering
Cardiovascular Engineering
Imaging Technologies
This program seeks to create better understanding of the cardiovascular
This program seeks to bring the most innovative technology — whether
system, as well as innovative ways to diagnose and treat cardiovascular
it be the next generation hardware, multiple modalities, advanced image
diseases. Examples include understanding the mechanisms underlying ion
reconstruction or signal processing methods, new contrast agents or novel
channel function and developing new paradigms for treating fibrillation and
applications — to bear on important basic science and clinical issues. Our
other heart rhythm disturbances.
goal is to develop new technologies to complement the already strong
research and clinical imaging activities in our community.
Wang to study oxygen
consumption in cells
In an engineering breakthrough, a
Washington University biomedical
researcher has discovered a way
to use light and color to measure
oxygen in individual red blood cells
in real time.
Igor R. Efimov
Yoram Rudy
Jonathan R. Silva
Mark A. Anastasio
Lihong Wang
The Lucy and Stanley Lopata
Distinguished Professor of
Biomedical Engineering
The Fred Saigh Distinguished
Professor of Engineering
Assistant Professor
Professor and
Interim Department Chair
The Gene K. Beare Distinguished
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
PhD, Medical Physics, The University of
Chicago, 2001
PhD, Electrical Engineering,
Rice University, 1992
MS, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1995
MS, Huazhong University of Science &
Technology, 1987
The research was published March
25 in PNAS Online Early Edition.
BS, Huazhong University of Science &
Technology, 1984
The new technology that Wang
developed, called photoacoustic
flowoxigraphy, uses light in a
novel way that allows researchers
to watch red blood cells flowing
through tiny capillaries, the
smallest of the body’s blood
vessels at about the width of one
red blood cell.
PhD, Biophysics & Biomedical
Engineering, Moscow Institute of Physics
& Technology, 1992
MSc, Moscow Institute of Physics
& Technology, 1986
BSc, Moscow Institute of Physics
& Technology, 1983
Professor Efimov’s research focuses on
cardiovascular engineering and physiology
with the hope of improving therapies for
cardiovascular diseases. His research uses
novel biophotonic imaging modalities,
bioelectronics and molecular biology
techniques to investigate the relationship
between tissue remodeling and human
heart disease and to develop novel cardiac
engineering approaches to therapy.
PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Case
Western Reserve University, 1978
MSc, Technion – Israel Institute of
Technology, 1973
BSc, Technion – Israel Institute of
Technology, 1971
Using computational models, Professor
Rudy researches the mechanisms at
the molecular, cellular and multicellular
levels that underlie normal and abnormal
cardiac rhythms, particularly those that
lead to sudden cardiac death. He has also
developed a novel, noninvasive imaging
modality for mapping cardiac activation
called electrocardiographic imaging
(ECGI) that is used to study arrhythmias
in patients and for clinical diagnosis and
guidance of therapy.
Professor Rudy is currently the director of
the Cardiac Bioelectricity and Arrhythmia
Center (CBAC).
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The technology, developed by
Lihong Wang, PhD, the Gene K.
Beare Distinguished Professor
of Biomedical Engineering, could
eventually be used to determine
how oxygen is delivered to normal
and diseased tissues or how various
disease therapies impact oxygen
delivery throughout the body.
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PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Washington
University in St. Louis, 2008
MSc, Case Western Reserve University,
2004
BSc, Johns Hopkins University, 2000
Combining experiment with theory,
Professor Silva studies how perturbations
to molecular motions propagate across
time and length scales to affect the
excitable tissues of the heart, brain and
pancreas. His team is currently focused
on the sodium channel, which initiates
excitation and is a target for neurotoxins,
bioweapons, insecticides, anesthetics and
antiarrhythmics. By using fluorescence to
measure changes in conformation and ionic
currents to assess function, the effects
of small molecules, genetic mutation
and post-translational modification can
be understood at the nano-scale. These
results are then incorporated into detailed
computational models to understand
their consequences on the cell and organ
physiology.
