20th Anniversary Essays From Previous Months

Saumya Tiwari 

 

When I look back on the 20-year journey of the Bioengineering Department at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I’m both proud and amazed by how far the field has come, and excited by how far it still can go. I’ve been fortunate to witness this evolution from multiple angles: first as a student immersed in a truly interdisciplinary training, and later as a biotech startup cofounder, engaging with teams that blend biology, engineering, and data science.

One of the most powerful things about the bioengineering department is that it nurtures a special kind of professional: a “bridge” who can connect seemingly distant worlds. We’re the ones who speak the language of physicians, chemists, and engineers, and who love nothing more than turning fresh scientific insights into life-changing technologies. Whether it’s guiding a new diagnostic device from a prototype to a clinical trial or helping an AI-driven platform translate raw data into actionable patient care, bioengineers thrive on building relationships across disciplines. That bridging capacity is, in my experience, the department’s signature strength—and it’s often what drives the biggest breakthroughs.

As AI rapidly reshapes the healthcare landscape, bioengineers stand at a pivotal crossroads. We have a chance to ensure these cutting-edge tools remain laser-focused on real patient outcomes. By sitting at the intersection of science and medicine, we can help guide AI research to address genuine clinical needs; improving diagnostics, enhancing personalized medicine, and optimizing treatment plans.

Reflecting on my time in the department, I see how our coursework, training and research projects consistently encouraged us to break out of silos. We learned to marry mechanical engineering with biology, materials science with clinical practice, and computational modeling with patient-based research. The department didn’t just prepare us academically; it cultivated a mindset that sees collaboration as second nature. That mindset has been greatly beneficial to me in a field such as biotech, where bridging communication gaps is vital for steering interdisciplinary teams toward a common goal: more effective and more accessible healthcare technologies.

Now, as the department celebrates 20 years, there’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate how its interdisciplinary ethos has planted roots across industries, clinics, and labs worldwide. Graduates are leading transformative projects- developing targeted drug delivery systems, designing advanced imaging techniques, and guiding AI solutions from code to clinic. They bring an ability to speak multiple “languages,” from the intricacies of gene editing to the nuts and bolts of machine learning.

Looking ahead, the challenges facing healthcare, whether it’s navigating emerging pathogens or addressing an aging population will demand even closer collaboration among diverse experts. More than ever, we need people who can connect the dots, blending medicine, policy, data, and engineering. My hope is that future bioengineers will continue to carry this legacy forward, building stronger bridges and forging new ones where none existed before.

The past two decades of bioengineering at Illinois have shown what’s possible when you empower students to train beyond individual disciplines. Here’s to the next chapter- may it bring even bolder collaborations, more disruptive innovations, and, above all, better lives for patients who benefit from the science we set in motion.

Congratulations to the Bioengineering Department at Illinois Grainger Engineering on two decades of extraordinary work. I’m humbled and                                                                                                                                                                              proud to be part of this story and can’t wait to see what we’ll                                                                                                                                                                                                accomplish together in the years to come.

Wawrzyniec L. Dobrucki

 

Introduction

I still remember, as a six-year-old boy, spending countless hours with my father in our bathroom, which we had converted into a makeshift darkroom for developing black-and-white photographs. The chemical process—where silver salts reacted with the developing solution to yield metallic silver and create an image—felt like pure magic to me. This early experience profoundly influenced my journey, ultimately shaping me into a chemist and imaging scientist, driven to understand image formation, improve it, and apply it to biomedical challenges.

Years later, after completing graduate school, I witnessed the revolutionary impact of medical imaging on medicine. It offered unprecedented insights into the human body, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Over the past few decades, advancements in bioengineering have propelled medical imaging technologies to new heights. As we stand on the brink of a new era, the future of bioengineering in medical imaging promises to be even more transformative.

As I reflect on my journey, I am also reminded of the transformative journey of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This year, we celebrate its 20th anniversary—a milestone that marks two decades of innovation, discovery, and impact in the field of bioengineering. The department has been at the forefront of numerous breakthroughs in medical imaging, biosensing, and biomedical devices, many of which have shaped and guided my own research and professional growth.

