BIOE Department Brochure (2019)

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

INSPIRING MEDTIHCEALSEICNTNIONVATTIITOLNE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: HEALTH CARE IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, moving toward
bioe@umd.edu
(301) 405-8268 more technological approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and personalized
4102 A. James Clark Hall and regenerative medicine, as well as the extensive use of information technology.
8278 Paint Branch Drive
University of Maryland Biomedical engineering is steadily becoming the world’s largest industrial
College Park, MD 20742 sector, and as a result, there is an increasing demand for doctors who are
Twitter & Instagram: @UMDBIOE technically competent and for engineers who are properly trained in basic
medical science.
bioe.umd.edu
To help meet these needs, we take advantage of our location near the
world’s most expansive health care research enterprises and federal regulatory
agencies. We have established relationships with centers such as the Institute
for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, the National Institutes 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 growing 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.
The Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices is bringing together
skilled scientists, medical doctors, health practitioners, and bioengineers
who are working to research, design, and build biomedical devices to
benefit humanity. 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. Furthermore, through our NIH-funded Center for
Engineering Complex Tissues, we are collaborating with leading institutions
to transform how bones, tissue, and organs are repaired or replaced.

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.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

Baltimore was ranked In 2019, TechCrunch ranked the
#5 on Forbes’ 2019 list of the top
rising cities for startups. University of Maryland
among the top 10 public
In 2017, Money Magazine named the research universities to

University of Maryland have graduated the most founders of
the 20th best college in startups that raised $1 million+ in the
past year.
the country.
In 2015, NerdWallet ranked

the D.C. metro area
among the top 10
destinations for tech
jobs.

Baltimore was ranked A PRIME LOCATION
#2 in a 2019 SmartAsset
study of the best cities THE STATE OF MARYLAND IS
for women in tech. RELATIVELY SMALL IN SIZE AND
POPULATION, BUT RANKS 2ND
In 2019, Kiplinger rated the NATIONALLY IN THE PERCENTAGE
OF PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED
University of Maryland the 10th DEGREES.
best value college in
the nation for in-state students College Park is conveniently located a few
miles from Washington, D.C. In addition to the
seeking a public university federal government, many large, high-tech
companies are headquartered in the D.C. met-
education, and the 16th best ropolitan area, and all employ a vast number
value college in the of engineers and scientists. D.C. is consistently
nation for out-of-state students chosen as one of the top cities for young pro-
fessionals, based on strong career satisfaction
seeking a public university education. 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

A. JAMES CLARK HALL

PROMOTING WORLD-CLASS and the Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical and dry spaces as well as a vivarium.
RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL Devices, further expanding the capabilities and im-
PROGRAMS THAT ADVANCE pact of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Optical laser and imaging laboratories feature state-
HUMAN HEALTH INNOVATION of-the-art technology in digital fabrication, rapid
Clark Hall, located adjacent to the Jeong H. Kim prototyping, 3D printing, optics, and bioinformatics.
A. James Clark Hall at the University of Maryland, Engineering Building, accommodates the Clark In the imaging suite, students and faculty have the
College Park, aims to spur the development of trans- School’s rapidly growing programs, reducing class ability to examine molecular resolution of patho-
formative new engineering and biomedical technol- deficiency by 20 percent, while bringing together gens―whether in the GI tract or bloodstream―that
ogies that advance human health innovation. Since the many disciplines involved with human health show how a nano-carrier delivers a drug to a spe-
its opening in January 2018, the 184,000 ft2 building innovation under one roof, encouraging interdisci- cific tumor site. Additionally, laser devices and mag-
has served as a central hub for new partnerships plinary collaboration and growth from electrical and netic resonance imagers will allow a close examina-
and collaboration for organizations throughout the mechanical engineering to biology and information tion of cross-sections of the body and brain.
Maryland and Washington, D.C. region. technology. Approximately 7,332 ft2 of classroom
space and 11,402 ft2 of class lab space is used to FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The building facilitates world-class research and support instructional capabilities. To help create an https://eng.umd.edu/clark-hall
educational programs, offering state-of-the-art organic flow of ideas between many disciplines, the
laboratories, student project space, and a new building brings flex classrooms and two stories of
home for the Fischell Department of Bioengineering flexible laboratories to the campus―including wet

Placement only–hi res needed.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF BIOENGINEERING

A. James Clark Hall offers more than 40,000 ft2 of collaborative instructional
and research space. The first-floor Leidos Innovation Lab, equipped with
movable benches and toolboxes, fosters an organic flow of ideas for stu-
dents from all eight engineering departments, working together on cross-
disciplinary research and design work.
Clark Hall is also home to creative learning spaces and a high-tech
dynamic Forum. With seating for 200, the Stanley R. Zupnik Forum is the
largest lecture space in the Clark School and allows the Fischell Department
of Bioengineering to host international and national conferences and
seminars onsite, as well as hold formal events.
Within an hour’s drive from College Park are many of the nation’s top
bioscience research forces, including the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the U.S. Army Medical
Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, the University of Mary-
land, Baltimore School of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Clark Hall capitalizes on that geographic advantage, allowing networking
and collaboration opportunities not only for all University of Maryland fac-
ulty, staff, and students, but also for professionals from around the region.
In this way, students put their research minds together with policymakers,
venture capitalists, and regulatory agents to measure and manipulate cells,
tissues, integrated systems, and devices, along the way of developing
technologies to save lives.

