2016-17 Fischell Department of Bioengineering Brochure

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

“THE FINEST GOAL THAT
ENGINEERING CAN ACHIEVE
IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY
OF LIFE FOR MILLIONS OF
PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE
WORLD. BIOENGINEERING AND
BIOMEDICAL DEVICES ARE
THE MOST DIRECT MEANS TO
ACHIEVE THAT GOAL.”

DR. ROBERT E. FISCHELL

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

INSPIRING MEDTIHCEALSEICNTNIONVATTIITOLNE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: HEALTH CARE IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, moving toward
[email protected]
(301) 405-8268 more technological approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and personal-
2330 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building ized and regenerative medicine, as well as the extensive use of informa-
University of Maryland tion technology.
College Park, MD 20742
@UMDBioE Biomedical engineering is steadily becoming the world’s largest
facebook.com/UMDBioE industrial sector, and as a result, there is an increasing demand for
doctors who are technically competent and for engineers who are
properly trained in basic medical science.

To help meet these needs, we take advantage of our location near the
world’s most expansive health care research enterprises and federal regu-
latory agencies. We have established relationships with centers such as
the Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, the National Insti-
tutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, Children’s National
Medical Center, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We also partner
with the University of Maryland’s schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and
Pharmacy, as well as other universities locally and nationally. Our grow-
ing interdisciplinary faculty is dedicated to expanding our collaborations.

We are also dedicated to the vision of engineering entrepreneurship—
getting science out of the lab and into the hands of care providers and
consumers. Our collaboration with Canon U.S. Life Sciences is developing
a highly automated system for the rapid diagnosis of infectious disease,
and we are a founding member of the FDA-funded Maryland Center
of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation, which focuses on
modernizing and improving the ways drugs and medical devices are
reviewed and evaluated.

All of these relationships enable both undergraduate and graduate
students to take advantage of research opportunities, internships,
clinical experience, and connectivity to the real-world application of their
work. They also benefit from the department’s great facilities, located
in one of the best engineering schools in the nation, the A. James Clark
School of Engineering.

bioe.umd.edu

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

Washington, D.C. was
named #4 on the National

Venture Association’s 2014 list of

top cities for biotech venture
funding.

In 2016, Business Insider

and Mattermark named

Washington, D.C.

one of 10 U.S. cities with

the fastest-growing
startup scenes.

In 2015, NerdWallet ranked A PRIME LOCATION

the D.C. metro area THE STATE OF MARYLAND IS
among the top 10 RELATIVELY SMALL IN SIZE AND
destinations for tech jobs. POPULATION, BUT RANKS 2ND
NATIONALLY IN THE PERCENTAGE
Washington, D.C. OF PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED
ranked in the top 10 in DEGREES.

Monster.com’s and MSN’s College Park is conveniently located a few
miles from Washington, D.C. In addition to the
2013 lists of the best cities federal government, many large, high-tech
for new college graduates. companies are headquartered in the D.C. met-
ropolitan area, and all employ a vast number
of engineers and scientists. D.C. is consistently
chosen as one of the top cities for young pro-
fessionals, based on strong career satisfaction
and a high quality of life.

The D.C. metro area is rich in activities and
entertainment. Parks and recreation, cultural
events and artistic venues, the Smithsonian In-
stitution museums and the National Zoo (which
are free to enter), and professional sports are
all available in and around D.C. Students and
faculty can take advantage of street festivals,
farmers markets, world-class restaurants, lively
bars and nightlife, historic neighborhoods, and
conventions for all kinds of interests. Baltimore
is only 30 miles from College Park, and Phila-
delphia, New York City, and the Eastern Shore
are among the many destinations within a few
hours’ drive.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

COMING SOON: A. JAMES CLARK HALL

PROMOTING WORLD CLASS and the Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical laboratories to the campus―including wet and dry
RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL Devices, further expanding the capabilities and spaces as well as a vivarium.
PROGRAMS THAT ADVANCE impact of the A. James Clark School of Engineering.
HUMAN HEALTH INNOVATION Optical laser and imaging laboratories will feature
Clark Hall, which will be located adjacent to state-of-the-art technology in digital fabrication,
A. James Clark Hall at the University of Maryland, the Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, will rapid prototyping, 3-D printing, optics, and
College Park, will spur the development of accommodate the Clark School’s rapidly growing bioinformatics. In the imaging suite, students and
transformative new engineering and biomedical programs, reducing class deficiency by 20 percent, faculty will have the ability to examine molecular
technologies that advance human health innovation. while bringing together the many disciplines resolution of pathogens―whether in the GI tract or
When it opens, the new 184,000 ft2 building will involved with human health innovation under one bloodstream―that show how a nano-carrier delivers
serve as a central hub for new partnerships and roof, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration a drug to a specific tumor site. Additionally, laser
collaboration for organizations throughout the and growth from electrical and mechanical devices and magnetic resonance imagers will allow
Maryland and Washington, D.C. region. engineering to biology and information technology. a close examination of cross-sections of the body
Approximately 7,332 ft2 of classroom space and and brain.
The building will facilitate world-class research 11,402 ft2 of class lab space will support instructional
and educational programs, offering state-of-the- capabilities. To help create an organic flow of FOR MORE INFORMATION:
art laboratories, student project space, and a new ideas between many disciplines, the building will http://eng.umd.edu/clarkhall/
home for the Fischell Department of Bioengineering introduce flex classrooms and two stories of flexible

BALLINGER ARCHITECTS

Placement only–hi res needed.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF BIOENGINEERING

A. James Clark Hall will have more than 40,000 square feet of collab-
orative instructional and research space. The first floor Innovation Lab,
equipped with movable benches and toolboxes, will help spur an organic
flow of ideas for students from all eight engineering departments, working
together on cross-disciplinary research and design work.
Clark Hall will also be home to creative learning spaces and a high-tech
dynamic Forum. With seating for 200, the Forum will be the largest lecture
space in the Clark School and will allow the Fischell Department of
Bioengineering to host international and national conferences and
seminars onsite, as well as hold formal events.