The Evolution of Medical Imaging

To understand the future, it's essential to reflect on the journey so far. Medical imaging began with Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895, followed by the development of other imaging modalities such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Each of these technologies has provided unique insights into the human body, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

In 1996, as a graduate student at the Technical University of Hamburg in Germany, I had the privilege of working for several weeks in Prof. Karl-Heinz Höhne's research group at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. Professor Höhne was a pioneer in imaging science, with his work focused on the acquisition, processing, and visualization of images by computers. In 1984, his team, known as the "VOXEL-MAN team," began pioneering work in 3D visualization from cross-sectional CT and MRI images, enabling the creation of realistic 3D surfaces from these sequences for the first time. I vividly remember the large room in Prof. Höhne’s lab, filled with high-performance workstations, where a group of bioengineering and physics students, including myself, applied segmentation algorithms developed by the VOXEL-MAN team to define organs, vessels, nerves, and other anatomical features in X-ray CT and MRI images. This work led to the development of the VOXEL-MAN Navigator, an interactive atlas of the anatomy and radiology of the inner organs, published in 2000 by Springer (now available for free download at https://www.voxel-man.com/3d-navigators/downloads/). These experiences significantly influenced the direction of my research, shifting my focus from chemistry and biosensing to biomedical imaging.

Bioengineering has played a pivotal role in advancing these technologies. Innovations such as the development of contrast agents for MRI and CT scans, the enhancement of image resolution, and the improvement of image processing and segmentation algorithms are all products of bioengineering. However, the future holds even greater promise as bioengineering continues to intersect with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, and genomics.

Since its inception 20 years ago, the Department of Bioengineering at UIUC has been a leader in driving advancements in medical imaging. Faculty and students have developed cutting-edge techniques in image acquisition, processing, molecular imaging, and machine learning that have significantly enhanced diagnostic capabilities. For example, the department's pioneering work in ultrasound instrumentation, high-resolution MRI, optical and molecular imaging, and the integration of AI in imaging analysis has set new standards in the field.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

One of the most exciting frontiers in medical imaging is the integration of AI and machine learning. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize how images are acquired, processed, and interpreted. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of imaging data with unprecedented speed and accuracy, identifying patterns that may be imperceptible to the human eye.

For many years, I was unaware of the potential revolution in biomedical imaging that artificial intelligence and machine learning would bring. Then, several years ago, I attended the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago—one of the largest international gatherings of radiologists, medical physicists, scientists, and other medical imaging professionals. There, I witnessed the explosion of AI/ML applications in medical imaging, so significant that a separate exhibit hall was dedicated solely to AI.

In the future, AI-driven imaging platforms will not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also personalize treatment plans. For example, AI can predict the progression of diseases like cancer by analyzing longitudinal imaging data, allowing for early intervention and tailored therapies. Additionally, AI can automate routine tasks such as image segmentation and annotation, freeing up valuable time for radiologists to focus on complex cases.

The faculty of the Department of Bioengineering at UIUC have played a pivotal role in advancing the integration of AI with medical imaging. In recent years, the department has initiated several research projects and collaborations that have pushed the boundaries of AI-driven imaging technologies. Educational programs, such as the new MS in Biomedical Image Computing, are designed to equip the next generation of bioengineers with the skills needed to harness the potential of AI in medical imaging. Working closely with industry partners, our faculty members have already developed innovative AI algorithms for label-free digital histology, which are currently being evaluated to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

Nanotechnology and Molecular Imaging

Nanotechnology is another field poised to transform medical imaging. Biomaterials such as peptides, proteins, and nanoparticles can be engineered to target specific tissues or cellular processes, providing highly detailed images at the molecular level.