T HE FTI SHCEHFEILSLCHDELPAL RDTEMPAENRT MofENBTI OoEf NBGI OI NEENEGRI NI NEGERI NG

BTIIOTEL@EUMD: THE NUMBERS

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT OF the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science TOP 25 in RESEARCH FUNDING per FACULTY
BIOENGINEERING RANKS AMONG and Engineering, a six-floor hub for technology
THE TOP PROGRAMS IN THE BIG TEN stationed at the heart of College Park’s new TOP 20 in TOTAL FEDERAL FUNDING per FACULTY
AND ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. innovation district, and just a short walk from the
bioengineering department’s home in A. James TOP 10 in BACHELOR’S DEGREES AWARDED
According to 2017-2018 data provided by the Clark Hall. In 2019, the university broke ground
American Society for Engineering Education on the E. A. Fernandez IDEA Factory, directly TOP 5 in BACHELOR’S DEGREES AWARDED to WOMEN
(ASEE), the Fischell Department of Bioengineering across from Clark Hall. This cutting-edge facility is
places in the TOP FIVE bioengineering (BIOE) designed to bring together students, faculty, and
and biomedical engineering (BME) programs in staff from various majors and fields to conceive
the country in the number of bachelor’s degrees ideas, create designs, build prototypes, develop
awarded to women, and among the TOP TEN in business plans and bring products to the market
total bachelor’s degrees awarded. to spur economic development in the region, state,
and nation.
The department also ranks among the TOP 20 in
total federal funding awarded per faculty member, The Future of Bioengineering
boasting numerous grants from the National
Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, The Fischell Department of Bioengineering
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the employs innovative research approaches, working
National Institute of Standards and Technology, across disciplines to solve complex problems. This
among others. research informs translational and entrepreneurial
work, enhances the education provided to students,
Rapid Growth and yields breakthroughs that have a real impact on
human health.
Over the past decade, bioengineering has remained
one of the fastest-growing programs at the In line with its strategic goals, the department
University of Maryland. In the past three years is on pace to grow to 27 tenure-track faculty
alone, the Fischell Department of Bioengineering’s members by 2023, welcoming 25 new Ph.D.
research expenditures have more than doubled students each year. In 2018, 134 students entered
to nearly $15 million, placing it among the TOP the doors to Clark Hall as the Fischell Department
25 BIOE/BME programs in the country in total of Bioengineering undergraduate Class of 2022.
research funding dollars per faculty. Of these students, 60% identify as women, and
nearly one-fourth identify with at least one
A Changing Landscape underrepresented minority group.

While the Fischell Department of Bioengineering FOR MORE INFORMATION:
has celebrated countless achievements over bioe.umd.edu/2019-stats
the past few years, so too, has the University of bioe.umd.edu/about/strategic-plan
Maryland etched new milestones. In 2019, the STEM
wing of campus celebrated the official opening of

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

BIOWORKSHOP

THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED BIOWORKSHOP CORE
FACILITY OFFERS ACCESS TO AN ARRAY OF
CUTTING-EDGE SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS.

Housed within the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and located on
the fourth floor of A. James Clark Hall, the BioWorkshop features nearly two
dozen instruments for cellular and biochemical analysis, biomaterial charac-
terization, imaging, and histology.

The facility welcomes engineers, scientists, and industry experts from both
on and off campus, who come together to access the highly specialized
equipment and expertise offered. The BioWorkshop is staffed by full-time
personnel, and offers regular training and maintenance, online scheduling
and billing, and 24/7 access for all users.

With nearly $4 million in lab equipment available for use, the BioWorkshop is
the first University of Maryland facility of its kind.

Bioimaging instruments include a FLIM- and FCS-capable laser scanning
confocal microscope (LSCM), a fully-automated wide-field fluorescence
microscope, an atomic force microscope for biological samples (BioAFM), a
benchtop scanning and transmission electron microscope (SEM&TEM) and a
microCT for fixed and live imaging.

Cellular and biochemical analysis tools include an imaging flow cytometer, a
flow cytometer analyzer, a UHPLC, a qPCR, a lyophilizer, a multi-mode plate
reader with an incubation system, and a Biacore surface plasmon resonance
scanner (SPR).

Biomaterial characterization tools include FT-IR, a rheometer, a dynamic
mechanical analyzer, a particle sizer and a zeta-potential analyzer (DLS), and
a circular dichroism spectrometer.

Additionally, the BioWorkshop features a complete histology suite including a
cryostat.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
bioworkshop.umd.edu

T HE FITSHCEHFEILSLCDHEPLAL RDTEMPEANRTT MofENBTI OoEf NBGI OI NEENEGRI NI NEGERI NG

BIOMEDICAL DEVICE DEVELOPMENT

A CONVERGENCE OF INFORMATION intense desire to learn and succeed. At the Fischell innovation by immersing creative and energetic
TECHNOLOGY, NANOTECHNOLOGY, Institute, these like-minded individuals join together scientists and engineers in a nurturing and rewarding
& BIOTECHNOLOGY IS REDEFINING to help solve critical medical problems and impact research environment where engineered health
MEDICAL CARE IN THE UNITED STATES. millions of lives. systems are conceived of and investigated.

To transform basic research in the field of biomedi- The future of biomedical devices The Institute is comprised of staff, resources,
cal devices into commercialization opportunities, facilities, and a “network of experts” who not only
the University of Maryland launched the Robert Devices will be deployed that interrogate an deliver prototyping and manufacturing expertise,
E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices. The individual’s genetic background, sense pathogens, but who also facilitate venture creation, intellectual
Institute, housed within the Fischell Department and detect maladies. They will wirelessly communi- property creation, and product passage through
of Bioengineering, is located on the fifth floor of A. cate with other devices and databases to alter the various clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement
James Clark Hall, and has more than 15,000 ft2 of progression of disease while taking into account hurdles.
dedicated laboratory and research space where life- the patient’s physiological state and genetic
changing medical devices will be developed. disposition. Devices will be low-cost, biocompatible, FOR MORE INFORMATION:
and—depending on location—self-powered and fischellinstitute.umd.edu
The processes that underpin device creation require networked.
coordination, facilities, intellectual capital, resources,
and the creative minds of those who have an Taking these developments into account, the Robert
E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices fuels

Placement only–hi res needed.

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

DRIVING COLLABORATION

The Fischell Department of Bioengineering is the leader of a newly estab-
lished National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Biomedical Technology
Resource Center (BTRC) aimed at advancing techniques to create com-
plex tissues and parts for the body, such as organs and bone. The $6.25
million Center for Engineering Complex Tissues is a partnership with Rice
University and the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

Building on the group’s long-standing bioengineering, biomaterials, and
additive manufacturing expertise, the center will serve as a national hub
for transforming current tissue engineering and 3-D printing technologies
into new and improved platforms for everyday uses in regenerative medicine.

At the core of CECT’s capabilities are three projects that will promote
development across three main biological systems: stem cell culture, fab-
rication of cellular constructs, and construction of heterogeneous tissue
scaffolds.

