News & Stories
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.
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Faces of BME – Ashley Miles
Ashley Miles has been an integral part of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering since joining as the project manager in September 2019. In her role, she supports the Institute’s various initiatives and the Director through operational and project administrative support, and effective communication.
Empowering future biomedical engineers
This summer, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto (U of T) hosted a series of hands-on workshops (iBEAM) in collaboration with the U of T Enrichment Academy’s outreach initiative. This University-wide initiative aims to enrich the educational experiences of historically underrepresented high school students and guide them toward successful post-secondary education.
Immune cells pave the way for advanced Heart-on-a-Chip Technology
Researchers at the University of Toronto have made strides in heart disease research by incorporating primitive macrophages—a crucial immune cell—into heart-on-a-chip technology. This innovative approach promises to enhance the functionality and stability of engineered heart tissues, potentially transforming drug testing and disease modeling.
Dr. Lindsey Fiddes joins BME as Teaching Lab and Design Studio Coordinator
Dr. Lindsey Fiddes will join the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) as the Teaching Lab and Design Studio Coordinator on July 8, 2024. Dr. Fiddes, who previously served as the Teaching Lab Coordinator in 2017, brings extensive experience in lab protocols, health and safety, and supply management. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, where she also worked as a Technology Specialist and Lab Manager, gaining expertise in microscopy, CAD, and prototyping. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Fiddes back to BME.
Three BME graduate students awarded Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship
Three graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded the prestigious Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship for the 2024-2025 cohort. Mohammadamir (Amir) Moghaddam, Nicolas Ivanov, and Lily Takeuchi have each received this honour in recognition of their projects aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and public engagement.
Professor Alison McGuigan awarded Senior Scientist Award at 7th TERMIS World Congress
Professor Alison McGuigan has been honored with the prestigious Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society Americas Chapters (TERMIS-AM) Senior Scientist Award. This esteemed award was presented to Professor McGuigan on the final day of the 7th TERMIS World Congress Conference, held from June 25-28 in Seattle, Washington. The Senior Scientist Award is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
BME alumna promoted to Chief of St. John’s Rehab Program
Dr. Amanda Mayo will be promoted to the new Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Mayo is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She completed five years of residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto. Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Mayo obtained MSc in Clinical Engineering, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Jamie Wu wins 2024 Jennifer Comyn Graduate Award for Cancer Research
The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research recognizes outstanding graduate students conducting cancer research in its labs with the Jennifer Comyn Graduate Award for Cancer Research. The inaugural recipient of the award is Jamie Wu, a recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto.
11 BME faculty members receive a combined $500,000+ funding from NSERC
The Discovery Grant program is dedicated to supporting researchers as they venture into new territories to find solutions to pressing issues such as environmental protection, food security, and sustainable construction in cold climates. It aims to promote and maintain a diverse and high-quality research capability in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities, foster research excellence, and provide a stimulating environment for research training.
Molly Shoichet named inaugural Pamela and Paul Austin Chair in Precision and Regenerative Medicine
University Professor Molly Shoichet (ChemE, BME) has been named the inaugural Pamela and Paul Austin Chair in Precision and Regenerative Medicine. The chair, situated within the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, was created in November 2023 via a gift from the The P. Austin Family Foundation.
Functional Electrical Stimulation sleeve to improve rehabilitation for motor control impairments
A recent study published in BioMedical Engineering OnLine introduces a novel smart sleeve designed for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applications. This new technology integrates advanced carbon-based dry electrodes within a textile structure, offering significant improvements in comfort and usability for patients with motor control impairments.
Grads to Watch – Maneesha Rajora (BME MASc 1T3, BME PhD 2T4)
Having enriched the U of T Engineering community as undergraduate and graduate students, they will join our vibrant, global network of Skule™ alumni, where they will continue to address pressing challenges around the world and inspire the next generation. This year’s 14 Grads to Watch — selected by their home departments and institutes — embody the spirit of U of T Engineering. Their stories illustrate the creativity, innovation and global impact that define our community. Watch their next steps!