My experience with molecular imaging began during my postdoctoral training in Professor Albert Sinusas research group at Yale University School of Medicine. It was there that I learned how long and challenging the journey from an idea to its fruition can be. I worked on developing cRGD peptide-based radiotracers for nuclear molecular imaging of angiogenesis—a natural physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones. This process is crucial in cardiovascular complications, where insufficient angiogenesis can lead to peripheral or coronary artery disease, and in oncology, where angiogenesis inhibitors are used to halt cancer development by restricting the tumor's access to nutrients and oxygen delivered by the circulatory system. It took over 10 years, hundreds of thousands of dollars, and thousands of man-hours from initial studies on endothelial cells and rodents through large-animal trials before the tracer was used for the first time in humans.

Despite these challenges, molecular imaging techniques will continue to advance, enabling real-time monitoring of cellular and molecular events within the body. For instance, theranostic nanoprobes can be designed to bind to specific biomarkers, illuminating pathological processes as they occur while simultaneously delivering targeted therapy to the site. This will facilitate earlier diagnosis and more precise monitoring of disease progression and treatment response.

The commitment of the Department of Bioengineering at UIUC to advancing nanotechnology and molecular imaging has led to significant breakthroughs over the last decade. UIUC researchers have been at the forefront of developing nanoparticle-, peptide- and peptidomimetic-based imaging agents that are now paving the way for more precise and targeted imaging. Their work on molecular imaging, particularly in the context of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, has opened new avenues for early detection and personalized treatment.

Genomics, Personalized Imaging and Advanced Imaging Modalities

The integration of genomics with medical imaging represents a significant leap towards personalized medicine. By understanding the genetic basis of diseases, we can develop imaging techniques tailored to individual patients. For example, certain genetic mutations may be associated with specific imaging biomarkers, allowing for targeted screening and diagnosis.

Future advancements in bioengineering will enable the development of imaging modalities that can visualize gene expression and genetic mutations in real-time. This will not only improve diagnostic accuracy but also guide the selection of targeted therapies, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments based on their unique genetic profiles.

Emerging imaging modalities such as photoacoustic imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and terahertz imaging hold immense potential for the future of medical imaging. These technologies offer unique advantages, such as higher resolution, greater depth penetration, and non-invasive imaging capabilities. Photoacoustic imaging, for example, combines optical and ultrasound techniques to provide high-resolution images of tissues at varying depths. This can be particularly useful in detecting and characterizing tumors, as well as monitoring vascular and metabolic changes. Similarly, OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images of tissues, making it invaluable in ophthalmology and cardiovascular imaging.

Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability Through New Technology

While technological advancements are crucial, it is equally important to address issues of accessibility and affordability in medical imaging. In many parts of the world, access to advanced imaging technologies is limited due to high costs and lack of infrastructure. Bioengineering can play a key role in developing cost-effective and portable imaging solutions. For instance, portable ultrasound devices and low-cost MRI machines are already being developed, making imaging more accessible in remote and underserved areas. Additionally, cloud-based imaging platforms can facilitate remote consultations and second opinions, ensuring that patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses regardless of their geographical location.

As we embrace the future of bioengineering in medical imaging, it is essential to consider the ethical and regulatory implications. The use of AI in medical imaging raises questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for over-reliance on automated systems. It is crucial to establish robust frameworks for the ethical use of AI, ensuring that these technologies are transparent, fair, and accountable. Similarly, the use of nanotechnology and molecular imaging techniques must be carefully regulated to ensure patient safety. Rigorous testing and validation are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of these technologies and to establish guidelines for their clinical use.

Conclusion

The future of bioengineering in medical imaging is incredibly promising, with the potential to revolutionize how we diagnose and treat diseases. By harnessing the power of AI, nanotechnology, genomics, and advanced imaging modalities, we can develop more precise, efficient, and accessible imaging solutions. However, it is essential to navigate the ethical and regulatory challenges to ensure that these innovations benefit all patients equitably.

As we look ahead, it is clear that bioengineering will continue to be a driving force in the evolution of medical imaging. The convergence of these cutting-edge technologies will not only enhance our understanding of the human body but also pave the way for a new era of personalized and precision medicine. In this exciting future, the possibilities are endless, and the impact on patient care will be profound.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it is clear that the department will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical imaging. The legacy of innovation and excellence established over the past two decades serves as a strong foundation for the next generation of breakthroughs. Looking ahead, I am excited to see how the department will continue to drive progress in bioengineering, transforming patient care and expanding our understanding of the human body in ways we can only begin to imagine.

