University of South Florida Expands Biomedical Engineering Program

News Summary

The University of South Florida (USF) is expanding its Biomedical Engineering Program due to remarkable growth since its inception in 2017. From a single faculty member focused on graduate students, the program now celebrates its first undergraduate graduates and anticipates further growth with the addition of new labs and an engagement area, fostering collaboration and innovation among students. With plans for more faculty and resources, USF aims to remain at the forefront of medical engineering education, providing students with critical hands-on experiences in a supportive environment.

Exciting Times for Biomedical Engineering in Tampa!

Big news is coming out of Tampa, as the University of South Florida (USF) is expanding its Biomedical Engineering Program. This program has been growing steadily since it first opened its doors in 2017 with a single faculty member and a focus on graduate students. Fast forward to today, and the success of the program has led to a noticeable surge in student numbers!

From Small Beginnings to Big Graduating Classes

When the program first started, it was exclusively for graduate students. However, it has reached a point where the first group of five undergraduate seniors proudly walked across the graduation stage in May 2020. These milestones are just the beginning. Currently, the program’s senior capstone class, led by Professor Souheil Zekri, boasts an impressive 42 students! And it’s not stopping there; he anticipates welcoming another ten students next year, showcasing the undeniable interest in biomedical engineering.

Space for More: Room to Grow

With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that the program needs more space! Department Chair Robert Frisina has announced plans to add approximately six new labs along with an expanded student engagement area by next year. This is a massive step in making sure all those budding engineers have a place to learn and thrive.

New Labs in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building

The exciting expansion will take place on the seventh floor of the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, which also serves multiple departments, including Cyber Florida. The new labs will feature cutting-edge technology and will offer hands-on experiences that are crucial for students in the field. Expect to see upgrades in facilities for tissue engineering, stem cell research, cell lines, molecular biology, anatomy, microscopy, and a shiny new 3D bioprinter!

Creating a Community: The Student Engagement Area

In tandem with new labs, the planned student engagement area aims to foster collaboration. This space will become a hub for group projects, seminars, and community activities, allowing students to bond and grow together. It’s not just about hitting the books; it’s about building friendships and networks that will last long after graduation.

Minimal Disruption Ahead

USF has assured everyone that these exciting developments will cause only “minimal” disruptions to other departments. A new teaching lab has already been launched, but further modifications will depend on ongoing fundraising efforts. So, while changes are in the works, the university is diligently ensuring everything runs smoothly.

A Growing Team of Educators

As the expansion progresses, the program’s faculty team is growing too, currently consisting of 14 primary faculty members and “dozens” of affiliate faculty. To keep up with the increased research demands, plans are in place to hire three additional faculty members to oversee half of the new research labs. This means even more expertise for the students!

Student Perspectives: Excitement in the Air

Students are already feeling the buzz! Graduate teaching assistant Ross Turner shared that the expansion means increased spaces for research, testing, and design. Senior student Victoria Johnson is among the many excited students, as she diligently works on a non-invasive pressure sensor aimed at helping chemotherapy patients. She believes these advancements signal that the department is on its way to achieving even greater things.

A Commitment to the Future

With all these plans and initiatives, it’s clear that USF is committed to staying at the forefront of medical engineering developments and delivering quality education. The expansion of the Biomedical Engineering Program is more than just an upgrade; it reflects a dedication to enhancing educational resources and opportunities for aspiring engineers in Tampa.

As the program continues to grow, the future looks bright for the students, faculty, and the field of biomedical engineering at USF. The excitement is palpable, and everyone is ready to embrace the changes ahead!

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Additional Resources

• USF Oracle: USF’s Biomedical Engineering Program is Getting New Labs
• Wikipedia: Biomedical Engineering
• Florida Trend: USF Students Develop Ventilator
• Google Scholar: Biomedical Engineering
• ABC Action News: USF Grads Win Competition
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Engineering