Beyond the center, the Fischell Department of Bioengineering is also a key
partner in a newly established institute to advance U.S. leadership in phar-
maceutical manufacturing. The National Institute for Innovation of Manu-
facturing Biopharmaceuticals includes the University of Maryland, College
Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, along with more than 150
companies, educational institutions, nonprofits, and state governments
operating under a newly formed nonprofit.

Innovations in biopharmaceutical manufacturing will mean more patients
have access to the most beneficial therapies. The institute will also help
ensure the nation can rapidly scale up manufacturing of these advanced
treatments to respond to pandemics and other biological threats, and
eliminate drug shortages that can result from quality control issues in
manufacturing.

T HE FITSHCEHFEILSLCDHEPLAL RDTEMPEANRTT MofENBTI OoEf NBGI OI NEENEGRI NI NEGERI NG

MPOWERING THE STATE

THANKS TO A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE, AND THE
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER,
BIOENGINEERING STUDENTS CAN SEE WHAT IT’S
LIKE TO WORK IN A CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT.

The University of Maryland’s MPowering the State initiative is a collabora-
tion between the state of Maryland’s two most powerful public research
institutions: the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the University of
Maryland, College Park. The strategic partnership leverages the sizable
strengths and complementary missions of both institutions to strengthen
Maryland’s innovation economy, advance interdisciplinary research, create
opportunities for students, and solve important problems for the people of
Maryland and the nation.

With support from Mpower, the Fischell Department of Bioengineering, in
partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore,
launched the Clinical Experiences in Biomedical Engineering course in
2018. The three-week winter term course provides bioengineering stu-
dents with exposure to the clinical setting as they explore opportunities
to engineer solutions that can improve health care delivery and patient
outcomes.

During the first two weeks, students visit the University of Maryland Medi-
cal Center, where each day they hear a detailed introduction to a medical
specialty and the respective clinical environment, including, for example,
the technology used in that speciality, the conditions diagnosed/treated
by that specialty, and the challenges faced by health care professionals
within the specialty. Students are also afforded the unique opportunity to
view medical procedures.

Later in the course, students choose their specialty of focus and work with
a health care professional to write a problem statement describing a chal-
lenge in the field that could be solved through an engineering approach.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
mpower.maryland.edu

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

APPLIED BIOENGINEERING

BY TAKING THEIR WORK BEYOND Health Center, the U.S. Food and Drug Administra- MPowering the State Student Entrepreneurship
THE LAB, STUDENTS LEARN THEIR tion, and the National Institutes of Health. During Fellowship
POTENTIAL TO MAKE A REAL-WORLD the final Senior Capstone Design competition,
IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH. those students who demonstrate outstanding work With support from funds provided by the
in their collaborations with University of Maryland, Mpowering the State initiative, the Robert E.
As undergraduates, Fischell Department of Baltimore researchers are granted the cross- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices offers
Bioengineering students are invited to work with campus Mpower award. a fellowship to support graduating students
University of Maryland, Baltimore collaborators to in transitioning their medical device projects
explore bioengineering applications in specialties M.D./M.S. and M.D./Ph.D. Dual-Degree Options into business ideas. Fellowship recipients take
such as tissue engineering, dentistry, orthopedics, part in the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in
pulmonary critical care, neurology, physical medicine The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Master of Science bioengineering program, and receive access to
and rehabilitation, and neonatal intensive care. (M.S.) and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Doctor of dedicated lab space and material support for
Philosophy (Ph.D.) dual-degree programs are prototype development.
Through the Senior Capstone Design course (see offered in partnership with the University of
next page), undergraduates receive mentorship Maryland School of Medicine. The programs are FOR MORE INFORMATION:
support from industry representatives and clinicians, structured such that students can earn both an M.D. bioe.umd.edu/capstone
including investigators from the University of and M.S. in five years, or both an M.D. and Ph.D. in bioe.umd.edu/graduate
Maryland School of Medicine, Children’s National eight years.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

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 STRUCTURED TO INSPIRE INNOVATION.
engineering, pharmaceutics, systems biology, and biological engineering.
Bioengineers strive to understand and explain biomechanical, neural and The first year of the program features Introduction to Engineering Design, a
cardiovascular phenomena; develop imaging technologies, drug delivery team-based immersive experience into a real-life engineering project, along
systems, or biomaterials; build devices such as pacemakers and surgical with Biology for Engineers, which introduces students to the quantitative
tools; or grow new tissue. and hands-on approaches to analyzing biological systems. In the third and
A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING fourth years, the focus shifts to the applied areas of biomedical imaging,
biomechanics, physiological systems, transport, and others.

Our two-semester Capstone Design course, taken in year four, features
guest speakers and gives students the opportunity to engage in discussion
on current issues in bioengineering such as ethics, clinical trials, regulatory
processes, venture capitalism, business principles, and entrepreneurship. In
the second half of the course, student teams use what they have learned to
guide the development of their own technological 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 Engineer-
ing, Biomechanics and Biomaterials, and Biomedical Instrumentation. Each
track consists of five electives. Alternatively, students can choose to main-
tain greater flexibility in Bioengineering Studies, or to tailor their electives
to fulfill Pre-Health requirements. Those who are interested in pursuing
and developing research projects that will translate to the graduate level
– and, ultimately, into a master’s thesis – can apply to the department’s
combined B.S./M.S. program.