Sarah Holton

 

           I am one of the fortunate few who can say they love their job. It’s true – I have my dream career and it started with my time at U of I. I work as a physician-scientist (-engineer-immunologist-pulmonologist), combining my loves of caring for patients and studying tissue remodeling/wound healing. However, when I started in the Department of Bioengineering the summer after graduating college (2008), I didn't know what to expect. Looking back on it now, I had only a vague idea of what I wanted to do -- I knew that I wanted to become a scientist who used both engineering and medicine to solve problems of human disease. Now I realize that my time spent at the University of Illinois was critical for beginning and developing my career into what it is today.

            I was given so many opportunities to explore within the College of Engineering and across campus. I was supported by my thesis advisor, Dr. Rohit Bhargava, in pursuing the research questions that kept me up at night. Not only did I learn key laboratory techniques, how to present research, and how to write for peer-reviewed journals, but Dr. Bhargava encouraged me to utilize all of the incredible resources available to me at Illinois. I presented at conferences large and small, local and international (including an exciting experience at the Karolinska in Stockholm), which honed my speaking skills. I applied for grants and fellowships and travel awards, some of which were even successful! I collaborated with engineers, biologists, veterinarians, bioinformaticians, and library scientists (the latter brought in some incredibly old books for analysis, which was thrilling to my inner bookworm). I started an international collaboration that continued after I left the institution. I was so much more prepared for a career in academics than my peers because of these experiences and the candid conversations I had with Dr. Bhargava about what drives the gears of a university.

            I will always fondly remember participating in the Engineering Open House and Beckman Open House which taught me that one of the most exciting things about science is sharing it with other people. This led me to start an initiative that led to a multi-day conference that brought patients living with cancer to Beckman to learn about the excellent cancer research being done on campus. My experience in the Dept of Bioengineering showed me how important it was to form a community – of peers, colleagues, people with shared research and life interests. Although it has been eight years since I left Illinois, I still think of it as a home. The mentors, colleagues, and friends that I made during my time there are so important to me.

           When I read about what's going on at the University of Illinois and seeing the successes of my colleagues, I feel so proud to be a part of Bioengineering at Illinois. Although the collaboration between Carle Hospital and the College of Engineering occurred after I had left, I am so excited to see brilliant engineers become leaders in medicine and contribute to training the next generation of physician-engineers. Engineering provides an incredible skill set for thinking about not only developing new technologies, but also thinking about and caring for patients. In addition, what is physiology if not engineering first principles?

            I still use the skills that I developed during my graduate training in my current research including tissue engineering, image analysis, and high dimensional data processing. I’m currently a junior faculty member in the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. I’m particularly interested in the immune mechanisms that lead to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. I use high dimensional flow cytometry methods and both single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to study immune cell populations in the lungs that contribute to tissue remodeling and fibrosis. I also care for patients with acute and chronic lung disease. I love my career. The road I have taken has been long, but the journey has been wonderful, and it started with Bioengineering at Illinois.

December Featured Essay by Rohith Reddy

 

Graduating with a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) marked the culmination of an incredible journey. My time at The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, under the mentorship of Prof. Rohit Bhargava, was transformative. Imagine a research landscape where optical instrumentation meets cancer diagnostics, machine learning intersects with chemical imaging, and light-matter interaction is the canvas. Each day was an odyssey, filled with the promise of new challenges and breakthroughs.

UIUC was more than just an academic institution to me; it was a place where I built lifelong friendships within and beyond the Bioengineering department. The culture of openness at UIUC allowed for seamless collaboration across disciplines. I could walk into any professor’s office to discuss science, a freedom I came to appreciate even more during my postdoctoral research at Harvard University, where such interactions were less common.