MSE, University of Pennsylvania, 1993
BS, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1992
Professor Anastasio’s research activities
broadly address the engineering and
scientific principles of biomedical imaging.
Almost all modern biomedical imaging
systems, including advanced microscopy
methods, X-ray computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging, and
photoacoustic computed tomography, to
name only a few, utilize computational
methods for image formation. The
development of image reconstruction
methods for novel computed imaging
systems is a theme that underlies much
of his work. His current research projects
include the development of photoacoustic
and X-ray phase-contrast imaging methods.
Professor Wang’s research interest is in
biophotonic imaging. His laboratory invented
or discovered functional photoacoustic
tomography, 3D photoacoustic microscopy
(PAM), the photoacoustic Doppler effect,
photoacoustic reporter gene imaging, focused
scanning microwave-induced thermoacoustic
tomography, the universal photoacoustic or
thermoacoustic reconstruction algorithm,
frequency-swept ultrasound-modulated optical tomography, time-reversed ultrasonically
encoded (TRUE) optical focusing, sonoluminescence tomography, Mueller-matrix optical
coherence tomography, optical coherence
computed tomography and oblique-incidence
reflectometry. Professor Wang’s Monte
Carlo model of photon transport in scattering
media has been used worldwide.
The technology could help
researchers and physicians to
determine how cancer or diabetes
change oxygen metabolism.
g engineering.wustl.edu/oxygen
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department of biomedical engineering
Molecular, Cellular & Systems Engineering
This program seeks to develop innovative approaches for treating disease
by manipulating molecules, cells or systems. For example, diseases
associated with misfolded proteins, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s,
could be treated by understanding and eventually modifying how proteins
fold into their complex three-dimensional, functional configurations.
Better understanding of most biological processes is likely to depend upon
systems-wide approaches at all levels.
Revolutionizing
diagnosis
Jan Bieschke
Jianmin Cui
Kristen M. Naegle
Rohit V. Pappu
Jin-Yu Shao
Assistant Professor
Professor
Assistant Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
PhD, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical
Chemistry, Germany, 2000
PhD, Physiology & Biophysics, State
University of New York, 1992
PhD, Theoretical and Biological Physics,
Tufts University, 1996
PhD, Mechanical Engineering and
Materials Science, Duke University, 1997
Chemistry Diploma, University Goettingen,
Germany, 1996
MS, Peking University, 1986
PhD, Biological Engineering,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
2010
MS, Tufts University, 1993
MS, Peking University, 1991
BSc, Bangalore University, 1990
BS, Peking University, 1988
Eukaryotic proteomes are enriched in
intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs)
that fail to fold autonomously into welldefined three-dimensional structures.
These proteins are often hubs in protein
interaction networks and serve as central
players in transcriptional regulation and in
controlling cellular responses to signals.
Professor Pappu’s group uses multiscale
modeling and biophysical experiments to
study three major aspects of IDPs: (i) their
sequence-ensemble relationships and
mechanisms of molecular recognition; (ii) de
novo sequence design to reverse-engineer
protein interaction networks by targeting
IDP hubs as a model strategy for treatment
of cardiovascular disorders; and (iii)
mechanisms of self-assembly as it relates
to neurodegeneration in Huntington’s
and related diseases. Professor Pappu is
the director of the Center for Biological
Systems Engineering (CBSE).
With research interests in cellular and
molecular biomechanics, Professor Shao
works to provide new insights into a variety
of diseases (atherosclerosis, leukocyte
adhesion deficiency syndrome, cancer
metastasis, von Willebrand disease and
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) by
imposing femtonewton- to nanonewtonlevel forces to single proteins and single
cells. His engineering approach will allow
for unique contributions to understanding
these diseases. He also works to further
understand cell adhesion and molecular
interactions, as well as cell and tissue
development, by combining theoretical
modeling and biophysical techniques.