THE ROBERT E. FISCHELL INSTITUTE FOR
BIOMEDICAL DEVICES

To transform basic research in the field of biomedical devices into
commercialization opportunities, the A. James Clark School and the
University of Maryland are creating the Robert E. Fischell Institute for
Biomedical Devices. The Institute, housed within the Fischell Department
of Bioengineering, will be located on the fifth floor of Clark Hall and will
have more than 15,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory and research
space where life-changing medical devices will be developed.
The processes that underpin device creation require coordination, facilities,
intellectual capital, resources, and the creative minds of those who have an
intense desire to learn and succeed. At the Robert E. Fischell Institute for
Biomedical Devices, these like-minded individuals will join together to help
solve critical medical problems and impact millions of lives.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMBEANLTLIoNf GBEIROEANRGCIHNITEEECRTINSG

THE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

WHAT IS BIOENGINEERING? THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT OF BIOENGINEERING’S
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IS FOUNDED IN
Bioengineering applies engineering principles to biological systems. BIOLOGY, DRIVEN BY HUMAN HEALTH ISSUES, AND
Fields within the discipline include biomedical engineering, biomolecular EMPHASIZES INNOVATION.
engineering, pharmaceutics, systems biology, and biological engineering.
Bioengineers strive to understand and explain biomechanical, neural and In the first two years, students take foundation courses in biology, chem-
cardiovascular phenomena; develop imaging technologies, drug delivery istry, physics, math, and engineering science. In the third and fourth years,
systems, or biomaterials; build devices such as pacemakers and surgical the focus shifts to the applied areas of biomedical imaging, biomechanics,
tools; or grow new tissue. physiological systems, transport, and others. Our two-semester Capstone
A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING design course, taken in year four, features guest speakers and gives stu-
dents the opportunity to engage in discussion on current issues in bioengi-
neering such as ethics, clinical trials, regulatory processes, venture capital-
ism, business principles, and entrepreneurship. In the second half of the
course, student teams use what they have learned in these seminars and
their prior coursework to guide the development of their own technologi-
cal innovations and develop business plans for their commercialization.

In addition to completing core course requirements, our undergraduates
have the option to specialize in one of three tracks designed to help
them focus their academic interests: Biotechnology and Therapeutics
Engineering, Biomechanics and Biomaterials, and Biomedical
Instrumentation. Each track consists of five electives. Alternatively,
students can choose to maintain greater flexibility in Bioengineering
Studies, or to tailor their electives to fulfill Pre-Health requirements.

We urge all of our students to pursue experiential learning opportunities
by seeking on- and off-campus internships at university labs, federal
research labs, and companies. We also offer a BIOE Honors program,
a selective thesis-based enrichment experience that augments our
curriculum by providing a framework in which to pursue cohesive
research projects. The program’s primary goal is to prepare our graduates
to be among the most competitive applicants for positions in advanced
degree programs and industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

bioe.umd.edu/undergraduate
[email protected]
(301) 405-8268

SAMPLE PROGRAM

THE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE SAMPLE PROGRAM AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE. STUDENTS ENTERING
THE PROGRAM WITH A.P. CREDITS MAY BENEFIT FROM ADDED FLEXIBILITY. STUDENTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO MEET BENCHMARKS SET BY THE A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND
THE DEPARTMENT THAT ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OF ITS STUDENTS AND TO ENSURE TIMELY PROGRESS TOWARD GRADUATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS, ELECTIVES, AND SPECIALIZATION TRACKS, VISIT bioe.umd.edu/undergraduate

FRESHMAN YEAR SOPHOMORE YEAR JUNIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR

COURSE CR COURSE CR COURSE CR COURSE CR
CHEM231 Organic Chemistry I 3
ENES100 Intro to Engineering Design 3 BIOE331 Biofluids 3 BOE485 Capstone I 3

MATH140 Calculus I 4 CHEM232 Organic Chemistry I, Lab 1 BIOE372 Biostatistics 3 BIOE Elective III 3

CHEM135 Chemistry for Engineers 3 MATH241 Calculus III 4 BSCI330 Cell Biology & Physiology 4 Breadth Elective 3

CHEM136 Chemistry for Engineers Lab 1 BIOE241 Biocomputational Methods 3 BIOE Foundational Selective I 3 General Education Requirement V 3

BIOE120 Biology for Engineers 3 PHYS260 General Physics II 3 BIOE Elective I 3 General Education Requirement VI 3

BIOE121 Biology for Engineers Lab 1 PHYS261 General Physics II, Lab 1 BIOE457 Biomedical Electronics & ENGL393 Technical Writing 3
Instrumentation
4

ENES102 Mechanics I 3 MATH246 Differential Equations 3 BIOE486 Capstone II 3

BIOE340 Physiological Systems & Lab 4

MATH141 Calculus II 4 BIOE232 Thermodynamics 3 BIOE Elective IV 3

BIOE Foundational Selective II 3

PHYS161 General Physics 3 BIOE371 Linear Algebra & ODEs 3 Biological Science Elective II 3

BIOE Elective II 3

ENGL101 Intro to Writing 3 BSCI2xx Biological Science Elective I 4 General Education Requirement VII, VIII 6

General Education Requirement IV 3

General Education Requirement I 3 General Education Requirements II & III 6 YEAR 4 TOTAL 33

YEAR 3 TOTAL 33

YEAR 1 TOTAL 31 BIOE221 Intro. to Bioengineering Major 1

YEAR 2 TOTAL 35 TOTAL CREDITS 132

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMECHANICS & BIOMEDICAL For more information about electives:
THERAPEUTICS TRACK BIOMATERIALS TRACK INSTRUMENTATION TRACK www.bioe.umd.edu/undergraduate/electives

Selectives: Selectives: Selectives: For more information about the University of
Maryland’s General Education program, please
BIOE332 Transport Process Design BIOE404 Biomechanics BIOE420 Bioimaging visit www.gened.umd.edu.
BIOE461 Synthetic Biology BIOE453 Biomaterials BIOE453 Biomaterials

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

GE T I NVOLVED NOW.

BIOENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATES WHO WANT
TO LEARN HOW TO POSE AND ADDRESS SCIENTIFIC
QUESTIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN
RESEARCH.

Participating in research will teach you how to develop a hypothesis,
design new experiments and methodologies, interpret results and place
them in a larger societal context, and communicate your discoveries.
Working in a lab allows you to take ownership of a project, take risks, and
learn to motivate yourself.

If you apply to graduate school, you’ll demonstrate that you already
know how to think like a scientist. If you interview for a job, you’ll have
a lot to say when asked about times you had to “think outside the box,”
troubleshoot, or work in a team. If you attend medical school, you’ll
understand how to interpret and critique information on drugs,
treatments and procedures.

Our undergraduates have presented their work at conferences, co-
authored papers, and contributed to research that will have a significant
impact on human health.

