Our main goals for the Education and Outreach component of the BMES are to:

1) introduce and/or enhance programs/courses that would increase students’ exposure to the basic science, engineering and technology development principles that are central to advances in biomedical microelectronic systems; and

2) develop a culture of connectivity in which bioengineering knowledge and the motivation to engage in scientific research is transferred from BMES ERC investigators to successive generations of students through a “brigade of mentors”, engaging the Student Leadership Council as one of the resources to create these bridges.

The BMES ERC is uniquely positioned to accomplish NSF goals of creating a culture of STEM curricular integration and a diverse workforce for the near and distant future. Just as our research Testbed and Technology Thrust areas must be fully integrated for optimal success, our approach to Education values an integrated network of faculty and students from STEM disciplines to actively engage in BMES curricula.

Our Educational Outreach component takes this even further, engaging not only BMES faculty and students but scholars and students from many non-STEM disciplines, local schools, students, teachers and parents to participate in our programs and join our mentor brigade.