Professor Bieschke’s research interests
focus on the processes of protein folding
and misfolding and how these processes
can lead to widespread aging-related
diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and
Parkinson’s disease. Self-assembly of
proteins in insoluble fibrillar structures
can be toxic to the cell but can also have
unique material properties. Professor
Bieschke aims to dissect and influence
these self-assembly processes using
biophysical tools such as single-molecule
fluorescence, atomic force microscopy
and subdiffraction microscopy, in order
to develop new strategies to counteract
protein misfolding diseases.
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BS, Peking University, 1983
Professor Cui investigates the molecular
basis of bioelectricity and related
diseases in nervous and cardiovascular
systems, including ion channel function and
modulation and discovery of drugs that
target ion channels. He is also interested
in ultrasound-mediated drug and gene
delivery.
applied science
SM, Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 2006
MS, Electrical Engineering, University of
Washington, 2004
BS, Electrical Engineering, University of
Washington, 2001
Professor Naegle’s research interests
include computational molecular systems
biology, post-translational modifications,
signal transduction and proteomics. She
combines computational mining and
modeling techniques with experimental
molecular biology approaches to understand
the function of post-translational
modifications in regulatory networks of
the cell. The specific focus of her work is on
those regulatory events that are involved in
the complex development and propagation
of human disease with the possibility of
discovering new therapeutic interventions
in diseases such as cancer, diabetes and
neurodegenerative disorders.
Rohit Pappu, PhD, director of
the new Center for Biological
Systems Engineering (CBSE),
studies proteins involved
in the development of
Huntington’s disease and related
neurodegenerative motor control
disorders. All involve an ensemble
of recently recognized eccentric
proteins, known as intrinsically
disordered proteins (IDPs), and
share the common theme of protein
aggregation, or clumping, leading
to neuronal death and disease.
Perhaps the best-known example
of protein aggregation is the beta
amyloid plaques seen in the brains
of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Organizing a network himself,
Pappu in the past year has helped
assemble a group of seven
researchers. Each is devoted to an
area of biomedical science with
the common goal of understanding
the essence of biomolecular and
cellular networks.
Dean Ralph Quatrano says, “We
anticipate the work from this
center to revolutionize the way
human diseases are diagnosed
and treated, using the basic tools
of systems and computational
science. This approach symbolizes
the vision for our future, one of
‘convergence’ of disciplines.”
g cbse.wustl.edu
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department of biomedical engineering
Neural Engineering
This program involves fundamental and applied studies related to neurons,
neural systems, behavior and neurological disease encompassing a spectrum
of activities, including mathematical modeling; exploring novel approaches
to sensory (vision, hearing, smell and touch) and motor processing; exploring
fundamentals of neural plasticity; and designing neuroprosthetics. The
approaches involve information processing at the molecular, cellular,
systems and behavioral levels.
Chemical detection
Barani Raman, PhD, has spent
nearly a decade trying to
determine how the human brain
and olfactory system operate to
process various scent and odor
signals. His research, funded by
the DOD, seeks to recreate this
olfactory system.
Dennis L. Barbour
Vitaly A. Klyachko
Daniel W. Moran
Baranidharan Raman
Kurt A. Thoroughman
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
MD, Johns Hopkins School of
Medicine, 2003
PhD, Biophysics. University of WisconsinMadison, 2002
PhD, Bioengineering, Arizona State
University, 1994
PhD, Computer Science, Texas A&M
University, 2005
PhD, Johns Hopkins University, 1999
PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Johns
Hopkins University, 2003
MS, BS, Moscow State University, 1998
BS, Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1989
MS, Computer Science, Texas A&M
University, 2003
BEE, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1995
Professor Klyachko’s research is focused
on synaptic function and plasticity with
the goal of understanding how neural
circuits analyze information in the brain.
His work has important implications to
neurodevelopmental disorders such as
Fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum
disorders.
Professor Moran’s research interests are
in motor control and neuroprostheses.