On-campus opportunities include the Bioengineering Honors Program; the
HHMI Undergraduate Research Fellowship; and the ASPIRE Program, in
which students collaborate with faculty and staff on design and develop-
ment projects. The Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research pairs
faculty in need of assistance with students seeking research experience.

Off-campus, we have established relationships with institutions that offer
internships to our students, including the National Institutes of Health,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the University of Maryland,
Baltimore Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. Students can
also get involved through their professors’ collaborations or through the
Engineering Co-op and Career Services office.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
bioe.umd.edu/undergraduate#research

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

CAPSTONE DESIGN COURSE

CAPSTONE, TAKEN IN THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS OF SENIOR YEAR, IS A COURSE IN WHICH TEAMS OF STUDENTS, UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF FACULTY AND MENTORS, UTILIZE WHAT THEY
HAVE LEARNED THROUGHOUT THEIR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES TO CREATE THEIR OWN ENGINEERING DESIGNS FROM CONCEPT TO PRODUCT. SOME OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE PATENTED THEIR
INVENTIONS, CONTINUED THEIR RESEARCH AFTER GRADUATION, CREATED STARTUP COMPANIES, AND WON BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITIONS. HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF OUR STUDENTS’
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS:

FOOTBALL HELMET head and neck, should result in a dramatic of Maryland’s 11th annual $75K Business at Washington Hospital Center’s Burn and
ATTACHMENT TO REDUCE reduction of concussions. Since graduat- Plan Competition, where it won first place Surgical Research Laboratory.
HEAD INJURIES ing, team members have continued to in the Undergraduate Division and $10,000
refine their design. They have also formed for future development. ULTRASOUND PULSE MONITOR
This team, whose mentors included Dr. a company, Guardian Helmets LLC, with FOR CONTINUOUS MONITORING
Robert E. Fischell, addressed the growing Fischell and Mechanical Engineering pro- THERMAL ENERGY TRANSFER OF BLOOD FLOW DURING
concern over the thousands of concus- fessor Kenneth Kiger to guide their work. ANALYSIS OF BURN WOUNDS INSTANCES OF CARDIAC ARREST
sions suffered by football players each
year. The group created an enhancement NEEDLELESS DESIGN FOR The damaged flesh of deep burn wounds According to the American Heart Associa-
for existing football equipment that takes SCARLESS AND INFECTION-FREE is often surgically removed to improve pa- tion, there are about 568,400 instances of
the form of a shock absorber filled with WOUND HEALING tient survival and recovery rates. A second cardiac arrest each year. As patients tend
a dilatant fluid—one that thickens under degree burn that extends partway though toward cardiac arrest, current cardiac mon-
sheer strain, such as produced by the This team designed a patent-pending the second layer of skin could either heal itoring devices are often unable to provide
force of a tackle. Analysis of front and side medical device that could reduce or on its own, or develop into a third degree reliable feedback on the patient’s blood
impact tests performed on the head of a prevent the swelling, scarring, and burn requiring intervention. Currently, flow. The device limitations force medical
boxing torso wearing a helmet equipped infections that are sometimes associated doctors characterize burns based on what providers to rely on a manual pulse check
with the device showed substantially with the stitching to check the patient’s pulse. However, in a
reduced maximum acceleration, veloc- and stapling of they see, which could lead stressful environment, manually checking
ity, and displacement across the Z- and surgical wounds or to unnecessary surgery for a very weak pulse can be inaccurate
Y-axis. The simultaneous absorption and cuts. The system’s or skin grafts. This team and time-consuming. In efforts to improve
transfer of energy from the impact, and noninvasive, needle- created the first imaging cardiac arrest survival rates, this team part-
the decreased acceleration of the player’s free technology also system (left) capable of nered with Dr. Ron Samet of the University
eliminates accidental consistently measuring, of Maryland Medical Center to design his
needlestick injuries analyzing and interpreting proposed solution: a device to adhere to
during treatment, deep burn wounds. The the patient to provide hands-free, con-
which in turn prevents system measures an area tinuous pulse monitoring within the 10
the transmission of of skin’s ability to dissipate seconds allotted to detect a pulse. Since
diseases including heat after being burned. taking home first place in the department’s
hepatitis and HIV between patients and The deeper the burn, the Senior Capstone Design Competition, two
healthcare providers. The product’s design longer it takes the different layers of skin members of the group―Stefanie Cohen
uses a combination of a flexible frame and to return to an equilibrium temperature. and Shawn Greenspan―have accepted the
sterile medical adhesives to gently draw These thermal gradients are translated into Susan Fischell MPowering Entrepreneur-
the edges of an open wound together. a visual map showing doctors whether ship Award to pursue Master of Engineer-
The tension is entirely on the device and tissue requires removal; is damaged, but ing degrees with the Fischell Department
healthy areas of skin, not the wound itself. possibly repairable; or capable of complete of Bioengineering.
The device was presented at the University recovery. One team member has continued
this research as a full-time staff member

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

THE GRADUATE PROGRAM

OUR INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATE PROGRAM
REPRESENTS A STRONG INTELLECTUAL AND
COLLABORATIVE CULTURE LINKING ENGINEERING,
BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE.

Funded research programs and innovative partnerships with the National
Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Food and Drug
Administration, National Children’s Health System, the Department of
Defense, and the University of Maryland Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy
make the Fischell Department of Bioengineering an exciting place for
graduate study. Collaborations include:

• The UMD-National Cancer Institute Partnership for Cancer Technology
• The UMD-National Children’s Health System National Capital Consortium

for Pediatric Device Innovation (NCC-PDI)
• The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Center for

Nanomedicine and Cellular Delivery collaboration
• The University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science

and Innovation (M-CERSI)

Areas of focus within our program include:

drug delivery cellular and tissue biomechanics
biomedical imaging electrophysiology of the cell
biosensors medical diagnostics systems
bio-devices
vaccines biomolecular and cellular rate processes
biomaterials and tissue engineering

cellular & physiological transport phenomena

FOR MORE INFORMATION: We offer several degree options:
bioe.umd.edu/graduate
[email protected] • Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)/Graduate Certificate in Bioengineering
(301) 405-8268 • Master of Science (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING • Doctor of Medicine/Master of Science (M.D./M.S.)

with the University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy (M.D./Ph.D.)