Accolades flowed during my time at UIUC - over a dozen, including the Bioengineering at Illinois award, the William F. Meggers Award, and the FACSS Innovation Award. These honors were more than personal milestones; they were a testament to the nurturing environment that UIUC fostered. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my graduate days was mentoring undergraduates. The research opportunities available to them were extraordinary, a luxury I hadn’t experienced during my undergraduate years at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Today, as an associate professor at the University of Houston, directing the Medical Imaging with Lasers lab, the lessons from UIUC resonate in every project and every breakthrough. Our lab has developed cutting-edge medical instrumentation and devices for disease diagnosis, attracting over $8.5 million in external funding. This success is deeply rooted in the training and experiences from my time at UIUC, where I learned not only to conduct research but also to frame problems and connect technological advances to clinical needs.

Among the many memories, one stands out: conquering my fear of public speaking. When I began graduate school, the thought of standing before an audience and delivering a coherent presentation was daunting, let alone making it compelling. Recognizing this challenge, I committed to presenting my research every two weeks at our group meetings. This regular practice was crucial. My mentor's support was unwavering, constantly providing opportunities for improvement. Equally invaluable were my friends, who offered feedback that was both supportive and constructive. After several years of diligent practice, my efforts culminated in a remarkable achievement: at the SciX 2016 spectroscopy conference, I delivered a final-four best paper presentation to an audience of hundreds and clinched first place.

The diversity of the student body at UIUC was another highlight of my experience. I met bright, thoughtful, and inspiring students from all over the world. Our Bioengineering study group, which met regularly to complete homework assignments, was a microcosm of this diversity. I was surprised to learn that in some cultures, students complete homework the day it is assigned, unlike my habit of turning it in at the last minute.

UIUC is a true melting pot of cultures and ideas. It was there that I met my wife, an American, while I am from India. Our love story, which began on Wright Street next to Bardeen Quad, is a testament to the inclusive and welcoming nature of UIUC. I cherish the memories of dancing and playing badminton at the ARC, meeting friends on Green Street, and the strong Indian community that provided support when we first arrived, often letting us sleep on their couches until we found housing.

In conclusion, my journey from a Bioengineering Ph.D. to a Professorship has been one of personal and professional growth. The experiences and lessons learned at UIUC have been foundational to my career in bioengineering. The friendships, mentorship, and opportunities I encountered there continue to influence my work and life profoundly. UIUC will always hold a special place in my heart as the place where I not only grew as a scientist but also as a person.

Matthew Gelber

 

            I’ll start by thanking my PhD advisor, Professor Bhargava, for nominating me to write a piece for the Illinois Bioengineering 20^th anniversary. This was particularly well-timed. I can only hope to have equally interesting content for the next time around.

            I left Illinois in February of 2019 to take a start-up job in my research area, additive manufacturing of biomaterials. I was the first hire. There was a loose plan in place to build and sell things, starting with bioprinters and ending with human organs. I expected I would be there a year, they would run out of money, and I would move on to a real job.

            We actually did sell digital light projection bioprinters and hydrogel bio-inks to feed them. You might still see some of our bioprinters in the wild. If you used that product, I’m sorry. It was our first try. You can contact me to discuss a better solution for your bioprinting needs. Nonetheless, the tech was novel and compelling. Soon after we’d built the product, the founders’ work made the cover of Science.  Everyone wanted in. Academic demand allowed us to raise money and hire. I postponed seeking a real job.

            That was stage 1 of the business plan. Stage 2 was to use the printer to start making something useful. We gained the attention of some larger customers in the pharmaceutical industry and tried to make money selling perfusable tissues-on-a-chip. These were supposed to be used for things like studying diseases and designing drugs.  There was a lot more competition here, and novelty was not enough for the industrial customer. The printer market was saturating, and we weren’t selling chips. We started to run out of money. This was mildly stressful.

            So stage 1 was printers. Stage 2 was supposed to be tissue chips.  Stage 3 was clinical products – printed tissues and organs. Those couldn’t be that hard. Maybe we could skip stage 2. Local investors understood the printer and the chips, but they had a hard time understanding how those things led to organs. Why now? People had been talking about 3D printed organs for years and nothing had come of it. We refined the pitch. We refined it more. Then we realized we were trying too hard. If a local investor ever tells you an idea is unrealistic, don’t change your pitch. Take it to Silicon Valley.