We urge all of our students to pursue experiential learning opportunities
by seeking on- and off-campus internships at university labs, federal re-
search labs, and companies. We also offer a BIOE Honors program, a se-
lective thesis-based enrichment experience that augments our curriculum
by providing a framework in which to pursue cohesive research projects.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
bioe.umd.edu/undergraduate

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

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 Phar-
macy 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 Nanomedi-

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

and Innovation (M-CERSI)

Areas of research 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
bioe-grad@umd.edu • 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 department has several National Science Foun-
dation fellows enrolled in its program and continues
The Ph.D. curriculum consists of coursework, a to bring in new fellows each year. Ph.D. students are
qualifying exam (Research Aptitude Exam), teach- strongly encouraged to apply to the NSF Graduate
ing assistant experience, a proposal exam, and a dis- Research Fellowship program, and UMD faculty are
sertation defense. First-year students participate in available to support their applications.
lab rotations where they explore their interests and
identify potential research advisors. By the spring The University of Maryland Gradu-
of their first year, students are matched with faculty ate School and the A. James Clark
advisors, who are highly motivated School of Engineering offer ad-
and dedicated to the success of their ditional fellowship enhancement
students and research programs. packages for recruiting outstand-
ing students. Examples of these
ADMISSION packages, which many of our
students have won, include: the
Admission to the Graduate Program UMD University Fellowship, the
in Bioengineering is highly com- UMD Flagship Fellowship, the War-
petitive. The Admissions Committee ren Citrin Fellowship for Entrepre-
looks for strong evidence of moti- neurial Engineering Students, and
vation and achievement. Admission the Ronald E. McNair Graduate
decisions factor in the following Fellowship.
elements: quantitative metrics (GPA,
GRE, and TOEFL scores), letters The Fischell Fellowship in Biomedi-
of recommendation, statement of cal Engineering is a unique oppor-
research goals, as well as previous tunity for talented and innovative
research experiences, especially graduate students interested in ap-
archival publications. plied research and product design in the biomedical
industry. The Fischell Fellowship features a one-year,
FINANCIAL SUPPORT $10,000 financial and benefits package.

All students are fully funded by the department in
their first year and continually supported by re-
search 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
Alumni Sean Virgile (left) and Dr. Eric Hoppmann (right), co-founders IS KNOWN FOR PROVIDING THE EDUCATION AND
of Diagnostic anSERS, fill a cartridge with nanoparticle ink they use to SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FACULTY NEED TO PUSH
print inexpensive sensor components on paper. Diagnostic anSERS was INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET.
acquired by Metrohm Raman in 2017.
With the help of the acclaimed Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute
A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING (Mtech), located on campus, numerous bioengineering students and fac-
ulty 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.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can also learn to create business plans, perfect their
pitches, and win funding by participating in competitions held by the uni-
versity’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 GEL-E SYNAPTO

CO-FOUNDERS: ERIC HOPPMANN (PH.D. ‘13) AND SEAN CO-FOUNDERS: MATT DOWLING (PH.D. ’10), STUDENT CO-FOUNDERS: DHRUV PATEL, CHRIS LOOK
VIRGILE (M.S.) PROFESSOR SRINIVASA R. RAGHAVAN (CHEM. ENG), (BIOE/COMP. SCI.), MEGHA GUGGARI (COMP. SCI.),
PETER THOMAS (PH.D. ’11) AND OLUWATOSIN DAVID BOEGNER, ANOOP PATEL
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), an OGUNSOLA (PH.D ’05, CHEM. ENG.)
advanced sensor technology used for “molecular In their first year of undergraduate study, a team of
fingerprinting,” requires two components: a Raman gel-e specializes in developing a broad range of advanced University of Maryland STEM students earned top prize
spectrometer and a substrate. However, the sheer hemostatic and wound treatment products, including in the 2017 National Institutes of Health Design by
cost of the non-reusable SERS substrates, which are bandages for the treatment of routine cuts and scrapes, Biomedical Undergraduate Teams challenge for their
frequently manufactured in clean rooms like computer foams, putties for traumatic and military injuries, and efforts to develop a low-cost system for early diagnosis of
chips, drastically limits its commercial potential. Using surgical gels and powders. Alzheimer’s disease.
an inexpensive, novel inkjet printing method, Diagnostic
anSERS is able to produce and sell paper SERS substrates As a student, Dowling co-created a fast-acting, blood- The group uses a portable EEG developed by OpenBCI.
at a much lower price than its competition. By getting clotting bandage. This patented, life-saving technology is Their system works by analyzing a patient’s brainwaves
trace amounts of chemicals—such as narcotics, pesticides, based on modified chitosan, a biopolymer derived from using a variety of mathematical analyses. It then compares
or explosives—next to the inkjet printed silver or gold chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, crabs, this data to that of known healthy and Alzheimer’s
nanoparticles, the Raman spectrometer is able to and other crustaceans. When applied to wounds, the brainwave biomarkers. Using machine learning
determine exactly what is present. Diagnostic anSERS bandage quickly creates a three-dimensional nanoscale characterization, the algorithm can then decide, to a
partnered with Ocean Optics, the leading supplier of mesh that coagulates blood and stops hemorrhaging. The certain level of confidence, whether the new brainwave
miniature spectrometers, to create the first truly portable pad is designed to be used by surgeons, soldiers, first belongs to an Alzheimer’s patient or a healthy control
SERS system. responders, or even unskilled helpers in locations ranging patient.
from the operating room to the battlefield.
In 2013, Diagnostic anSERS was awarded $100k through Still counting down to their graduation date, the student
the Maryland Innovation Initiative for product develop- In 2015, the FDA cleared gel-e’s vascular access hemostat team has already established Synapto as an early-stage
ment and production scale-up, and $100k from the Mary- for sale, paving the way for the company to commercialize biotech company. Their work has been highlighted by
land Industrial Partnerships program to fund additional additional, unique products based on the same technology. Forbes, Washingtonian, the Big Ten Network, and various
product research in Professor Ian White’s research group. broadcast news networks, and the group has presented at
The company has also won cash prizes in the Cupid’s Cup, In 2017, the company announced several conferences including the Biomedical Engineering
Mtech’s $75K Business Plan Competition, and the Pitch that it raised $3.1 million in Society annual meeting.
Dingman competition. Diagnostic anSERS was acquired private financing. Prior to
by Metrohm Raman in November 2017. this, gel-e was funded by LITHIUM FLEX
grants from the NSF, U.S.
DIAGNOSTIC anSERS USES Army Research Lab,
THIS IMAGE OF UNIVERSITY OF Maryland Industrial
MARYLAND MASCOT TESTUDO Partnerships, TEDCO,
(SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE), and the Maryland
TO DEMONSTRATE Biotechnology
HOW THEIR SUB- Center.
STRATES CAN BE
ADAPTED TO ANY GEL-E FOUNDER
SIZE AND SHAPE. MATT DOWLING

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 CA-
REER Award winners in the last twelve years, and more than $8 million
in research funding. They are fellows in national scientific and engineer-
ing 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 dedica-
tion as mentors is reflected daily in the laboratories. Their prominence
shines in the field and in their respective technical areas. They care; there-
fore, they excel.