with the University of Maryland School of Medicine

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program:
The department has several National Science
The Ph.D. curriculum consists of coursework, a Foundation fellows enrolled in its program and
qualifying exam (Research Aptitude Exam), teach- continues to bring in new fellows each year. Ph.D.
ing assistant experience, a proposal exam, and a dis- students are strongly encouraged to apply to
sertation defense. First-year students participate in the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship program,
lab rotations where they explore their interests and and UMD faculty are available to support their
identify potential research advisors. By the spring applications.
of their first year, students are matched with faculty
advisors, who are highly motivated The University of Maryland
and dedicated to the success of their Graduate School and the A. James
students and research programs. Clark School of Engineering offer
additional fellowship enhancement
ADMISSION packages for recruiting
outstanding students. Examples
Admission to the Graduate of these packages, which many of
Program in Bioengineering is our students have won, include:
highly competitive. The Admissions the UMD University Fellowship,
Committee looks for strong the UMD Flagship Fellowship,
evidence of motivation and the Warren Citrin Fellowship
achievement. Admission decisions for Entrepreneurial Engineering
factor in the following elements: Students, and the Ronald E. McNair
quantitative metrics (GPA, GRE, Graduate Fellowship.
and TOEFL scores), letters of
recommendation, statement of The Fischell Fellowship in
research goals, as well as previous Biomedical Engineering is a
research experiences, especially unique opportunity for talented
archival publications. and innovative graduate students
interested in applied research and product design
FINANCIAL SUPPORT in the biomedical industry. The Fischell Fellowship
features a one-year, $10,000 financial and benefits
All students are fully funded by the department package.
in their first year and continually supported
by research grants. Graduate student financial
packages include a competitive salary plus
comprehensive health and tuition benefits.

D I S C OV E R . D E S I G N . I N V E N T. L A U N C H .

MAKING ADVANCED SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AFFORDABLE THE A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Graduate student Sean Virgile (left) and alumnus Dr. Eric Hoppmann IS KNOWN FOR PROVIDING THE EDUCATION AND
(right), co-founders of Diagnostic anSERS, fill a cartridge with SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FACULTY NEED TO PUSH
nanoparticle ink they use to print inexpensive sensor components on TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION TO MARKET.
paper.
With the help of the acclaimed Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute
A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING (Mtech), located on campus, numerous bioengineering students and
faculty members have created companies based on their applied research.

Mtech’s resources include courses in entrepreneurship and innovation, the
Hinman CEOs Program (the nation’s first living/learning entrepreneurship
program for undergraduates), seed funding and grants, fellowships, open
office hours, a rapid prototyping lab, free legal consulting, and the annual
Business Model Challenge.

Mtech’s Venture Accelerator program assists professors and students with
no startup experience by providing the mentoring they need to create the
business case for their product and move their technology forward. As
their startup companies gain traction and funding, they can move into the
Technology Advancement Program (TAP), a brick and mortar incubator
that helps them build their customer bases and become financially viable.
Other young companies have been supported by Mtech’s Maryland Indus-
trial Partnerships program, which funds on-campus projects that create
new and improved products for Maryland companies.

TAP Program success stories include Digene and Martek Biosciences,
now billion-dollar companies that are shaping the landscape of human
health by creating cutting edge diagnostics and nutritional supplements.
Remedium Technologies, co-founded by former Fischell Fellow Matt
Dowling (see facing page), is currently a TAP resident.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can also learn to create business plans, perfect
their pitches, and win funding by participating in competitions held by the
university’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, such as the Cupid’s Cup
and Pitch Dingman.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
mtech.umd.edu
ter.ps/dingman
cupidscup.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DIAGNOSTIC anSERS REMEDIUM TECHNOLOGIES SAFELiCELL

CO-FOUNDERS: ERIC HOPPMANN (PH.D. ‘13) AND CO-FOUNDERS: MATT DOWLING (PH.D. ’10), CO-FOUNDERS: PROF. PETER KOFINAS, AARON FISHER
GRADUATE STUDENT SEAN VIRGILE PROFESSOR SRINIVASA R. RAGHAVAN (CHEM. ENG), (PH.D ’12, CHEM. ENG.) AND MIAN KHALID (B.S. ’14)
PETER THOMAS (PH.D. ’11) AND OLUWATOSIN
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), an OGUNSOLA (PH.D ’05, CHEM. ENG.) Commercial carbonate-based liquid electrolytes, currently
advanced sensor technology used for “molecular found in batteries used in everything from cell phones to
fingerprinting,” requires two components: a Raman Remedium Technologies has created a proprietary life- pacemakers, can overheat if they short out, igniting and
spectrometer and a substrate. However, the sheer saving technology called Hemogrip,™ which quickly stops causing the battery to explode. This includes batteries used
cost of the non-reusable SERS substrates, which are traumatic bleeding and severe hemorrhaging. As the in biomedical implants, which could put patients in danger.
frequently manufactured in clean rooms like computer active component in a suite of pipeline products under
chips, drastically limits its commercial potential. Using development, Hemogrip™ is a uniquely user-friendly SafeLiCell has developed a patent-pending, solid-state
an inexpensive, novel inkjet printing method, Diagnostic hemostat able to orchestrate the self-assembly of a polymer electrolyte material, called Lithium Flex, for use
anSERS is able to produce and sell paper SERS substrates clot-like seal upon contact with blood. It can be used in lithium-ion batteries. The material takes the form of a
at a much lower price than its competition. By getting effectively by a surgeon, soldier, or even an unskilled light, strong, flexible, shape-conforming film that can be
trace amounts of chemicals—such as narcotics, pesticides, “buddy.” Working under grants from the National Science wrapped or bent into different shapes without breaking,
or explosives—next to the inkjet printed silver or gold Foundation and the United States Army Research Lab, and contains no combustible or corrosive materials.
nanoparticles, the Raman spectrometer is able to Remedium Technologies is dedicated to saving lives both
determine exactly what is present. on the battlefield and in the operating room. SafeLiCell hopes to enter the market by targeting the
power and safety needs of biomedical devices, but the
Diagnostic anSERS has partnered with Ocean Optics, the In collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and technology could also be used in consumer electronics.
leading supplier of miniature spectrometers, to create the the University of Maryland, Remedium Technologies will
first truly portable SERS system. complete pre-clinical trials to evaluate the safety and ef- In 2012, SafeLiCell took second place and won $15,000
ficacy of Hemogrip™ Foam in controlling non-compressible at the inaugural $100K Atlantic Coast Conference
In 2013, Diagnostic anSERS was awarded $100k through hemorrhaging—bleeding not accessible to direct pressure. Clean Energy Challenge. Later that year, the company
the Maryland Innovation Initiative for product develop- The high-pressure, sprayable foam can expand into an placed second and won a $10,000 prize in the American
ment and production scale-up, and $100k from the Mary- injured body cavity, adhere to tissue and stop hemorrhag- Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute Inaugural
land Industrial Partnerships program to fund additional Business Plan Competition. The funds support the
product research in Professor Ian White’s research group. ing within minutes during the continued development of Lithium Flex.
The company has also won cash prizes in the Cupid’s Cup, expansion process. There
Mtech’s $75K Business Plan Competition, and the Pitch are currently no hemostatic LITHIUM FLEX
Dingman competition. products available for the LITHIUM FLEX
treatment of non-compress-
DIAGNOSTIC anSERS USES ible bleeds, which account
THIS IMAGE OF UNIVERSITY OF for 85 percent of hemor-
MARYLAND MASCOT TESTUDO rhage-related deaths.
(SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE),
TO DEMONSTRATE REMEDIUM CEO
HOW THEIR SUB- MATT DOWLING
STRATES CAN BE
ADAPTED TO ANY HOLDING A
SIZE AND SHAPE. HEMOGRIP™

