Life at BME
Explore the latest news, stories, and groundbreaking research happening at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Stay updated on innovative projects, impactful discoveries, and the achievements of our talented students, faculty, and alumni shaping the future of biomedical science and engineering.
Quick Navigation
Celebrating the 42nd Student Research Conference (ToBE)
Celebrating the 42nd Student Research Conference (ToBE) On May 25, 2026, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto hosted the 42nd annual Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference (ToBE) […]
Building connections through research | Savina Cammalleri | Student Spotlight
Meet Savina Cammalleri, a third-year PhD student at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, who shares how her work in microfluidics is advancing our understanding of how brain cells communicate; currently studying at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, she reflects on global research experiences, her leadership as Vice President of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentorship Program, and how vulnerability and connection build stronger communities, while her work with Halo Health and Front Row Ventures highlights how science and entrepreneurship come together to create real-world impact and meaningful innovation.
Bridging engineering, healthcare, and ventures through the IEEE EMBS One Mind Fellowship
Meet Amy Huang, an MASc student at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and one of two selected fellows for the 2nd IEEE EMBS x One Mind Accelerator Fellowship. Over three months, she explored healthcare innovation and industry‑driven biomedical solutions, culminating in an invitation to attend the OMA Closing Week in San Francisco. Amy shares what she learned from engaging with leaders in biomedical engineering, clinical innovation, and health technology.
How I balance engineering & varsity sports | Sara White | Student Spotlight
Sarah is a 5th‑year Engineering Science student majoring in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, where she also competes on the Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field teams. A USports Academic All‑Canadian and recipient of both the OUA and USports Cross Country Community Service Awards, she is recognized for her excellence in athletics, academics, and community impact. She is completing her senior thesis in Professor Leo Chou’s lab, developing chemical strategies to attach antigens to DNA-based nanostructures to enhance their stability and immunogenicity, contributing to the advancement of next‑generation DNA-based immunotherapies.
2025-2026 BME Magazine Cover Explainer
The Last Breath (2025), a digital artwork created in Adobe Fresco by biomedical engineering Master of Engineering student Dinuri Punchihewa, was selected as the cover image for this year’s annual Biomedical Engineering magazine.
Meet the BESA 2025-2026 Team
The Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association (BESA) is led by a passionate and diverse group of students committed to building community, advocating for student interests, and creating meaningful academic, professional, and social opportunities. We are excited to introduce the BESA 2025-2026 team.
Inaugural BESA 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights Research Excellence and Communication
The Biomedical Engineering Students Association (BESA) proudly hosted its inaugural 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, celebrating graduate research excellence and the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to a broad audience. The competition was held over two stages, with the semi-final round taking place on November 14, 2025, followed by the final round on November 28, 2025, bringing together graduate students from across the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
Exploring brain signals for rehabilitation | Ammara Faiyaz | Student Spotlight
Ammara Faiyaz moved from Canada to Saudi Arabia at age five, where limited opportunities for women and personal challenges shaped her determination to pursue science. She is now a second-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, researching neurotechnology to improve rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy.
Vrushali Guruji’s PhD journey: Advancing heart research & championing STEM outreach
Vrushali Guruji is a fourth-year PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, where she studies how aortic valve disease influences blood flow and molecular changes in the aorta. Her work spans fundamental research and collaborations aimed at developing new treatments, while her commitment to STEM outreach supports programs that mentor and inspire future scientists. Discover how her research and advocacy are contributing to a more inclusive and innovative scientific community.
Leveraging MEng degree to create clinical solutions | Abigail Cave
Meet Abigail Cave, a 2025 graduate of the Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering program at the University of Toronto. She recently participated in the Medventions fellowship at Sunnybrook Research Institute, where her multidisciplinary team focused on improving code blue response in interventional cardiology. Their solution integrates real-time guidance and data-driven insights to enhance clinical workflows and documentation. Currently, Abigail is a Fulbright Student at Georgia Tech, pursuing a thesis-based master’s in biomedical engineering. She continues her research at Emory University’s Candace Fleischer Lab, studying brain temperature in healthy individuals to support future neurological studies.
