iBEAM 2025: BME in Action
On August 5 and 7, 2025, the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) hosted its annual iBEAM workshops in collaboration with the U of T Enrichment Academy. The initiative welcomed high school students from underrepresented communities to explore biomedical engineering through hands-on activities.
August 6, 2025
On August 5 and 7, 2025, the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) hosted its annual iBEAM workshops in collaboration with the U of T Enrichment Academy. The initiative welcomed high school students from underrepresented communities to explore biomedical engineering through hands-on activities.
Day one focused on nanotechnology, where students learned to diagnose diseases using gold nanoparticles and engineered drug delivery systems at the nanoscale.
Day two explored biomaterials and tissue engineering. In the morning, students experimented with hydrogels, where they controlled drug release, observing enzymatic degradation, and forming drug-loaded gels. The afternoon shifted to pancreas tissue engineering, where students modeled diffusion and designed vascularized tissue.
The labs were led by Dr. Penney Gilbert and Lindsey Fiddes, supported by graduate student mentors, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge biomedical research.