His research group works to understand
how the brain controls voluntary upper
arm movements. He also works to identify
alternative control signals for braincomputer interfaces, which can restore
function in patients who have paralysis or
neuromuscular disorders.
Professor Barbour’s research interests
include sensory neurophysiology,
computational neuroscience, braincomputer interfaces and neural plasticity.
He also designs software intended to train
listening ability following hearing loss. His
research has the potential to contribute
toward improved devices to interface with
humans (including hearing aids, auditory
prostheses and linguistic brain-computer
interfaces) and to functionally replace
damaged brain tissue following a stroke or
other injury.
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applied science
B Eng, Computer Engineering, University
of Madras, 2000
Professor Raman’s research interests
include computational and systems
neuroscience, pattern recognition,
sensor-based machine olfaction and bioinspired intelligent systems. He combines
theoretical and electrophysiological
approaches to study how the brain
processes complex sensory signals
(especially the olfactory cues), and to
identify the fundamental principles of
neural computation. In parallel, he is also
working on developing novel, neuromorphic
algorithms and devices (such as an
“electronic nose”) that have potential
applications in the biomedical, homeland
security, robotics and human-computer
interaction domains.
BA, University of Chicago, 1993
Professor Thoroughman studies human
learning and motor control. His lab characterizes motor learning processes in healthy
human adults and identifies the specific
signals used to plan movements and build
motor predictions, which will in turn predict
the neuronal activities required for motor
learning. Comparing these predictions to
physiological recordings from nonhuman
primates indicates brain areas that likely
underlie these computations. Emerging
research projects include how experience
changes not just what is learned but the
learning process itself; learning via observation of others; ability of people to learn with
explicit reward feedback; and theories of
movement, biomechanics, reflex and brain.
Professor Thoroughman also studies
innovations in undergraduate education
in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM). His work aims
to improve motivation, achievement,
and understanding across courses and
semesters, especially for undergraduates.
“The olfactory environment is
complex,” Raman says. “Someone
wearing perfume, someone
drinking coffee — all of these
things give off volatile chemicals.
So how do you design a sensing
system that desensitizes itself to
its background and picks up what
you’re looking for? This is what
we call the ‘chemical needle in a
haystack’ problem.”
Raman is taking clues from
biology to develop an artificial
or electronic nose that would be
able to detect volatile chemicals
without threat to humans.
Raman is working on this project
through a three-year, $735,000
grant from the Office of Naval
Research. His ultimate goal is
to create a handheld device
that could sense explosives
or hazardous chemicals
noninvasively, saving humans
or scent-detection dogs from
potential harm.
bme.wustl.edu >>
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department of biomedical engineering
Undergraduate Students
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Washington University offers a four-year curriculum leading to a baccalaureate
degree, which is designed to prepare students for graduate school, medical
school or industry.
Biomedical engineers have a tremendous impact on the lives of people around
the world, developing lifesaving cures and improving quality of life. Studying
biomedical engineering allows students the opportunity to learn the principles
of engineering and biology to solve problems at molecular to whole-body levels.
Undergraduate students work with engineering and medical faculty on projects
ranging from surgical devices and imaging techniques to bioactive materials
and drug delivery systems.
wustl photo
wustl photo
The curriculum is structured around a basic core of 103 units. A complementary
No. 14
Undergraduate program in
U.S. News ranking (2014)
29%
of 2012 BME graduates went
on to attend medical school
program of at least 17 units completes the degree requirements. Students in BME
may also receive up to six units of academic credit for a research or design project.
devon hill
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geoff story
Research & independent study
International Experience
Undergraduates are encouraged to pursue laboratory
In addition to the study-abroad programs available through
or industrial research during the school year or summer
the College of Arts and Sciences, there are Biomedical
break. Many Washington University faculty have research
Engineering-specific exchange programs available to students
openings for students.
during the semester or summer.
