Field Showcase: Biomedical Engineering

<Biomechanical Engineering>

Biomechanical Engineering is the use of mechanical engineering principals combined with biological knowledge to understand how these areas intersect and how they can be used together to potentially improve peoples’ quality of life.

(Stanford)

<Skills for Biomechanical Scientists>

• "Hard" Skills

  • Research & Observation

    • One of the key responsibilities of biomedical scientists is researching and conducting medical research projects.

  • Project Management

    • These include time management during experiments and collaborating with fellow members of the team.

  • Safe Experimentation

    • This skill is especially needed for researchers working in "wet labs", where they handle “wet” materials such as chemicals or biological matter.

  • Data Analysis

    • This skill is especially needed for researchers working in "dry labs", where they do things such as creating computer models to simulate a chemical reaction within the human body. 

• "Soft" Skills

  • Communication

  • Flexibility

  • Motivation

  • Persistence

Joubert , Shayna. “Top 8 Skills for Success in a Biomedical Science Career.” Graduate Blog, 5 Mar. 2021, graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/top-biomedical-science-skills/.

<Biomedical Science>

According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdoms, biomedical scientists are tasked with a wide array of jobs such as conducting experiments to support the patient's diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The roles of biomedical scientists would be extremely varied and demand both analytical and practical skills. For instance, they would screen for diseases and identify the cause of the disease-such as bacteria and viruses-while additionally monitoring the effects of medication and other treatments on the patients. (NHS)

In addition, biomedical scientists focus primarily on medical research, project management, the use of laboratory equipment, and observation and communication. (Joubert)

NHS. “Biomedical Science.” Health Careers, 25 Mar. 2015, www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/life-sciences/biomedical-science.

Joubert , Shayna. “Top 8 Skills for Success in a Biomedical Science Career.” Graduate Blog, 5 Mar. 2021, graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/top-biomedical-science-skills/.

<Biomedical Scientist Spotlight>

Andrew Paluszkiewicz

• A typical day as a Biomedical Scientist

  • • The day typically begins with a detailed handover from the previous shift, highlighting key patients, issues, and tasks. Essential tasks include ensuring the analysers are functioning properly by interpreting test results and performing specific departmental duties. For example, in the blood transfusion department, biomedical scientists identify blood groups, test for antibodies, and perform serological cross-matching. In haematology, they check and interpret a wide range of test results, ensure sample integrity, and share concerning results to specialists.

Portland Press. “A Day in the Life of a Biomedical Scientist.” The Biochemist, vol. 42, no. 4, 17 Aug. 2020, pp. 64–65, https://doi.org/10.1042/bio20200039.

<How do you become a Biomedical Scientist?>

1.  Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 years)

   • At this primary stage any major related to the life sciences is suitable: biology, chemistry, or biomedical engineering are all possibilities.

     1. • While earning the Bachelor's Degree, gaining research experience such as internships are helpful.

2. Earn a Master's Degree/ Ph.D (Optional)

3. Certifications

*For more information on how to become a Biomedical Scientist, check out this site!

The Future of Biomedical Engineering

As science and technology develop throughout the ages, there will be newer, better verisons of biomedical engineering emerging. Here are a few examples of the future of biomedical engineering:

Artificial Intellegence + Cancer Diagnosis

Professor Saeed Amal from Northeastern University and other researchers developed an AI designed to detect breast cancer. This new AI architecture acheived an accuracy rate of a whopping 99.72% ! This development is especially important as breast cancer impacts a very large amount of females- it accounts for 30% of new female cancer cases.

For more information, check out this article and the official submission of the AI architecture.

Technology + Cancer Treatment

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame created a device that can be used for killing cancer cells. The device is the size of a grain of rice. But don't underestimate its size-the device, when combined with a light-sensitive dye, not only destroys cancer cells, but also mobilizes the immune system’s cancer-targeting response. The goal is to use the device to deliver treatment and to monitor the tumor’s response.

For more information, check out this article and the official submission of the new technology.