“The next generation of biomedical engineers will require training in how to address problems and find solutions across multiple physiological systems using biomechanics as the foundation for their approach.”
The goal of the Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM) training program is to provide a solid foundation upon which to build a productive and independent career in biomechanics and regenerative medicine. This is accomplished through integrating contemporary cell and molecular biology within the context of a rigorous biomechanics curriculum as an approach to increasingly interdisciplinary research problems.
Biomechanics at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University
Biomechanics is very strongly represented at University of Pittsburgh Bioengineering and at the new CMU department of Biomedical Engineering. University of Pittsburgh Bioengineering alone has eleven faculty with either primary or significant secondary appointments whose major research focus is in Biomechanics. Note that this does not include the clinical faculty with active biomechanics research components. The faculty research areas are very broad, and include Musculo-skeletal, Cardiovascular, and Urological applications at the cell, tissue, organ, and whole body scales.
Dr. Sacks has begun discussions with CMU faculty form a more closely knit graduate program in biomechanics between the two Bioengineering departments. A major thrust of these efforts has been to expand the course offerings in biomechanics fundamentals at the senior level and first year graduate levels. In addition, it is strongly felt by the faculty that advanced courses in mechanics alone are insufficient to adequately train students in biomechanics. This is in part due to unique, highly non-linear problems in biomechanics.