bme.wustl.edu >>
15
department of biomedical engineering
Graduate Students
Our vision is that future leaders and lasting impact will arise from successfully
integrating engineering concepts and approaches across molecular to whole
body levels. Moreover, those also trained to integrate the analytical, modeling
and systems approaches of engineering to the complex, and sometimes
overwhelming, descriptive details of biology will be uniquely positioned to
address new and exciting opportunities. We are committed to educating
and training the next generation of biomedical engineers with this vision in
mind. Consequently, we have leveraged our existing strengths to build our
department around the five research programs representing some of the most
exciting frontiers.
ron klein
We focus on five overlapping research programs that represent frontier areas
of Biomedical Engineering and leverage the existing strengths of our current
faculty and resources. These areas provide exciting training opportunities for
students with a variety of backgrounds and interests.
There is ample support for students to pursue their research training. The
core faculty’s annual per capita research expenditures currently exceed
$675,000, putting us in the top tier of research departments nationwide.
Founder, President and Chief
Scientific Officer of NanoMed
LLC and Retectix LLC
NanoMed/Retectix is a medical device
company focused on the development
WUSTL School of Medicine consistently ranks in the top five of the 125 U.S.
and production of nanofabricated
medical schools and third in funding from the National Institutes of Health
novel platform technology developed
for research and training.
“The cross-disciplinary relationships, especially
with the acclaimed School of Medicine,
seamlessly integrate the principles of
engineering design with clinical needs to strive
for advancements in both basic science and
translational innovations.”
Sarah Gutbrod
Biomedical Engineering PhD student
16
Matthew MacEwan
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surgical meshes and biomaterials utilizing
at Washington University in St. Louis.
Matthew is responsible for product
development, preclinical/clinical testing,
regulatory compliance and corporate
strategy. Matthew is a member of the
Medical Scientist Training Program at
ron klein
Washington University in St. Louis and
is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical
engineering and an MD with clinical
specialization in neurosurgery.
No. 12
Graduate program in
U.S. News ranking (2013)
Degrees offered
»» Master of Science (MS)
»» Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Engineering
»» Combined MS/MBA (given jointly with the Olin Business School)
»» Combined MD/PhD (given jointly with the School of Medicine)
bme.wustl.edu >>
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department of biomedical engineering
Biomedical Engineering Alumni
Select companies where our alumni work:
“My engineering background has equipped me with skills and
technical knowledge that I now use every day as a future
physician, in both the hospital and the classroom.”
Zoë Julian
Current medical student, previously a Biocompatibility Specialist at Boston Scientific, Class of 2009
Abbott Laboratories
Loreal
Philips
Accenture
Massachusetts
General Hospital
Philips Healthcare
Amgen
Analogic Corp.
MD Anderson
Cancer Center
bioMérieux Inc.
Medtronic
Roche Diagnostics
Boston Scientific Corp.
Microsoft
Shell
Covidien
Micro Systems
Engineering Inc.
Siemens
Epic
Mike Lynch
Elizabeth Phillips
Abigail Cohen
Co-Founder and CSO, OPX
Biotechnologies
2012 NCAA Woman of the Year,
current medical student
Co-Founder, Sparo Labs,
Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellow
The race is on to develop greener fuels and
chemicals from renewable resources, and
Boulder, Colo.–based OPX Biotechnologies
Inc. — with two Washington University
alumni at the helm — is in the race to win.
The 2012 finalists were selected based
on academic achievement, athletics
excellence and dedication to community
service and leadership.
Cohen was part of a student-led team that
founded Sparo Labs, which stemmed from
an award-winning project to develop a lowcost spirometer, a device that measures
lung function. The team had spent about a
year and a half developing the product and
a prototype that conquers the historical
issues of high cost and difficulty of use.
Most spirometers cost between $1,000$2,000, making them unaffordable for
hospitals and clinics in the developing
world. However, the device the student
team designed costs about $8. The low
cost could allow health-care providers
in developing countries to purchase the
spirometers, which are specially
designed for accuracy and durability
despite their price.
