| Department Theme: Biomedicine |
|---|
| Theme Focal Group: Biomechanical Engineering (BME) |
Where Mechanics and Biomedicine Meet
The interface of mechanics and biomedicine is exploding with opportunities for new science and engineering. Two forces are driving this ongoing expansion. First, physical forces play a central role in the development and regulation of almost every living system. Thus, engineers with a deep understanding of biology and strong skills in mechanics are needed to characterize the effects of mechanics in biology and to lead the emerging field of mechanobiology. Second, understanding and creating extraordinarily complex (living) systems is the most important challenge that biomedical science will face over the twenty years.
The Biomechanical Engineering Group is central to the department's efforts in exploring the mechanics-biomedicine interface and developing innovative solutions for this rapidly growing area.
Multi-disciplinary and Inter-disciplinary
While the Bioemchanical Engineering (BME) group of the Mechanical Engineering department is the focal point for activity in the department's Biomedicine theme, this area incorporates elements of design and simulation, as well as medicine. Scholars and faculty within BME work closely with their colleagues in these disciplines in much of their research.
Computational Models are Key
Mathematical and computational models of living systems are needed to understand complex living systems. In some cases, tools from computational mechanics are adequate for characterizing living systems and gaining insight into their complex functions. In other cases, living systems cannot be characterized with existing approaches; these cases motivate advances in computational mechanics.
A Burgeoning Industry in Stanford's Back Yard
Biomechanical engineering and biomedical device design is fertile ground for interactions with industry.
There are over two hundred corporations focused on the design and development of medical devices within twenty miles of Stanford.
Engineers with expertise in biology, mechanics, computation, and the design process are protagonists in many of these corporations. The ongoing interaction with these corporations is a key strength of the ME Department.