Community

At the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto, our community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether through merchandise, alumni stories, research highlights, or shared moments from events and initiatives, this page celebrates the many ways we connect and grow together.

Here, you'll find snapshots of the vibrant culture that defines BME, where engineers, researchers, students, and staff come together to inspire, support, and uplift one another.

Life at BME

How I balance engineering & varsity sports | Sara White | Student Spotlight

March 9, 2026

2025-2026 BME Magazine Cover Explainer

February 10, 2026

Meet the BESA 2025-2026 Team

February 2, 2026

Inaugural BESA 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights Research Excellence and Communication 

January 13, 2026

Exploring brain signals for rehabilitation | Ammara Faiyaz | Student Spotlight

November 24, 2025

Vrushali Guruji’s PhD journey: Advancing heart research & championing STEM outreach

November 17, 2025

Leveraging MEng degree to create clinical solutions | Abigail Cave

October 30, 2025

A BME MEng’s journey from research to industry

October 29, 2025

Wummy Meng | MEng Biomedical Engineering Student Spotlight

October 27, 2025

Meet the BESA Leadership Team of 2025-2026

October 20, 2025

Promoting female voices in STEM | Ana-Maria Oproescu & Meghan Rothenbroker

September 25, 2025

Meet the incoming class of 2025

September 15, 2025

Engineering cells for space: Lucy Ma’s journey from grad school to the stars

September 10, 2025

2025 Orientation + BBQ

September 2, 2025

Nanoparticles, internships, and a mission to cure cancer | Student Spotlight

August 12, 2025

iBEAM 2025: Biomedical Engineering in Action

August 6, 2025

Congratulations to the graduation class of 2025!

June 17, 2025

Discovery Program marks 10 years of STEM outreach for Toronto high school students

June 6, 2025

Celebrating the 41st Student Research Conference (ToBE)

May 12, 2025

Building bridges through the Graduate Mentorship Program

April 4, 2025

Tradable hard-enamel pins

Our tradable pin series is a fun and creative way to showcase the groundbreaking research happening at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Each year we feature three core faculty members and design a set of collectible pins that represent the unique focus of their work, from medical imaging to regenerative medicine to wearable technologies. These pins are more than just keepsakes; they are conversation starters and a celebration of the innovation that defines our community.

Feeling adventurous? Try to collect them all and wear your research pride. All designs were illustrated by a human artist.

2026
2026 Pin Azadeh Kushki

Dr. Azadeh Kushki is Associate Chief of Data Science at Bloorview Research Institute, Senior Scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. Her research applies data science to characterize neurodevelopmental diversity and advance personalized healthcare for neurodivergent children through innovative computational modeling approaches.

2026 Pin Leo Chou

The Leo Chou lab develops de novo self-assembling molecular machines inspired by Nature to address biomedical challenges. Combining DNA nanotechnology with chemistry, protein engineering, and computational design, the lab studies molecular hardware and circuitry to build robust systems operating inside and outside cells, applied to biosensing, diagnostics, and therapy, worldwide impact.

2026 Pin Craig Simmons

Professor Craig Simmons leads research in cellular mechanobiology, biomechanics, tissue engineering, and biomedical engineering. His work integrates experimental and computational cell mechanics with quantitative cellular and molecular biology, with applications in stem cell–based tissue engineering, heart valve calcification mechanobiology, and novel technologies enabling high‑throughput mechanobiology.

2025