Miniaturized assay promises faster discovery of stem cell therapies
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new miniaturized assay platform, mini-MEndR, designed to evaluate muscle stem cell-mediated repair in a more efficient and scalable manner. This novel platform, funded by CFREF “Medicine by Design”, represents a significant advancement in the field of regenerative medicine, offering the potential to accelerate the discovery of therapeutic targets for muscle repair and regeneration.
Judy Gilligan, Operations Assistant, Retires After 16 Years of Dedicated Service at BME
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) proudly announces the retirement of Judy Gilligan, Operations Assistant, after 16 years of dedicated service. Judy joined BME in 2008 under the supervision of then Operations Manager Sandra Walker. As one of the longest-serving staff members at the Institute, she has observed major transformations through the transition of 4 directors. Her contributions have been pivotal in maintaining the smooth operations of the Institute.
New imaging technique to improve the study of heart valve disease in mice
Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto and the Translational Biology and Engineering Program in the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research have developed an ultrasound imaging protocol that promises to transform how congenital heart valve diseases are studied in mice. This new technique allows scientists to identify structural abnormalities in the aortic valve of juvenile mice as young as four weeks old, paving the way for more efficient, cost-effective, and humane research practices.
Seven BME members receive Joint Seed Program funding for interdivisional research
Initiated in 2015, the Joint Seed Program is an interdivisional research funding program designed to promote multi-disciplinary research and catalyze new innovative partnerships between researchers from the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering and those from outside of Engineering. The recipients for this year will undertake unique and innovative research initiatives ranging from developing bioinoculant strategies to equitable healthcare and advanced imaging techniques.
Pioneering the future of Textile Computing™
In an era where wearables are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, Myant stands at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing the healthcare landscape with their cutting-edge Textile Computing™ technology. At the helm of this groundbreaking endeavour is Milad Alizadeh-Meghrazi (PhD), Vice President of Research, Development, and Partner Integration at Myant.
CIHR awards grant to training program integrating sex, gender, and intersectionality in health research
A team of researchers has been awarded an operating grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The team, led by Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva, Dr. Milos Popovic, and Dr. France Légaré, is set to improve the landscape of health research by integrating sex, gender, and intersectionality into scientific inquiry.
Dr. José Zariffa appointed KITE Chair in spinal cord injury research at UHN
Dr. José Zariffa will be the holder of the KITE Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research at UHN, a joint Hospital-University Named Chair between the University Health Network and the University of Toronto (UofT), for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2024. The KITE Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research was initially established in December 2007 thanks to the kind and thoughtful generosity of a variety of donors to Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
Show your pride – Angelico Obille
Meet Angelico Obille (he/they): a queer, Filipino-Canadian scientist and pianist who is currently pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto. Also known on social media as @ScientistAnjo, Angelico takes any chance to share their insights on nature and the role of humans in the global ecosystem. Born in Mississauga, Ontario from architects who immigrated from the Philippines, Angelico has been uniquely positioned to develop his skills and to build his life with authentic Queer Filipino excellence at the core.
BME student receives 2024 Teaching Assistant Teaching Excellence Award
Shaghayegh (Shay) Chavoshian has won a 2024 TA Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Toronto’s Teaching Assistant Training Program (TATP). Shay, a PhD student at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME), is one of the five recipients this year. This prestigious award acknowledges the remarkable contributions of teaching assistants who inspire and challenge undergraduate students, significantly enhancing their learning experience.
Show your pride – Shivam Chadha
Meet Shivam (they/them): a nonbinary scientist currently pursuing their PhD at BME. They grew up in Mississauga and come from a diverse background of community health, exercise physiology, and occupational health policy, along with doing their MSc work in epigenetics exploring aging and frailty. They love sharing and teaching folks about science and tech in accessible ways to cultivate health, wellness, and natural curiosity in their communities. When not in the lab or crocheting at home, they like to stay active by adventuring through the city in their bike.
Two Institute of Biomedical Engineering graduate students awarded prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in 2024
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto is proud to announce that two of its doctoral candidates, David Li and Erica Floreani, have been awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for the 2024 cycle.
UT BIOME: pioneering innovation at the intersection of biomedical engineering
University of Toronto Biomedical Engineering design team, led by Luka Zigomanis (4th year EngSci) and Rubaina Farin (4th year Life Sci), provided undergraduate students with a unique platform to explore the convergence of medicine and engineering