A BME MEng’s journey from research to industry
Meet Alex Schneider, a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s Biomedical Engineering MEng program, now working full-time as a biomedical applications scientist. Here, Alex shares how the program helped her pivot from academic research to industry, build a broader skill set, and discover a passion for optomechanics and biomodulation.
Wummy Meng | MEng Biomedical Engineering Student Spotlight
Wummy Meng shares her journey through the Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering program. From a formative research experience at the KITE Rehabilitation Institute to an internship at a medical device start-up, Wummy highlights the program’s academic strengths and hands-on opportunities. She also offers advice to future students on making the most of their time in the program.
Meet the BESA Leadership Team of 2025-2026
Meet members of the leadership team from the Biomedical Engineering Student Association (BESA) at the University of Toronto. BESA oversees student engagement within the graduate biomedical engineering community, organizing extracurricular activities, professional development opportunities, and events that support academic and career growth.
Promoting female voices in STEM | Ana-Maria Oproescu & Meghan Rothenbroker
Mia and Meghan are two BME PhD students on a mission to amplify women’s voices in science. With support from the Acceleration Consortium’s EDI Grant, they created Driving Diversity, a video series spotlighting women at the forefront of AI, robotics, and self-driving labs. In this video, they share what inspired the project, how they made it happen, and why female perspectives are vital to the future of research.
Meet the incoming class of 2025
Every January and September, BME welcomes over 100 graduate students into our Master of Engineering, Master of Applied Science, and Doctor of Philosophy programs. Check out their profiles below.
Engineering cells for space: Lucy Ma’s journey from grad school to the stars
Lucy Ma shares her path from undergrad to PhD, and how her curiosity about biology and space led her to research gene therapies for astronauts. She talks about her early experiences with the Canadian Space Agency, her current work engineering stem cells, and the challenges of advocating for innovation in space health.
2025 Orientation + BBQ
We held an orientation today for incoming graduate students in the MEng, MASc, and PhD programs, followed by our annual BBQ to foster connections between new and current students. Looking forward to a productive and engaging academic year.
Nanoparticles, internships, and a mission to cure cancer | Student Spotlight
Meet Alyssa Apilan, a MASc student in Professor Gang Zheng’s lab, where she’s pioneering nanoparticle formulations to combat liver cancer. Here, Alyssa shares her academic journey and how international internships in Italy and Singapore helped her grow both professionally and personally.
iBEAM 2025: Biomedical Engineering in Action
Join us for a glimpse into iBEAM 2025, a hands-on biomedical engineering workshop hosted by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto in partnership with the U of T Enrichment Academy. Over two days, students explored nanotechnology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering through interactive lab activities led by Drs. Penney Gilbert and Lindsey Fiddes. From gold nanoparticles to engineered pancreas tissue, this initiative empowers high school students from underrepresented communities to discover the possibilities of science and innovation.
Congratulations to the graduation class of 2025!
Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating the convocation of more than 40 students from the Master of Applied Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy programs at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Congratulations to all our graduates on reaching this important milestone—keep moving forward with confidence and purpose!
Discovery Program marks 10 years of STEM outreach for Toronto high school students
Discovery Program marks 10 years of STEM outreach for Toronto high school students On June 5, 2025, the University of Toronto’s Myhal Centre hosted an end-of-semester program symposium experience for […]
Celebrating the 41st Student Research Conference (ToBE)
Celebrating the 41st Student Research Conference (ToBE) On May 9, 2025, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto hosted the Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference (ToBE), one of […]
Building bridges through the Graduate Mentorship Program
Building bridges through the Graduate Mentorship Program Graduate school is an exciting yet challenging journey. Unlike undergraduate education, where coursework is structured and assignments have clear deadlines, graduate students must […]
Faces of BME – Aisha Raji
Faces of BME – Aisha Raji Growing up in Nigeria, Aisha Raji witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by limited healthcare resources, sparking her passion for biomedical engineering as a bridge […]