BME Day 2025 Highlights Biomedical Engineering Advances and Real-World Health Solutions
Stevens Biomedical Engineering faculty and students join alumni to share ideas and explore advancements in translational research and innovation
At the University Center Complex, Tech Flex on the campus of Stevens Institute of Technology, approximately 200 students in the Department of Biomedical Engineering gained an insider’s view into the field of medical technology and the world of startups during BME Day 2025. In its third year, BME Day explores advancements in biomedical engineering, translational research and innovation while fostering collaboration among Stevens students, faculty and alumni.
This annual half-day event featured interactive panels led by Biomedical Engineering faculty, showcased research from Biomedical Engineering students and a Senior Design elevator pitch competition. Additionally, interactive games and activities allowed students to learn about the hobbies and hidden talents of department faculty.
"BME Day 2025 fosters thought-provoking conversations and allows time for discussions around research and industry trends in the field," said Jennifer Kang-Mieler, George Meade Bond Endowed Professor and Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering at Stevens. "This annual event is part of the department’s commitment to offering an excellent biomedical engineering education and performing high-impact research."
Exploring career journeys and navigating the startup ecosystem
Speakers and panelists highlighted strategies and collaborative approaches to bridge gaps and translate innovative ideas into practical solutions for medicine.
Following welcoming remarks from Kang-Mieler, Erin McKenna ’97, operating partner and head of medical devices for Amplify at Mass General Brigham Innovation, delivered the keynote address. Amplify focuses on using investment and project management approaches to advance high-potential pre-commercial projects for commercialization stages.
McKenna discussed her experience since graduating from Stevens with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and provided valuable insights into the MedTech investment landscape. She outlined key developments in the field and discussed challenges, such as time to reimbursement, along with opportunities in biomedical engineering translational research, particularly in the areas of diagnostics, imaging, therapeutic medical devices and AI innovation.
Following the keynote, the agenda shifted to a segment titled "Get to Know the BME Department." This session introduced students to faculty interests beyond their scientific work and presented new department members. Moderated by assistant professor Jinho Kim and associate professor Ravi Nataraj, the segment featured faculty research and included a game of Two Truths and a Lie – BME Faculty Edition to highlight the personal side of the department.
Interactive panel discussions provided further insight into the field. One panel, "Milestones and Moments," was moderated by Stevens assistant professor Antonia Zaferiou and Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies Xiaojun Yu. McKenna joined Jean Zu, Lore E. Feiler Dean of the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science, and teaching associate professor Kenny Wong. They shared reflections about the important roles of collaboration and developing resilience in their career progressions.
Another panel, "Navigating the Startup Ecosystem," was moderated by professor Hongjun Wang and Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. student Sophie Dewil. This panel featured Stevens alumni Phil Crowley ’71 of Crowley Law LLC, Erin Kreis ’24 of SilverStrides and Brandon Sems ’24 of Knee-sy Does It. The panelists shared their experiences in launching startups or working with startup companies.
Student teams present real-world health solutions
The spotlight then turned to the Senior Design Pitch Competition, moderated by Stevens teaching associate professor Peter Popolo and associate chair of Undergraduate Studies and teaching associate professor Sally Shady. This segment allowed students to pitch their innovative solutions to real-world health problems in 90 seconds or less.
Fifteen student teams presented their projects, ranging from an at-home pediatric ear health diagnostic tool for detecting middle ear infections to a non-invasive, at-home solution for breast cancer monitoring designed for women with dense breast tissue.
"All teams did a fantastic job in describing the clinical problems and their creative solutions," said Kang-Mieler.
Attendees also gained insight into student research at the undergraduate and doctoral level showcased in a podium session, moderated by assistant professors George McConnell and Shang Wang. Student presenters included doctoral candidates Zahava Hirsch and John Battikha, and undergraduate students Emily Lynch and Sophia Donskoy.
An informal networking lunch followed. Each table featured mentors, including Stevens alumni Martha Connolly ’75, Harry MacArthur ’75, and McKenna. A career workshop that included professional headshots rounded out the day’s events.
To date, around 250 undergraduate students, 34 graduate students and 34 doctoral students are enrolled in the Biomedical Engineering academic programs.
"We are growing in the number of students and faculty. Our faculty research has a high impact and solves real-world clinical problems," said Kang-Mieler. "We are building more connections with clinical and industry partners to promote collaborative educational and research efforts. BME Day is one example of our commitment to foster our student’s development through inspiring presentations, peer presentations, interactive panels and networking with accomplished Stevens alumni and other BME professionals."