Mike Lynch, MD/PhD, AB ’00, BSBME ’00,
MSBME ’00, the driving force behind the
company’s platform technologies, cofounded OPX Biotechnologies (OPXBIO) in
2007 and serves as chief scientific officer.
Chas Eggert, BSChE ’75, MBA ’85, came
on board as president and CEO in 2008,
bringing a wealth of chemical industry
experience. Together, these innovators are
rapidly propelling OPXBIO toward the lead
in the emerging bioproducts industry.
Phillips, who graduated in 2012 with a
degree in biomedical engineering and a 4.0
GPA, completed her career as one of the
most decorated student-athletes in school
history. She became the first-ever threetime NCAA Elite 88/89 Award winner
in any NCAA division. In 2012, Phillips
was named the Capital One Academic
All-America of the Year Division III award
winner for women’s track & field/crosscountry, making her the first track & field/
cross country Academic All-America of
the Year winner in Washington U. history.
She also earned first-team Academic AllAmerica honors in 2011 and 2012.
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Procter & Gamble
Sigma-Aldrich
FDA
Millennium
Pharmaceuticals
St. Jude Medical
GE
Monsanto
Stryker
GE Healthcare
Neutrogena
Teach For America
Genentech
Owens Corning
Texas Instruments
Google
Peace Corps
VA Medical Center
Kimberly-Clark
Pfizer Inc.
Wyle
$66,500
Reported starting salaries
for 2012 WUSTL Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Science graduates
18
Princeton University
$41,800
National average
* National Association of Colleges and Employers
“Salary Survey” April 2012.
bme.wustl.edu >>
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department of biomedical engineering
Facilities
School of Engineering &
Applied Science
Realizing the need for new research laboratories and specialized facilities
that would support the school’s intellectual vision and plans, Chancellor Mark
As an engineering school, we aspire to discover the unknown, educate
Wrighton committed the site at the northeast corner of WUSTL’s Danforth
students and serve society. Our strategy focuses intellectual efforts through
Campus for the School of Engineering & Applied Science. In 2007, the
a new convergence paradigm and builds on strengths, particularly as applied
school developed a master plan for a new engineering complex that would
complement and connect to the existing Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical
Engineering. The proposed approximately 700,000-square-foot complex
would provide modern research and instructional facilities equipped with
state-of-the-art technology needed to enable collaboration across disciplines.
The Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering and Stephen F. &
Camilla T. Brauer Hall of Engineering are the home of Biomedical Engineering.
Each of these state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities contains
modular office, laboratory and teaching complexes of various sizes. The
flexible design of each building also easily accommodates different types
of research and the requisite infrastructure, such as specialized imaging
equipment, scanning and transmission electron microscopes and high-speed,
high-capacity computing clusters.
LEED: The Leadership in
Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Green Building
Rating System™ is a third-party
certification program and the
nationally accepted benchmark
for the design, construction and
operation of high-performance
green buildings.
to medicine and health, energy and environment, and security. Through
innovative partnerships with academic and industry partners — across
disciplines and across the world — we will contribute to solving the greatest
82
Tenured and
tenure-track faculty
1,175
global challenges of the 21st century.
Undergraduate students
$150 m
369
Invested since 2001 in
engineering space
Master’s students
335
Doctoral students
19K
Alumni
$22.4 m
Uncas A. Whitaker Hall
Stephen F. & Camilla T. Brauer Hall
Whitaker Hall opened in December 2002 with approximately
Brauer Hall opened in June 2010 with approximately 151,000
110,000 square feet of space for the Department of
square feet of space for the Department of Biomedical
Biomedical Engineering.
Engineering and the Department of Energy, Environmental &
Chemical Engineering.
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Total research
expenditures (FY13)
dan gill
g engineering.wustl.edu
bme.wustl.edu >>
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Department of
Biomedical Engineering
Campus Box 1097 • One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 935-7208
>> bme.wustl.edu