BANDAGE.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPERTISE

HIGHLY MOTIVATED. INNOVATIVE. AWARD-WINNING.
DEDICATED MENTORS. BRILLIANT RESEARCHERS.

Our faculty members come from a wide range of academic backgrounds
and disciplines, including physics, chemical engineering, chemistry,
mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biology, and aerospace
engineering. They are a highly motivated group, with eight NSF CAREER
Award winners in the last twelve years, and more than $8 million in
research funding. They are fellows in national scientific and engineering
societies including the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering,
the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers. They have been educated and trained at
world-class institutions. They partner with physicians to turn their ideas,
devices and soluions into clinical realities for patients in need. Their
commitment to teaching and learning resonates weekly in the classroom.
Their dedication as mentors is reflected daily in the laboratories. Their
prominence shines in the field and in their respective technical areas.
They care; therefore, they excel.

Our department faculty collaborate with researchers at institutions on
campus, in the region, and around the world. University of Maryland
faculty from departments in the colleges of Engineering, Mathematics
and Natural Sciences, and Public Health, for example, hold affiliate
appointments in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering. Researchers
from major institutions such as the University of Maryland Schools of
Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry; Children’s National Medical Center;
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; the National Institutes of Health;
and Georgetown University School of Medicine also maintain affiliations
within the department, contributing to our synergistic research and
educational programs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
bioe.umd.edu/faculty
bioe.umd.edu/research/laboratories

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, FOUNDING CHAIR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

J. HELIM ARANDA-ESPINOZA WILLIAM E. BENTLEY YU CHEN

PH.D., UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE SAN LUIS POTOSI, DIRECTOR, ROBERT E. FISCHELL INSTITUTE FOR ASSOCIATE CHAIR, GRADUATE STUDIES
MEXICO, 1998 BIOMEDICAL DEVICES PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 2003
NSF CAREER AWARD, 2007 FELLOW, ASLMS
FELLOW, AAM, AAAS, ACS, AICHE, AIMBE NSF CAREER AWARD, 2012
CELL BIOPHYSICS LABORATORY PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER, 1989
bioe.umd.edu/~helim
BIOMOLECULAR AND METABOLIC ENGINEERING LABS BIOPHOTONIC IMAGING LABORATORY
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Endothelial cell substrate bentley.umd.edu bioe.umd.edu/faculty/chen
stiffness influences neutrophil transmigration via myosin
light chain kinase-dependent cell contraction.” Blood, 118 SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Electronic modulation of SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Depth-resolved Mesoscopic
(6) (2011) biochemical signal generation.” Nature Nanotechnology 9, Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging of Brain Activation In Vivo.”
605–610 (2014) Scientific Reports, 6, 25269 (2016).
The Cell Biophysics Laboratory applies the theoretical and
experimental machinery of physics and engineering to We are generating a new “biofabrication toolbox” that My research focuses on biophotonics imaging, with the ob-
obtain a quantitative understanding of specific problems enables us to assemble complex biological structures on jective of engineering improved devices and methods for
inspired by biological systems. Our group studies the programmable devices. These devices, in turn, allow for the clinical translation. Our program is comprised of four main
mechanics and motility of healthy cells, as well as accurate interrogation of, two-way communication with, elements, which cover the entire translational spectrum:
those of cells with pathological conditions. One of our and eventually electronic control of biological systems. In 1) Optical imaging technology development that aims
particular interests is to understand how the mechanical our case, bacterial cell-to-cell signaling (or, quorum sensing) to integrate multi-modal, multi-contrast, and multi-scale
environment dictates cell functions. serves as a wonderful test bed for “listening in” on biology. platforms for better studying tissue structure and function
We are developing new methods for localizing DNA, pro- in vivo. Our imaging platform includes optical coherence
teins, cells and cell assemblies onto devices that help unravel tomography, multi-photon microscopy, and laminar optical
the complexities of the biological functions we discover, so tomography. 2) Translational device development that en-
ables a new generation of diagnos-
they can be attributed to specific mol- tic and interventional tools for
ecules, gradients, and patterns. One clinical use. 3) Pre-clinical and
example that combines biofabrica- clinical applications on animal
tion with synthetic biology is the models and human clinical trials
creation of “smart” bacteria that to better understand the un-
seek cancer cells, and based on the derlying biology and physiology
density of receptors on their of disease. Applications
outer surfaces, would include cancer detec-
synthesize and deliver tion, kidney function
a therapeutic. We assessment, and brain
anticipate develop- mapping. 4) Develop-
ing many new tools ment of novel phan-
for deciphering tom technology for
the presence of standardization
pathogens, which and regulatory
will advance our evaluation.
understanding
and treatment of THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING
diseases.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PROFESSOR & CHAIR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