Our department faculty collaborate with researchers at institutions on
campus, in the region, and around the world. University of Maryland fac-
ulty from departments in the colleges of Engineering, Mathematics and
Natural Sciences, and Public Health, for example, hold affiliate appoint-
ments in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering. Researchers from
major institutions such as the University of Maryland Schools of Medi-
cine, 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. JAM ES CLA RK SC HOOL o f EENNGGININEEEERRIINNGG

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, FOUNDING CHAIR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

HELIM ARANDA-ESPINOZA WILLIAM E. BENTLEY ALISA MORSS CLYNE

ASSOCIATE CHAIR, GRADUATE STUDIES DIRECTOR, ROBERT E. FISCHELL INSTITUTE FOR PH.D., MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2006
PH.D., UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE SAN LUIS POTOSI, BIOMEDICAL DEVICES FELLOW, AHA, AIMBE, ASME
BMES-CMBE RISING STAR AWARD, 2011
MEXICO, 1998 FELLOW, AAM, AAAS, ACS, AIMBE NSF CAREER AWARD, 2008
NSF CAREER AWARD, 2007 PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER, 1989
VASCULAR KINETICS LABORATORY
CELL BIOPHYSICS LABORATORY BIOMOLECULAR AND METABOLIC ENGINEERING LABS www.vascularkinetics.com
bioe.umd.edu/~helim bentley.umd.edu
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Hypo- and hyperglycemia
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Endothelial cell substrate SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Electronic control of gene impair endothelial cell actin alignment and nitric oxide
stiffness influences neutrophil transmigration via myosin expression and cell behaviour in Escherichia coli through synthase activation in response to shear stress.” PLoSOne,
light chain kinase-dependent cell contraction.” Blood, 118 redox signalling.” Nature Communications 8, 14030 (2017) 8(6): e66176 (2013)
(6) (2011)
We are generating a new “biofabrication toolbox” that The Vascular Kinetics Laboratory uses engineering
The Cell Biophysics Laboratory applies the theoretical and enables us to assemble complex biological structures on methods to reveal the intricacies of vascular biology, and
experimental machinery of physics and engineering to programmable devices. These devices, in turn, allow for the thereby discover new ways to treat human disease. In
obtain a quantitative understanding of specific problems accurate interrogation of, two-way communication with, particular, we study how mechanical (e.g., fluid shear
inspired by biological systems. Our group studies the and eventually electronic control of biological systems. In stress, substrate stiffness) and biochemical (e.g., high
mechanics and motility of healthy cells, as well as our case, bacterial cell-to-cell signaling (or, quorum sens- glucose, angiogenic growth factors) interactions among
those of cells with pathological conditions. One of our ing) serves as a wonderful test bed for “listening in” on vascular cells and their extracellular environment are
particular interests is to understand how the mechanical biology. We are developing new methods for localizing altered in conditions that predispose humans to cardio-
environment dictates cell functions. DNA, proteins, cells and cell assemblies onto devices that vascular disease. We create 3D in vitro culture systems
help unravel the complexities of the biological functions we to investigate biological pathways and then apply these
discover, so they can be attributed to specific molecules, discoveries to create novel
biomaterials and therapeu-
gradients, and patterns. One example tics. Our work is at the
that combines biofabrication with interface of engineer-
synthetic biology is the creation ing and medicine,
of “smart” bacteria that seek celebrating the
cancer cells, and based on the inherent interdis-
density of receptors on their ciplinary nature
outer surfaces, would synthesize of biomedical
and deliver a therapeutic. We engineering with a
anticipate developing many strong emphasis
new tools for decipher- on clinical appli-
ing the presence of cations.
pathogens, which
will advance our
understanding
and treatment
of diseases.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

GREGG DUNCAN EDWARD EISENSTEIN

PH.D., JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, 2014 PH.D., GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, 1985
BURROUGHS WELLCOME CAREER AWARD AT THE HENDRICKS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIOFUELS

SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE, 2017 RESEARCH, 2010

THE DUNCAN GROUP THE EISENSTEIN GROUP
duncan.umd.edu bioe.umd.edu/faculty/eisenstein

SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Microstructural Alterations of SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Development of a Model
Sputum in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease.” JCI Insight, 1(18), Protein Interaction Pair as a Benchmarking Tool for the
e88198, 2016. Quantitative Analysis of Two-Site Protein-Protein Interac-
tions.” J. Biomolec. Techniques 26: 125-141. (2015)
Our group specializes in the design and characteriza-
tion of biological materials on the nano- to microscale, We are developing next-gen bioenergy plants by engineer-
allowing us to provide important insights in biology and ing their immune and stress responses to modulate patho-
medicine. We have a particular interest in pulmonary gen recognition and resistance, and redesigning their meta-
diseases where we are developing comprehensive models bolic pathways to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency.
of key processes in the lung microenvironment such as Information from a suite of approaches ranging from struc-
airway clearance and respiratory infection. Our ultimate tural and computational biology to systems and synthetic
goal is to integrate this knowledge to aid in the design biology is being integrated to provide cellular to molecular
of more sensitive diagnostics and effective treatments. mechanisms that provide a framework for biological engi-
Dr. Duncan was awarded the Burroughs Wellcome Fund neering. Molecular structure-function studies of disease
Career Award at the Scientific Interface to determine resistance receptors are enabling the design of new variants
how changes in the microscale properties of mucus on that recognize novel architectural determinants and activate
the airway surface give rise to deficiencies in mucus
an immune response at lower pathogen levels. The
clearance that contribute cellular basis of fungal rust disease
to severe lung dysfunc- in poplar, a model bioenergy
tion in diseases such crop, is being probed using a
as asthma, chronic conserved set of pathogenic
obstructive pulmonary effectors that suppress the
disease (COPD), and immune system. In compan-
cystic fibrosis (CF). ion work, engineering the criti-
cal features of the regulatory
proteins that control seasonal
nitrogen cycling in poplar
is enabling improved
yields of biomass from
plants grown on
reduced nutrients.