            We applied to prestigious tech accelerator Ycombinator and, to my surprise, got in. Ycombinator offered immediate cash to keep the lights on, lifetime cachet, and, and the end of the program, almost guaranteed funding. The program culminates in demo day – historically, an in-person event - where the world’s elite tech investors throw money at ride-sharing apps, vegan dog food, supersonic air travel, and, apparently, 3D-printed organs. Demo day would save us.

            This was spring of 2020, which you may remember as the very beginning of COVID. A week before demo day, they canceled demo day.  Recall that running out of money was already very stressful. Burning the last of the oil during a pandemic was brutal. Fortunately most of us had PhDs, so we knew how to deal with failure and scarcity. Nobody quit.

            Over the next few months, the founders stayed in San Francisco and pitched from an AirBnB. The rest of the team ground forward on the tissue chips. Slowly, the checks came in.  We would be okay. The world might be ending but tech investors still had to keep busy. Maybe they anticipated an increased future demand for lungs.

            Then, a windfall. During our journey, we had developed a close relationship with a customer that had similar ambitions towards organ printing. We had been selling them materials and, more recently, custom bioprinters. Now they wanted us to make a real organ printer. They were pitting us against their current supplier, a titan in 3D printing. They even invited both teams to their site the same week, so we could exchange dirty looks across the bar after work.

            I thought this whole situation was great fun. The competitor had a huge budget, a multibillion dollar company filled with seasoned engineers, and 40 years of experience in 3D printing. We had a ragtag team of 12, all except the CEO right out of school, a cash runway of less than 2 years, and an office above a methadone clinic. However, our platform technology had been licensed out of a national laboratory. The scientists there had been doing this longer than some of us had been alive. I thought we had a shot.

            My job was to get that printer working and shipped, even if it doubled our burn rate. To be safe, I tripled our burn rate. We bought extra parts and rushed every order. There were setbacks.  We ordered some special mirrors with a 3 month lead time. They arrived broken. Accusations and threats and were exchanged. Somehow that got fixed. We brought the entire team on to the project and hired 2 consultants. The inventor from the national lab came out and worked 12 hour days to help us get it aligned. We had gotten the custom optics right; the simulations matched the measurements. It worked. We put it on a truck and hoped the shipper wouldn’t break it.  They broke it.  We stayed on-site for two weeks fixing it. After 9 months of work, we got paid.

            Nobody really won the printer race. Organ printers are just one of those things that take a few tries to get right, and neither team had it right that try. However, I think that established us as a threat. We could make biomaterials, we could make sophisticated printers, and we could raise venture capital.

            In December of 2021, the rival printer company bought us out.  We made a lot of money on our options and got golden handcuffs as members of the newly formed liver and kidney team. People got married and bought houses. Everyone lived happily ever after. Actually we all got laid off in March of 2024, but most of the team immediately found new jobs at places with stronger balance sheets. It is a shame because a lot of stuff was working, but funding decisions in a publicly traded company cannot be made on technical merit alone.

            Synthetic organs have been 5 years away for my entire adult life. Periodically someone feels compelled to go onstage at a tech conference, glove up, take out a scaffold, and dramatically squish it, narrating a grand vision of unlimited organs for all. I think this vision will be credible after some properties unrelated to squishiness are proven. For example, a critical property for any organ is having blood vessels that don’t clot. Of course you could engineer a truly blood-compatible surface, you would be already be rich and famous from applying this to existing blood-contacting medical devices. There are a few technologies like this that should really mature independently before being integrated into a whole-organ project. Still, if somebody wants to pay you to try anyway, I’d say go for it. You’ll learn a lot and possibly invent something useful along the way. Maybe that invention will prove more valuable than what you were trying to do in the first place. So check back for the 25^th or 30^th anniversary. If we don’t have organs we’ll probably still have something good.

