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| UC Davis College of Engineering. "A Biomedical Engineering Laboratory." 10/06/05 via Wikimedia Commons. Attribution License. |
1. What do students in your program learn how to do?
Biomedical engineers focus on creating medical technologies, devices, and other methods meant to promote a healthy human life. In the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona, we as students can learn a broad range of skills, from understanding how mechanical engineering plays a part in how our cells and organs interact and move, to how we can build sensors to detect certain diseases in the human body.
As I am on the pre-health track within this major, I will also learn essential skills necessary for taking the MCAT and eventually going to medical school.
As I am on the pre-health track within this major, I will also learn essential skills necessary for taking the MCAT and eventually going to medical school.
2. What do people who get degrees in this field usually go on to do for work?
People with degrees in biomedical engineering go on to work in a variety professions within the biomedical field. Many people go on to work in the medical device industry in order to manufacture certain technologies for healthcare, while others go on to work in research and development. Many, like I plan to do, go on to work in medicine after completing medical, dental, or pharmacy school.
3. What drew you to this field?
The main thing that peaked my interest in this field was the the opportunity to help people and make a meaningful impact on their lives. The medical field is always changing, and this means that there is always an opportunity to make a difference in the field, whether that's through research, working with patients in a hospital, or manufacturing technology for the biomedical field. Over the years, working in a lab, volunteering at a hospital, and other similar experiences have only increased my passion for this type of work.
4. Who are the leaders/ most exciting people involved in your field right now? Why? These could be individual people or specific companies, organizations, businesses or non-profits.
Within the medical/biomedical field, there are a number of esteemed individuals and organizations who focus on research and advancements to improve the entire field. For instance, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering seeks to honor such leaders in the field through their honorable Pierre Galletti award. Individuals who have won this award include, most recently, Scott Bruder, MD, PhD, who has contributed towards research on several biotechnologies and diagnostic products. He has also been an advocate for biomedical education and public policies relating to the field.
Additionally, several companies also aim to advance the field further. For instance, Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that researches and commercializes medicines for many life-threatening illnesses, such as HIV. Another company, Biogen, focuses on treatment of life-threatening diseases, especially related to neurology, hematology, and immunology, by exploring possible drugs and therapies for such diseases.
All of these leaders in the field seem to share the belief that research and advocation of the biomedical field is essential in order to further the advancements in this discipline. They also share the common goal of improving the health of people across the globe.
5. What are the leading academic/scholarly journals in your field? Where are they published? Give us the names and locations of at least 3.
People with degrees in biomedical engineering go on to work in a variety professions within the biomedical field. Many people go on to work in the medical device industry in order to manufacture certain technologies for healthcare, while others go on to work in research and development. Many, like I plan to do, go on to work in medicine after completing medical, dental, or pharmacy school.
3. What drew you to this field?
The main thing that peaked my interest in this field was the the opportunity to help people and make a meaningful impact on their lives. The medical field is always changing, and this means that there is always an opportunity to make a difference in the field, whether that's through research, working with patients in a hospital, or manufacturing technology for the biomedical field. Over the years, working in a lab, volunteering at a hospital, and other similar experiences have only increased my passion for this type of work.
4. Who are the leaders/ most exciting people involved in your field right now? Why? These could be individual people or specific companies, organizations, businesses or non-profits.
Within the medical/biomedical field, there are a number of esteemed individuals and organizations who focus on research and advancements to improve the entire field. For instance, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering seeks to honor such leaders in the field through their honorable Pierre Galletti award. Individuals who have won this award include, most recently, Scott Bruder, MD, PhD, who has contributed towards research on several biotechnologies and diagnostic products. He has also been an advocate for biomedical education and public policies relating to the field.
Additionally, several companies also aim to advance the field further. For instance, Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that researches and commercializes medicines for many life-threatening illnesses, such as HIV. Another company, Biogen, focuses on treatment of life-threatening diseases, especially related to neurology, hematology, and immunology, by exploring possible drugs and therapies for such diseases.
All of these leaders in the field seem to share the belief that research and advocation of the biomedical field is essential in order to further the advancements in this discipline. They also share the common goal of improving the health of people across the globe.
5. What are the leading academic/scholarly journals in your field? Where are they published? Give us the names and locations of at least 3.
- The Journal of the American Medical Association, located at 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
- BioMedical Engineering OnLine, located at 236 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8HB, United Kingdom
- The New England Journal of Medicine, located at 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115-6094
Reflection
My classmates' posts showed me how similar and different certain fields of study can be. For instance, I was surprised to see that my major, biomedical engineering, shares some things in common with both environmental science and creative writing. This entire process was truly an eye opening experience.
Chloe's post focused on her major, creative writing. As an avid reader myself, I really enjoyed reading about her choice to pursue creative writing. Her description of the subject cleared up some misconceptions I had by distinguishing between a creative writing major and an English major. In addition, it showed me that, while creative writing is a technically a part of the humanities, it is an interdisciplinary subject that is really applicable in any field, including engineering. It really got me thinking about the interdisciplinary aspects of creative writing, as well as those of my own major. It helped me realize that the interdisciplinary nature of engineering is one of the main things I hope to pursue through my major.
Mira's post about environmental science exposed me to a science that I am admittedly not very familiar with. I found it interesting that, while Mira and I both share an interest in science, the sciences we are studying are still very different from each other's. However, some fundamental aspects of science, such as its focus on innovation and improvement, remain the same regardless of which science we choose to pursue. It helped me realize that these are the qualities of all sciences that I really admire and hope to contribute to one day.
I really like your major! I am actually thinking of switching to Biomedical Engineering from Biochemistry, but I'm not sure yet. I love the research that is involved in both of our fields, and I hope we make it through all the tough science and math finals! It's also really great that you know what you want to do when you graduate from the UA with a bachelor's. I honestly have no idea! Good luck with your difficult, but worthwhile major!
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that you're doing what you do because you want to help people is really awesome! That's the kind of attitude I hope people have in all things, and seeing it in your post was refreshing. I can relate to the sheer number of opportunities your major provides, as mine is similar in that sense. Lastly, (I hate to do this but I just want to help everyone out) reread your post and revise the errors if you have time. There were only a few, but good job and good luck in your major! Thanks for sharing.
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