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

PROFESSOR & CHAIR PROFESSOR ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

JOHN P. FISHER XIAOMING (SHAWN) HE HUANG CHIAO (JOE) HUANG

FISCHELL FAMILY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES, 2004 PH.D., ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2012
DIRECTOR, NIH CENTER FOR ENGINEERING COMPLEX TISSUES FELLOW, AIMBE, ASME POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, HARVARD MEDICAL, 2012-2018
PH.D., RICE UNIVERSITY, 2003 RESEARCH SCHOLAR, AMERICAN CANCER SOC., 2011 TOSTESON & FUND FOR MEDICAL DISCOVERY, 2015-2016
FELLOW, AIMBE, BMES, FULBRIGHT (IRELAND) NIH K99/R00 PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENCE AWARD, 2016-
CONTINENTAL CHAIR, TERMIS-AMERICAS MULTISCALE BIOMATERIALS ENGINEERING LAB
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A shawnhelab.umd.edu OPTICAL THERAPEUTICS AND NANOMEDICINE LAB
umdhuanglab.weebly.com
TISSUE ENGINEERING AND BIOMATERIALS LAB SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Precise Targeting of POLR2A
bioe.umd.edu/~jpfisher as a Therapeutic Strategy for Human Triple Negative SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Immobilization of Photo-
Breast Cancer.” Nature Nanotechnology, 14, 388-397 (2019) Immunoconjugates on Nanoparticles Leads to Enhanced
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Evaluating 3-D Printed Bioma- Light-Activated Biological Effects.” Small. Jul 1:e1800236 (2018)
terials as Scaffolds for Vascularized Bone Tissue Engineering.” Our laboratory is dedicated to the research and educa-
Advanced Materials. 27: 138-144 (2015) tion on developing multiscale (nano, micro, and macro) Our laboratory integrates nanoscience and photobiology
biomaterials and devices with bioinspired spatiotemporal to help fight disease and improve daily lives. We engineer
Our laboratory investigates biomaterials, 3D printing, stem complexity to 1) encapsulate and deliver small molecules, nanometer-scale objects that allow optical and biophysical
cells, and bioreactors for the regeneration of lost tissues, genes, peptides/proteins, cells, and tissues, and 2) engi- manipulation of the disease at various levels. This approach
particularly bone, cartilage, vasculature, and skeletal muscle. neer 3D biomimetic systems in vitro, with the ultimate could facilitate the study of physiological barriers to drug
We examine questions related to how biomaterials affect goal of improving the safety and efficacy of cancer ther- delivery, immune tolerance, and molecular drug resistance
endogenous signaling among embedded cells as well as the anostics, tissue regeneration, and assisted reproduction. in living animals and clinical trials. In cancer, efforts are
interactions between stem cells and host vascularization. Key targeted towards developing nanotechnology-assisted
recent developments include the creation of a modular and and imaging-guided combination regimens—designed
scalable bioreactor for cell and tissue culture as well as the to improve the therapeutic index of conventional (and
fabrication of 3D-printed substrates for tissue regeneration. emerging) agents and to target compensatory survival
pathways for enhanced treatment outcomes. The
Our laboratory has published over established photo-responsive nanotechnology could give
170 articles, book chapters, and a broadly enabling platform for a
proceedings (7000+ cita- wide variety of applications,
tions / 46 h-index) as well as ranging from personalized
delivered over 340 invited health care to military and
and contributed presenta- security.
tions, while utilizing over $15M
in support from NIH, NSF, FDA, THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING
NIST, DoD, and other insti-
tutions. Our laboratory
has also supported
9 postdoctoral
fellows, 23 doctor-
al students, 6 M.S.
students, and the
research activities
of more than 95
undergraduates.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH

STEVEN M. JAY CHRISTOPHER M. JEWELL LAURIE LOCASCIO

PH.D., YALE UNIVERSITY, 2009 ASSOCIATE CHAIR, RESEARCH PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE
NSF CAREER AWARD, 2018 DIRECTOR, BIOWORKSHOP CORE FACILITY FELLOW, ACS, AIMBE
BMES CMBE YOUNG INNOVATOR AWARD, 2016 PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON, 2008 ACS EARL B. BARNES AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP, 2017
NIH PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENCE AWARD, 2012 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, MIT 2009-2012 WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCES SPECIAL
VISITING SCIENTIST, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 2010-2011
BIOTHERAPEUTIC DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY LAB RESEARCH BIOLOGIST, U.S. DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AWARD IN SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP, 2017
jaylab.umd.edu FELLOW, AIMBE
DAMON RUNYON-RACHLEFF INNOVATOR AWARD, 2015-2018 Laurie E. Locascio is the Vice President for Research at
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Ethanol Induces Enhanced NSF CAREER AWARD, 2014-2019 the University of Maryland. She previously worked at the
Vascularization Bioactivity of Endothelial Cell-Derived National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Extracellular Vesicles via Regulation of MicroRNAs and Long IMMUNE ENGINEERING LAB in Gaithersburg, MD, rising from a research biomedical
Non-Coding RNAs.” Scientific Reports 7(1):13794 (2017) jewell.umd.edu engineer to senior leadership positions, including, most
recently, Acting Principal Deputy Director and Associate
The Jay Laboratory aims to uncover new biological SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Designing natural and synthetic Director for Laboratory Programs, providing leadership
insights towards the design and development of novel immune tissues.” Nature Materials (2018) and operational guidance for NIST’s seven scientific and
biopharmaceuticals, such as therapeutic proteins, mission-focused laboratories. Locascio directed the Mate-
extracellular vesicles (exosomes) and cells. We also The goal of the Jewell Research Lab is to develop biomaterials rial Measurement Laboratory (MML), one of NIST’s largest
strive to develop new approaches to drug delivery that generate immune responses with specific, tunable charac- scientific labs, overseeing 1,000 research staff in eight
and biomanufacturing using fundamental tools from teristics. This goal has two complementary thrusts: basic investi- locations around the U.S. and a $175M annual budget.
both engineering and biology. Employing techniques gations to understand the interactions between synthetic materi- The Material Measurement Laboratory is the nation’s
in molecular biology, protein design and engineering, als and the immune system, and translational studies that exploit reference laboratory for the biological, chemical, and
biomaterials and nanotechnology, we are primarily these interactions for therapeutic vaccines targeting cancer and materials sciences, and provides research, measurement
interested in developing new biotechnologies to address autoimmunity. We use biomaterials that range from polymer services and quality assurance tools to address problems
clinical needs in wound repair, cardiovascular disease, particles, to lipid carriers, to self-assembling and multi-functional of national importance in areas that include precision
cancer, brain and spinal cord injuries, neurological materials. We study these materials in cells and animal models, medicine, data and informatics, biologic and cellular
diseases, and sepsis, among others. Overarching goals incorporating tools from chemistry, engineering, basic biology, therapeutics, environmental science, and the Materials
nanotechnology, and immunology. Our ongoing projects include Genome Initiative. As MML Director, she recruited top
of the lab include developing
therapeutics towards clinical design of vaccines and immunotherapies, talent, fostered excellence, and built
translation and endowing understanding the interactions of a collegial and collaborative
trainees with the skills and biomaterials with lymph nodes and workplace. She implement-
knowledge necessary other immune tissues, harnessing ed strategic partnerships
to become leaders in self-assembly to control immune with universities, industry,
the biotechnology and function, and investigations of and other government
pharmaceutical industries. the materials we design in human labs, including a partner-
patient samples and in pre-clinical ship with UMD’s Insti-
models of multiple sclerosis, tute for Bioscience and
diabetes, transplantation, Biotechnology Research
and cancer. at Shady Grove.

