Bioengineering faculty participate in Rising BME Scholars Regional Conference

Bioengineering professors Enrique Valera and Shannon Sirk recently participated in the inaugural Rising BME Scholar Regional Career Conference. The event aimed to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic researchers in BME, with a focus on recruiting and retaining top talent in the Midwest. The 3-day event gave participants the opportunity to network with faculty and peers and learn about pathways to success in academic careers.

The conference was organized by the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Department of Bioengineering, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin. Professors Sirk and Valera remain engaged with the conference faculty committee and are now actively preparing for the second annual event.