Catherine Applegate

 

            Bioengineering combines biology and other sciences, mathematics, and diverse areas of engineering into a synthetic whole to solve medical problems. The origins and definitions surrounding the terms “bioengineering,” or “biomedical engineering,” are nebulous. Some would go back as far as 3000 BC when Imhotep, the engineer of the first pyramid, also practiced as a physician. Or perhaps we would move further forward to 1780 AD to Luigi Galvani’s studies of animal electricity, wherein he observed that frog legs twitched when sparked with electricity, inspiring the classic tale of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Or just one century later to 1895 when Wilhem Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays and subsequently donated his Nobel Prize winnings to his university and refused to patent his discovery on the grounds that all people should benefit from biomedical imaging. Scientists have clearly been merging biology and engineering for thousands of years, but it was only in the decades following WWII that bioengineering was officially established as its own discipline.

           

            Personally, I am grateful to be a cancer research scientist during such a time when bioengineering advancements are moving at such a fast pace. Chemotherapy was initiated in the 1940s, which, as we know, is just calculated poisoning with the goal being to deliver just enough poison to kill the cancer but not the patient. Forty years later, bioengineering advancements led to the development of immunotherapies that more effectively target cancers and cause less damage to healthy tissues to lead not only to better therapeutic outcomes but also to improved patient quality of life. My dad worked at Genentech as an early robotics specialist, where he worked on fixing and maintaining the instruments that produced and packaged Herceptin, which was one of the earlier immunotherapies to be FDA-approved for treatment of HER2+ breast cancers and which marked a paradigm shift in treating aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. Who could then imagine that, 20 years later, his daughter would be reaping the benefits of the work he was part of.

           

            I entered the world of bioengineering research during a chaotic phase in my life, one which continues to ebb and flow as I have recently experienced my 4^th personal cancer diagnosis with my 3^rd unique cancer. My own cancer treatment during the final year of my PhD, during which I was studying the impact of nutrition on cancer, was so inspirational and motivational, as it led me to form a deep and personal appreciation for how bioengineering was being applied to save my own life. I experienced first-hand what an improvement immunotherapy was over the more established and toxic chemotherapy. I was still sick with immunotherapy, but my body wasn’t shutting down like it started to after chemotherapy. As an outspoken cancer research advocate, I continue to see how bioengineering could be further advanced to improve outcomes and lives for fellow cancer patients.

           

            I am appreciative of the department of bioengineering here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for harboring a diverse set of determined scientific leaders who encourage collaboration and innovation. This encouragement enables me to work on projects I feel passionate about and which can be quickly translated to a clinical setting if successful. Studying during my postdoc in the bioengineering department under extremely intelligent and supportive mentors has shaped my future path as a scientist by showing me a new way to study cancer, one which will enable me to have a quantitatively wide and meaningful impact. I am excited and honored to be granted the gift of being on both a scientific and personal journey with cancer and bioengineering, during which I get to experience and benefit from its clinical effects, provide my own biological samples for research in the hopes of helping future patients, and contribute to the development of new and improved cancer therapeutics through my own research. I hope to share the patient experience with other cancer researchers and, through bioengineering and other interdisciplinary fields, work together to design better, less toxic therapies to enable all cancer patients to experience less difficulties associated with their current treatment regimens. I am grateful for my own experience and the advanced therapy I received as a direct result of bioengineering advancements. To me, bioengineering research is a path for me to pay it forward.

           

            Bioengineering also represents a wider path for science moving forward. In an era where the convergence of diverse disciplines is imperative for addressing complex scientific challenges, bioengineering stands as a beacon of collaborative innovation, heralding a future where interdisciplinary voices unite to redefine the boundaries of human health. I consider it a great privilege to be alive during this notable time, witnessing the remarkable advancements being made in bioengineering. Being able to participate in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bioengineering Program, knowing its profound impact on addressing critical human health challenges, fills me with honor and gratitude. I am beyond grateful to the brilliant scientists of this program whose innovative work has brought forth clinically significant advancements, particularly impacting individuals like myself with chronic illnesses. Your dedication to improving human health through bioengineering inspires hope for countless patients worldwide.