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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Meet five U of T Engineering graduate students awarded 2023 Vanier Scholarships
Stefan Mladjenovic (BME), a 2023 Vanier Scholar, was inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer to research nanomedicine for his PhD. He is one of the five U of T engineering students awarded 2023 Vanier Scholarship.
KITE trainee named UHN stem pathways volunteer of the month
Kaylie Lau has been involved in youth outreach for many years, so when the opportunity arose to become involved with the UHN STEM Pathways program she jumped at the chance.
Dr. Craig Simmons Appointed Associate Director of Scientific Research at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Craig Simmons as its Associate Director of Scientific Research. Dr. Simmons, a distinguished and accomplished researcher, is set to lead BME’s strategic initiatives in elevating research excellence and fostering a culture of innovation within the realm of biomedical engineering.
Dr. Penney M. Gilbert Appointed Associate Director, Community & Inclusion at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Penney Gilbert as the new Associate Director, Community & Inclusion. In this newly created role, Dr. Gilbert will play a crucial part in shaping the future of BME by fostering an environment of mentorship, inclusivity, and collaboration among students and faculty.
Advancing Drug Discovery Through Cutting-Edge Microscopy: An Alumni Q&A with Amine Driouchi
Amine Driouchi (BME2019) embarked on his science journey at King’s College London in biochemistry, and this eventually led to his PhD work in Dr. Chris Yip’s lab at the University of Toronto. Now he is working as a senior scientist for Eikon Therapeutics, a California-based biotechnology company that develops drug discovery technologies using super-resolution microscopy. Here, Amine shares his academic journey and what he is doing now at Eikon.
Shaping the Future of Medical Device Innovation: An Alumni Q&A with a Director of Product Development at MolecuLight
In this Alumni Q&A, meet Nikola Andric, the Director of Product Development at MolecuLight, where he spearheads the advancement of fluorescence wound imaging devices for bacterial load visualization and wound measurement. Graduated from BME MEng program in 2017, Nikola is leveraging his diverse skill set honed during his U of T Engineering days. His pioneering work not only showcases a transformative passion for revolutionizing wound care but also reflects his dedication to innovation, seamless communication, and staying at the forefront of medical device trends.
MD/PhD student Hannah Kozlowski receives inaugural future leaders prize
Throughout her graduate studies, Hannah Kozlowski recalls her PhD supervisor reminding her that doing a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. As an endurance runner who has completed six marathons — including the Boston and Chicago Marathons — Kozlowski found the advice relatable and memorable.
MEng students use AI to improve imaging tool used during breast cancer surgery
Last summer, Bryant Bak-Yin Lim (BME MEng/MD candidate) and Ali Yassine (ECE MEng candidate) got a chance to make a difference in the lives of patients by improving how breast cancer surgery is performed.
Professor Milica Radisic awarded international Humboldt Research prize
Professor Milica Radisic (BME, ChemE) has been awarded the 2023 Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
New microcredentials to strengthen the talent pipeline for Canada’s biomanufacturing industry
U of T Engineering has partnered with CCRM, BioZone and the School of Continuing Studies on a new set of microcredentials that will help workers across Canada’s biomanufacturing industry to upgrade or strengthen their skills.
Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng appointed Associate Director of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng as the newest Associate Director of Graduate Studies effective immediately.
Exploring Quality Management and Medical Device Innovation: A Q&A with Epineuron’s Quality Manager
After completing his MEng degree at BME in 2021, Eric Wong embarked on his career at Epineuron Technologies, a medical device company that helps surgeons expedite nerve recovery through electro-stimulation after nerve-repair surgeries. Here, Eric provides valuable insights into Epineuron’s breakthrough bioelectronic therapy, the challenges faced in the field, and the role of a Quality Manager in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance.
Researchers are creating algorithms to accelerate the development of new cellular therapies to repair damaged tissues
New innovations in the ways that human cells are grown in laboratories could help speed up the development of cellular therapy, a branch of regenerative medicine that targets diseases that are incurable today. According to Professor Julie Audet (BME), some of the most significant challenges to achieving this goal have to do with how the therapeutic cells are produced.
Navigating Medical Education and Building a Patient-Centered Healthcare System: Insights from a Medical Student
Alison Hacker (BME2023) recently graduated from the MEng program at the University of Toronto. Now pursuing a degree in medicine at Queen’s University, Alison talks about what motivates her in medicine, and how incorporating social considerations when treating patients could produce better outcomes.
2023 Dorrington Award Recognizes Graduate Students Working on Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine and Gene Regulation
Stefan Mladjenovic (BME) is one of the students receiving the recipients of the 2023 Dorrington Award. The award supports the students’ continued progress in achieving their research goals and contributing to the Centre’s history of excellence in advancing discovery, medicine and health.
Professor Milos Popovic appointed Director of Institute of Biomedical Engineering
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Milos Popovic, a distinguished figure in the field of biomedical engineering, as its newest director starting July 1st, 2023.
BME welcomes new faculty member Professor Caitlin Maikawa
Dr. Caitlin Maikawa has recently joined the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor.
Two BME faculty promoted to full professorship
On July 1st, 2023, Drs. Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng and Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez were promoted to Full Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This promotion was based on their research, teaching & education, and administrative service.
Grads to Watch – Alex Gordon
Dr. Alex Gordon co-founded Revolve Surgical, aiming to make complex minimally invasive procedures accessible by developing affordable robotic systems. He is one of the students featured in the Grads to Watch 2023.
TRANSFORM HF announces its 2023 Collaboration Starter Grant recipients
Megh Rathod (PhD candidate, Biomedical Engineering at University of Toronto), is one of the winners of the TRANSFORM HF 2023 Collaboration Starter Grant.
Answering business questions with AI algorithms
Meet Ronald Chow, a recent graduate from the MEng program at BME. Now, as a full-time medical student, Ronald is delving into the intersection of artificial intelligence, medicine, and engineering.
New study uncovers mechanism of cell movement in heart development
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research have identified a previously unknown mechanism that governs the movement of cardiac progenitors during heart development in fruit fly embryos. By using advanced imaging techniques, mathematical modelling and genetic and biophysical manipulations, Dr. Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez and colleagues shed light on the formation of the early heart tube and provide insights into the cellular causes of congenital heart defects.
Listen to your heart: New ultrasound technique earns PhD candidate Joseph Sebastian a Connaught PhD for Public Impact Fellowship
Joseph Sebastian, a BME PhD student and Vanier Scholar at the University of Toronto, has been honored with the prestigious Connaught PhD for Public Impact Fellowship.
Non-invasive approach for electrical nerve stimulation among five projects supported by 2023 Connaught Innovation Awards
Professor Paul Yoo (BME, ECE) is designing novel electrodes for non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation, a technology that could be used in therapies for the treatment of epilepsy, depression, Parkinson’s disease and many pain disorders.