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

KATHARINA MAISEL SILVINA MATYSIAK HUBERT MONTAS

PH.D., JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, 2015 PH.D., RICE UNIVERSITY, 2007 PH.D., PURDUE UNIVERSITY, 1996
ALA DALSEMER RESEARCH AWARD, 2019 NSF CAREER AWARD, 2015-2020 NSF CAREER AWARD, 2002
NIH F32 FELLOWSHIP, 2016 DOCTORAL NEW INVESTIGATOR AWARD, ACS PRF, 2012
ENGAGED FACULTY AWARD, A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL MODEL ANALYSIS LABORATORY
MUCOSAL ASSOCIATED IMMUNE SYSTEM ENGINEER- bioe.umd.edu/faculty/montas
ING & LYMPHATICS LAB OF ENGINEERING, 2014
maisellab.umd.edu
BIOMOLECULAR MODELING GROUP SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Reactive transport in stratified
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Exploiting lymphatic vessels matysiaklab.umd.edu flow fields with idealized heterogeneity.” Advances in Water
for immunomodulation: Rationale, opportunities, and Resources 32 (6), 905-915 (2009)
challenges.” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 114:43-59 SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Pathways of amyloid-beta
(2017) absorption and aggregation in a membranous environment.” The Model Analysis Laboratory researches spatial analysis
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys 2019, 21, 8559-8568 and control of active and passive biological agents
We use in vitro modeling, nanotechnology, and in dynamic, intensive and extensive, heterogeneous
immunoengineering approaches to study and develop Our group aims to explore how molecular behavior dictates bioenvironments. We develop analytical and numerical
treatments for diseases at mucosal surfaces. We are macroscopic-scale properties of systems. We utilize statisti- computational devices within deterministic and stochastic
focused on studying the stromal compartments’ – cal thermodynamics to estimate thermo-physical properties frameworks, coupled with artificial intelligence tools.
particularly, the lymphatics’ – roles in disease pathology from computer simulations on a molecular level. We model These are integrated into multi-dimensional spatial
at mucosal surfaces and how the stromal compartment self-assembly of soft materials such as surfactants, proteins, databases to form Decision Support Systems that enable
can be targeted for novel treatment strategies. Our lipids and polysaccharides. Since there is no single technique the design of strategies for analyzing and controlling the
work creates not only crucial fundamental knowledge that can span the whole range of typical time and length dynamics of passive and active bioagents from the scale
about stromal cell involvement in disease pathology, scales relevant for biomolecular function and self-assembly of individual pores to broad geographical regions. We are
but also leads to novel targets and design criteria for behavior, we are developing new multi-scale simulation tech- part of various team-based projects aimed at developing
therapeutics. niques and models to characterize these systems at multiple community-based plans for improving storm water runoff,
time and length scales. The laboratory’s
research focuses on multiscale simu- the fastest growing
lations methods, molecular aggre- source of pollution
gation processes, protein folding/ in the Chesapeake
misfolding and stability, protein- Bay and its local
membrane interactions, the rivers, including
molecular basis of Alzheimer’s the Anacostia and
disease, the mode of action of Patuxent.
antimicrobial peptides in
targeting cancer cells,
and self-assembly of
surfactants in ionic
liquids.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

GIULIANO SCARCELLI KIMBERLY STROKA

PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY, 2006 PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, 2011
YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD, HUMAN FRONTIER YOUNG INNOVATOR IN CELLULAR & MOLECULAR

SCIENCE PROGRAM, 2013 BIOENGINEERING, 2019
NIH K25 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT BURROUGHS WELLCOME CAREER AWARD AT THE

AWARD, 2013 SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE, 2014

OPTICS AND PHOTONICS IN BIOMEDICINE CELL AND MICROENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING LAB
onlylightcandothat.org http://go.umd.edu/stroka

SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Noncontact 3-D mapping of SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Water permeation drives
intracellular mechanical properties by Brillouin microscopy” tumor cell migration in confined microenvironments.” Cell
Nature Methods 12, 1132 (2015). 157: 611-623 (2014)

Our lab is broadly interested in optical techniques for The Cell and Microenvironment Engineering Lab is
biological research and clinical medicine. Coming from a focused on understanding alterations in mechanobiology
physics and instrumentation background, we are fasci- that occur in cells and their microenvironment during
nated by the nature of light and we try to harness its progression of pathological conditions such as cancer.
power to devise novel biotechnologies. Our current focus The lab’s research interfaces cell engineering, nano/
is developing imaging modalities to map properties with microtechnology, and quantitative mechanobiology in
important biomedical applications (e.g. elasticity, force, order to create models of multi-scale biological systems,
mass) that are difficult or impossible to measure with understand how cells respond to an interplay of physi-
traditional techniques. In doing this, we cover all the stages cal and biochemical cues from their microenvironment,
of the translational spectrum: we study what light is; we and inform development of therapies for diseases using

try to understand its interaction engineering strategies. Current
with tissue, cells and biomate- projects in the lab focus on
rials; we develop advanced engineering a “blood-brain
optical technology; we barrier-on-a-chip” to under-
build instruments; and we stand mechanobiology in
use our instruments for the context of tumor cell
biological research and in metastasis to the brain, as
clinical trials. well as understand-
ing how to direct
stem cell behavior
using combina-
tions of mechani-
cal and biochemi-
cal cues.

PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PROFESSOR

YANG TAO IAN WHITE LI-QUN (LARRY) ZHANG

PH.D., PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, 1991 ASSOCIATE CHAIR, UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES PH.D., VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, 1990
FELLOW, ASABE PH.D., STANFORD UNIVERSITY, 2002 PROFESSOR, UNIV. OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
FACULTY ADVISOR OF THE YEAR, UMD, 2015 FELLOW, AIMBE
BIO-IMAGING AND MACHINE VISION LABORATORY E. ROBERT KENT OUTSTANDING TEACHING AWARD,
taolab.umd.edu/ REHABILITATION ENGINEERING LAB
CLARK SCHOOL, 2013 bioe.umd.edu/faculty/zhangl
SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Design and Testing of an NSF CAREER AWARD, 2012
Automated High-Throughput Computer Vision-Guided SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Changes of Shoulder, Elbow
Waterjet Strawberry Calyx Removal Machine.” Journal of AMPLIFIED MOLECULAR SENSORS LAB and Wrist Stiffness Matrix Post Stroke.” IEEE Trans Neural
Food Engineering. Vol.211. 30-38 (2017) bioe.umd.edu/~ianwhite Syst Rehab Eng 25(7): 844-851 (2017)

Our lab develops advanced machine vision controlled ro- SIGNATURE PUBLICATION: “Optofluidic microsystems Dr. Zhang holds a joint appointment with the University
botic technologies to improve human health. We primarily for chemical and biological analysis.” Nature Photonics, 5, of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Physi-
focus in two areas: automated detection systems for the 591-597 (2011) cal Therapy and Rehabilitation Science and Department
safety of foods we eat, and medical systems for diagnos- of Orthopaedics, where his group works to develop novel
tics and rehabilitation. Our food processing and inspection Our group aims to overcome the challenges that are rehabilitation protocols and practical devices, conduct
systems reduce the need for human contact at processing preventing the realization of the next generation of investigations at the level of single and multiple joint,
plants, eliminating microbial cross-contamination, thereby biosensing and diagnostic systems. In particular, we muscle fascicle and tendon to characterize, treat and eval-
creating a safer environment for workers and enhancing emphasize the development and application of novel uate neurological disorders and musculoskeletal injuries,
industrial productivity. Combining with advanced deep amplification strategies to add orders of magnitude investigate reflex/non-reflex and dynamic/static factors
learning techniques, our current projects include develop- improvement to chemical and biomolecular sensing, while contributing to impaired motor control, and study injury
ing a machine vision-guided system that cuts strawberries at the same time improving the simplicity and usability of and compensation mechanisms of pathological knee
at a rate of 120 pieces/sec, developing an automated crab sensors and diagnostic systems. conditions. Recent efforts involve developing new off-axis
meat harvesting machine to alleviate the labor shortage training protocols and devices for knee injury/osteoarthri-
tis rehabilitation and multi-joint arm-hand rehabilitation
problem in the Chesapeake Bay re- post stroke with clinical trials
gion, and utilizing hyperspectral on treating the neuro-
imaging techniques to guide logical disorders/
robotic vehicles for plant virus musculoskeletal
detection. In addition, we have injuries.
developed low-dose X-ray con-
trast imaging methods which
can minimize the patient’s radia-
tion dose while retaining
image quality.

THE FISCHELL DEPARTMENT of BIOENGINEERING

WHY UMD?

“I cannot imagine where I would be now without the
opportunities in research, teaching, and leadership the
BIOE program afforded me. The Fischell Department of Bioen-

gineering helped position me to achieve my dreams of moving onto an
M.D.-Ph.D. program to continue what I love: research and its intersections
with clinical medicine.”

Adam Berger, B.S. ’17

“I was impressed by the research collaborations the school has with various

companies. This potential to apply my studies and research to
real-life applications was particularly appealing, and I believe UMD

will prepare me to succeed in a rapidly growing and 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

“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

“As an undergraduate, I discovered how much I loved the research aspect of
bioengineering. Not only did my professors teach me more about the field,

but I also soon realized I could come back to them for collaboration
opportunities.”

Eric Wang, B.S. ‘19

FISCHELL DEPARTMENT OF BIOENGINEERING (2019) PHOTO/IMAGE CREDITS

John T. Consoli: Clark Hall (cover), McKeldin Mall (p. 3),
Clark Hall (p. 4), Students (p. 5), Che-Ying Kuo (p. 6), Axel
Krieger & student (p. 8), Students (p. 10-11), Capstone stu-
dent (p. 15), Helim Aranda-Espinoza (p. 21)

Tim Currie: 3-D model of imaging device (p. 15)

Luisa DiPietro/Essential Eye Photography:
Bioengineering lab (above)

Laura Figlewski: Map (pp. 2-3)

Bioengineering Graduate Student Society: 2019 Graduate
Retreat (back cover)

R. Linn: Washington Monument (p. 3)

Nick Prindeze: Thermal gradient behind device (p. 15)

Alan P. Santos: Faculty photos: Clyne (p. 21), He (p. 23),
Locascio (p. 24), Maisel (p. 25), Montas (p. 25)

Hernan Stamati: Silvina Matysiak (p. 25)

Balance/Additional Photography by Faye Levine

2019 Update/Additional Photography by Alyssa Tomlinson

back cover

2019 GRADUATE STUDENT RETREAT

bioe.umd.edu

A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL of ENGINEERING