EDWARD EISENSTEIN JOHN P. FISHER KEITH E. HEROLD

PH.D., GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, 1985 FISCHELL FAMILY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR PH.D., OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, 1985
HENDRICKS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIOFUELS PH.D., RICE UNIVERSITY, 2003 FELLOW, ASME
RESEARCH, 2010 FELLOW, BMES, AIMBE, FULBRIGHT COMMISSION (IRELAND)
CONTINENTAL CHAIR ELECT, TERMIS-AMERICAS CHAPTER THE HEROLD GROUP
THE EISENSTEIN GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B, REVIEWS bioe.umd.edu/faculty/herold
bioe.umd.edu/faculty/eisenstein
TISSUE ENGINEERING AND BIOMATERIALS LAB SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: Biosensors and Molecular
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Development of a Model Pro- bioe.umd.edu/~jpfisher Technologies for Cancer Diagnostics, Series in Sensors,
tein Interaction Pair as a Benchmarking Tool for the Quan- CRC Press, 2012, 820 pages.
titative Analysis of Two-Site Protein-Protein Interactions” J. SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Evaluating 3D Printed Bioma-
Biomolec. Techniques 26: 125-141. (2015) terials as Scaffolds for Vascularized Bone Tissue Engineer- Recently, our work has focused on the use of biosensors
ing.” Advanced Materials. 27: 138-144 (2015) to detect nucleic acid signatures associated with patho-
We are interested in engineering biological systems to de- gens, toxins, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance
velop new strategies for disease detection and prevention, as Our laboratory investigates biomaterials, 3D printing, stem genes. The work is centered on rapid, miniaturized, on-
well as to produce natural product and protein therapeutics. cells, and bioreactors for the regeneration of lost tissues, chip PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which provides
Molecular, structural and synthetic biology approaches are particularly bone, cartilage, vasculature, and skeletal signal amplification allowing detection of low-concentra-
employed for mechanistic investigations in order to engineer muscle. We examine questions related to how biomateri- tion signature molecules. It is multidisciplinary, including
biosystems as sensors, actuators and factories. We are de- als affect endogenous signaling among embedded cells as bioinformatics, MEMS device design, biochemistry, and
veloping tools to explore all the imaginable natural products well as the interactions between stem cells and host vas- microbiology, all balanced to support practical device
that can be synthesized by medicinal plants. We are also cularization. Key recent developments include the creation development and testing. Our work has led to a unique
engineering the plant innate immune system for broad- of a modular and scalable bioreactor for cell and tissue understanding of the key variables which control the
spectrum disease resistance by studying and engineering the culture as well as the fabrication of 3D printed substrates success of new device configurations. The bioinformatics
aspects show much promise and this
interactions of disease resistance “R” for tissue regeneration. Our is the current focus of our work.
proteins with pathogenic avirulence laboratory has authored over The explosion in fully sequenced
proteins that activate cell death. In 110 publications, 230 scientific bacterial genomes provides a re-
an effort to improve the produc- presentations, and 12 patents/ markably detailed database sup-
tion of therapeutic proteins in bac- patent applications; supported porting bacterial identification
terial to mammalian cell cultures, 5 postdoctoral fellows, 17 PhD assays. We are working to
genome-engineering approaches students, 5 MS students, and provide tools to allow
are being used to rewire the the research activities of biosensor designers
host transcriptional cir- over 60 undergradu- to harness the avail-
cuits that control stressful ates. Our work is able data.
physiological response supported by the
to heterologous protein National Institutes
production, thereby es- of Health, National
tablishing phenotypes Science Foundation,
that enhance soluble Department of
protein production for Defense, and
a range of therapeutic private foundations.
protein targets.

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PROFESSOR

STEVEN M. JAY CHRISTOPHER M. JEWELL PETER KOFINAS

PH.D., YALE UNIVERSITY, 2009 PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON, 2008 ASSOCIATE DEAN AND PROFESSOR
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, MIT 2009-2012 PH.D., MIT, 1994
CMBE YOUNG INNOVATOR AWARD, 2016 VISITING SCIENTIST, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 2010-2011 PHILIP MERRILL PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
ORAU RALPH E. POWE JUNIOR FACULTY AWARD, 2015 DAMON RUNYON-RACHLEFF INNOVATION AWARD, 2015-2017 MENTOR, OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES,2014-2015
AAPS-GENENTECH INNOVATION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY ACGT YOUNG INVESTIGATOR, 2015-2018 FACULTY OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD, A. JAMES
AWARD, 2012 NSF CAREER AWARD, 2014-2019 CLARK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, 2013
NIH PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENCE AWARD, 2012 STATE OF MD’S OUTSTANDING YOUNG ENGINEER, 2014 NSF CAREER AWARD, 1999

BIOTHERAPEUTIC DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY LAB IMMUNE ENGINEERING LAB FUNCTIONAL MACROMOLECULAR LABORATORY
jaylab.umd.edu jewell.umd.edu fml.umd.edu

SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Emerging roles for SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Reprogramming the local SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Biodegradable Polymer
extracellular vesicles in tissue engineering and regenerative lymph node microenvironment promotes tolerance that is Blend Based Surgical Sealant with Body Temperature
medicine.” Tissue Engineering Part B, 21 (1), 45-54 (2015). systemic and antigen-specific.” Cell Reports (2016) Mediated Adhesion.” Advanced Materials, 27, 8056-8061.
(2015)
The Jay Laboratory aims to uncover new biological The goal of the Jewell Lab is to develop biomaterials that
insights towards the design and development of novel generate immune responses with specific, tunable character- The main thrust of Professor Kofinas’ research program
biotherapeutics (aka biopharmaceuticals). We also istics, an idea known as “immunomodulation.” This goal has aims in the synthesis characterization and processing
strive to develop new approaches to drug delivery and two complementary thrusts: basic investigations to under- of novel polymer based architectures used in a variety
biomanufacturing using fundamental tools from both stand the interactions between synthetic materials and the of technologies and devices ranging from medicine to
engineering and biology. Employing techniques in immune system, and translational studies that exploit these energy storage. Present problems of interest include:
protein engineering, biomaterials, molecular biology and interactions for therapeutic vaccines targeting cancer and solution blow spun functional polymers as surgical
autoimmunity. We use biomaterials that range from degrad-
nanotechnology, we are primarily able polymer particles, to lipid carriers, to self-assembling and sealants; biosensors that change
interested in projects at the color upon detection of pathogens;
interface of vascular or cancer multi-functional materials. We study these point-of-care diagnostics for
biology and bioengineering with materials in cells and animal models, urea cycle disorder metabolites;
the objective of generating new incorporating tools from chemistry, solid, non-flammable, polymer
therapies that can ultimately engineering, basic biology, nanotech- electrolytes for lithium
be translated to clinical use. An nology, and immunology. Our ongoing ion batteries; functional
underpinning goal of the lab projects include design of vaccines magnetodielectric
is to endow trainees and immunotherapies, understanding polymer
with the skills the interactions of biomaterials nanocomposites for
and knowledge with lymph nodes and other flexible antennas.
necessary to immune tissues, harnessing
become leaders in self-assembly of im-
the biotechnology mune signals to control
and pharmaceutical immune function, and
industries. investigations of the
materials we design
in pre-clinical models
of multiple sclerosis,
type 1 diabetes, mela-
noma, and pediatric
cancer.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

