Biomedical Engineering, Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities, and Biophotonics Programs

The BME/RAPD programs encompass (a) the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) and (b) the Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities program (RAPD). The Biophotonics area is part of BME but is broken out separately because of its rapid growth in size and scope. Biomedical Engineering supports research that, often with diagnosis or treatment-related goals, applies engineering principles to problems in biology and medicine while advancing the engineering knowledge base. Integration of engineering expertise with life science principles is an essential requirement for advances in this field. The RAPD program supports the development of technologies for new and improved devices or software for persons with disabilities. Current areas of particular interest in BME/RAPD are biomedical photonics; novel tissue characterization schemes; new cellular and tissue engineering concepts; the innovative integration of multi-disciplinary technologies for new imaging and biosensing systems; and, Point-of-Care  technologies related to chronic illness, persons with disabilities, and the aging. Support is provided through submission of proposals as well as through special initiatives.