Improving biomedical engineering education through team-based design experiences
Official title: Team-Based Design in Biomedical Engineering Education
Funded at California Poly State U San Luis Obispo · NIH-11112308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about improving the education of Biomedical Engineering students by giving them hands-on experiences in designing medical devices and working alongside healthcare professionals in hospitals, so they can learn how to create real solutions for patient care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Poly State U San Luis Obispo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Luis Obispo, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1 |
| NIH project number | 5R25EB032764-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in biomedical engineering education or who are not students may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the undergraduate Biomedical Engineering curriculum by integrating clinically relevant team-based design experiences. It includes a Summer Immersion in Design Experience (SIDE) course that teaches students about device design and entrepreneurship, as well as a Clinical Immersion Experience (CLINEX) program where students work with clinical mentors in hospital settings. These experiences aim to bridge the gap between foundational coursework and advanced engineering concepts, allowing students to develop and prototype innovative solutions to real-world clinical problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-prepared biomedical engineers who can effectively address clinical needs and contribute to healthcare innovation.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational approaches have shown success in enhancing student engagement and practical skills in engineering fields, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
California Poly State U San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkins, Benjamin George — California Poly State U San Luis Obispo
- Study coordinator: Hawkins, Benjamin George
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.