SILVINA MATYSIAK HUBERT MONTAS SILVIA MURO

PH.D., RICE UNIVERSITY, 2007 PH.D., PURDUE UNIVERSITY, 1996 PH.D., UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE MADRID, 1999
NSF CAREER AWARD, 2015-2020 NSF CAREER AWARD, 2002 STANDING MEMBER, NIH NANO STUDY SECTION, 2014–2020
DOCTORAL NEW INVESTIGATOR AWARD, ACS PRF, 2012 BEST PAPER AWARDS, CONTROLLED RELEASE
ENGAGED FACULTY AWARD, A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL MODEL ANALYSIS LABORATORY SOCIETY, 2011, AND AM. SOCIETY OF NANOMEDICINE,
OF ENGINEERING, 2014 bioe.umd.edu/faculty/montas 2011, 2013, 2015

BIOMOLECULAR MODELING GROUP SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Reactive transport in strati- THE MURO GROUP
fied flow fields with idealized heterogeneity.” Advances in bioe.umd.edu/faculty/muro
matysiaklab.umd.edu Water Resources 32 (6), 905-915 (2009)
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Challenges in design and
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Effect of lipid head group The Model Analysis Laboratory researches spatial analysis characterization of ligand-targeted drug delivery systems.”
and control of active and passive biological agents J. Control Release, 164 (2), 125-137 (2013)
interactions on membrane properties and membrane-in- in dynamic, intensive and extensive, heterogeneous
bioenvironments. We develop analytical and numerical Controlling transport of therapeutics through physiologi-
duced cationicß-hairpin folding.” Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., computational devices within deterministic and stochastic cal barriers (across cell layers and into intracellular com-
frameworks, coupled with artificial intelligence tools. partments) is an imperative and yet challenging need in
18, 17836-17850 (2016) These are integrated into multi-dimensional spatial the quest for better therapeutics. Our laboratory studies
databases to form Decision Support Systems that enable how transport mechanisms present in the body’s cells
Our group aims to explore how molecular behavior dictates the design of strategies for analyzing and controlling the can be exploited to achieve the transport of therapeutics
macroscopic-scale properties of systems. We utilize statis- dynamics of nutrients, drugs, toxins and active bioagents to required locations, focusing on biological parameters
tical thermodynamics to estimate thermophysical proper- from the scale of individual cells through tissues and (target expression, functional epitopes, pathological status,
ties from computer simulations on a molecular level. We organs to urban landscapes, watersheds and broad biological regulation) and nanocarrier design (geometry,
model self-assembly of soft materials such as surfactants, valency, functionalization). A main example focuses on an
proteins, lipids and polysaccharides. We particularly focus geographical regions. We unusual transport mechanism associated with intercellular
on characterizing molecular mechanisms that are relevant are currently part of an
in many neurodegenerative diseases and certain types of EPA-supported team adhesion molecule 1, a cell-surface
cancer. Since there is no single technique that can span developing a community- protein expressed on pathologically
the whole range of typical time and length scales relevant based plan for improving altered tissue linings and cells. We
for biomolecular function and self-assembly behavior, we storm water runoff, the have shown that targeting drug
are developing new multi-scale simulation techniques fastest growing source carriers to this marker can help in
of pollution in the transporting therapeutics across
and models to characterize these Chesapeake Bay linings (the gastrointestinal
systems at multiple time and and its local rivers, tract, the blood-brain barrier),
length scales. The laboratory’s including the into cells, and to selected
research focuses on multi- Anacostia and cellular compartments. This
scale simulations methods, Patuxent. platform is being developed
molecular aggregation for the treatment of several
processes, protein folding/ conditions, with a particu-
misfolding and stability, lar emphasis on delivery of
protein-membrane interac- biologicals and therapies for
tions, the molecular basis inherited enzyme deficiencies.
of Huntington’s disease,
the mode of action of
antimicrobial peptides in
targeting cancer cells, and
self-assembly of surfac-
tants in ionic liquids.

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

PROFESSOR ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PROFESSOR

GREGORY F. PAYNE GIULIANO SCARCELLI BENJAMIN SHAPIRO

PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 1984 PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY, 2006 PH.D., CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 1999
GUEST PROFESSOR, WUHAN UNIVERSITY (2013–) YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD, HUMAN FRONTIER FULBRIGHT FELLOWSHIP, GERMANY, 2009
USM BOARD OF REGENTS FACULTY AWARD SCIENCE PROGRAM, 2013 NSF CAREER AWARD, 2003
NIH K25 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
THE PAYNE GROUP AWARD, 2013 CONTROL OF MINIATURIZED SYSTEMS LAB
bioe.umd.edu/faculty/payne controlofmems.umd.edu
OPTICS AND PHOTONICS IN BIOMEDICINE
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Nature’s other self- SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Towards control of magnetic
assemblers.” Science, 341, 136-137 (2013) SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Noncontact 3D mapping of fluids in patients: Directing therapeutic nanoparticles to
intracellular mechanical properties by Brillouin microscopy” disease locations,” IEEE Control System Magazine, 32 (3),
Biology has a lot to teach us about materials science: Nature Methods 12, 1132 (2015). 32-74 (2012).
biology is expert at creating function at the nanoscale
(e.g., proteins) and integrating such nano-components Our lab is broadly interested in optical techniques for Our goal is to put the right things in the right places—
into hierarchical structures (e.g., organs). Biology also sets biological research and clinical medicine. Coming from a cells to sensors and quantum dots to photonic
the example for sustainability by employing renewable physics and instrumentation background, we are fas- cavities on chip, and therapeutic nanoparticles to
resources and intrinsically-safe fabrication methods (i.e., cinated by the nature of light and we try to harness its disease locations in patients. We do this by combining
biosynthesis) to create products that are fully recyclable power to devise novel biotechnologies. Our current focus mathematical modeling, control theory, and optimization
after use. Our group aims to learn from biology and apply is developing imaging modalities to map properties with with bioengineering, experiments, and clinical practice.
this knowledge to biofabrication, and to use biological important biomedical applications (e.g. elasticity, force, We have developed flow control techniques to gently
materials and mechanisms to build structure and function mass) that are difficult or impossible to measure with tra- manipulate single cells on chips, which we are using to
at the nano- and micro- scales. Specifically, we are apply- ditional techniques. In doing this, we cover all the stages study the mechanics of metastatic cancer cells. We are
ing self-assembly and enzymatic-assembly mechanisms of the translational spectrum: we study what light is; we also demonstrating methods that magnetically direct
to proteins and polysaccharides, and we are especially
try to understand its interaction with tis- therapy to clinical targets—to
focused on biofabricating an sue, cells and biomaterials; we develop tumors and ear, eye, and brain
interface between biologi- advanced optical technology; we diseases—a technology that
cal and electronic systems. build instruments; and we use our we have spun out of the
Through extensive interna- instruments for biological research university and are currently
tional collaborations, we are and in clinical trials. commercializing.
learning how to guide the
assembly of biological
components to the
interface of electrode
addresses of micro-
fabricated devices,
and how to estab-
lish communication
between the biological
and electronic systems
across this interface.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

KIMBERLY STROKA YANG TAO IAN WHITE

PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, 2011 PH.D., PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, 1991 ASSOCIATE CHAIR, UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SOCIETY RITA SCHAFFER FELLOW, ASABE PH.D., STANFORD UNIVERSITY, 2002
YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD, 2014 FACULTY ADVISOR OF THE YEAR, UMD, 2015
BURROUGHS WELLCOME CAREER AWARD AT THE BIO-IMAGING AND MACHINE VISION LABORATORY NSF CAREER AWARD, 2012
SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE, 2014 tao.umd.edu
PHOTONIC BIOSENSORS LABORATORY
CELL AND MICROENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING LAB SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Hyperspectral image clas- bioe.umd.edu/~ianwhite
http://go.umd.edu/stroka sification methods.” In: Hyperspectral Imaging for Food
Quality Analysis and Control. Academic Press (2010) SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Optofluidic microsystems
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Water permeation drives for chemical and biological analysis.” Nature Photonics, 5,
tumor cell migration in confined microenvironments.” Cell Our lab develops advanced machine vision and robotic 591-597 (2011)
157: 611-623 (2014) technologies to improve human health in two areas: au-
tomated detection systems for the safety of foods we eat, Our group aims to develop integrated microsystems that
The Cell and Microenvironment Engineering Lab is fo- and medical systems for rehabilitation and diagnostics. Our enable new applications not possible before in areas
cused on understanding alterations in mechanobiology food processing and inspection systems reduce the need such as the study of cancer metastasis, the diagnosis of
that occur in cells and their microenvironment during for human contact at processing plants, eliminating micro- infectious disease, and low-cost, portable chemical and
progression of diseases. The lab’s research interfaces cell bial cross-contamination, creating a safer environment for biomolecular detection. Using a systems approach, we
engineering, nano/microtechnology, and quantitative workers, and enhancing industrial productivity. With built-in are applying fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and
mechanobiology in order to create models of multi-scale machine intelligence, they keep consumers safe by detect- engineering to solve problems relevant to today’s critical
biological systems, understand how cells respond to ing hazardous materials in meat and eliminating pathogens biomedical applications.
physical and biochemical cues from their microenviron- in oysters. In a current project, we’re developing a machine
vision-guided system that de-crowns strawberries at a rate
ment, and develop therapies for
diseases using engineering of 120 pieces/sec., equivalent to 144
strategies. The lab was award- field workers. In collaboration with
ed a Burroughs Wellcome the UMB School of Medicine, our
Career Award at the Scien- lab also advances body-mount
tific Interface ($500,000 computer vision and robotics for
for 2014-2019) to focus on stroke patient physical therapies,
engineering a “blood- including exoskeleton technol-
brain barrier-on-a- ogy for lower extremity
chip” to understand neuro-rehabilitation.
mechanobiology in We also develop
the context of tumor low-dose X-ray
cell metastasis to the contrast imaging
brain. methods that min-
imize the patient’s
radiation dose
while retaining
image quality.

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

WHY UMD? PHOTO/IMAGE CREDITS
Ballinger Architects: Clark Hall renderings (cover, 4-5)
“One of the greatest things about the BioE program and the [Clark] School in general is your John T. Consoli: McKeldin Mall (p. 3), Capstone student
(p. 9), Helim Aranda-Espinoza (p. 15).
access to other departments and opportunities...I have plenty of leeway to make Tim Currie: 3D model of imaging device (p. 9)
decisions about my education. The location was absolutely ideal for me, and so was Luisa DiPietro/Essential Eye Photography:
Bioengineering lab (above)
the fact that UMD had a young BioE program that was doing great things.” Laura Figlewski: Map (pp. 2-3)
Chris Byrd, Ph.D. ’11 R. Linn: Washington Monument (p. 3)
Al Peasley: Silvia Muro (p. 18)
“I was impressed by the research collaborations the school has with various companies. This Nick Prindeze: Thermal gradient behind device (p. 9)
Alan P. Santos: Yu Chen (p. 16)
potential to apply my studies and research to real-life applications was Hernan Stamati: Silvina Matysiak (p. 18)
Balance/Additional Photography by Faye Levine
particularly appealing, and I believe UMD will prepare me to succeed in a rapidly growing and Editing/Additional Photography by Alyssa Wolice
competitive field.”

2012 Fischell Fellow Mina Choi

“Working with grad students and postdocs really allowed me to see that I could obtain [their] level
of knowledge. Learning more about the research process can be very challenging, but you also

have those exciting moments where you discover something new.”

Sara Johnson, B.S. ’13

“The faculty and staff are very responsive to students, particularly in their first year.

[Graduate] students are allowed to choose advisors after talking to many professors, so they can
see...what they’re really interested in working on, and what they are motivated by.”

Xiaolong Luo, Ph.D. ’08

“I completed my Ph.D. in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering, so I know firsthand how

excellent the environment is. The energy and vibrancy of the department drew
me in as a graduate student, and that same energy and vibrancy have drawn me to become part

of the faculty.”
Kimberly Stroka, assistant professor, Ph.D. ’11

“I volunteer as an EMT...It is exciting to work on [my] research because I am reminded every week

of how it directly applies to emergency medicine and how it can someday help save the
lives of trauma victims.”

Michael Sikorski, B.S. ’15

FISCHELL DEPARTMENT OF BIOENGINEERING (2016)

back cover

bioe.umd.edu

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING