Biomedical research + entrepreneurship UToledo’s unique program in biomedical engineering teaches Ph.D. students technical skills, as well as how to market their research.
The Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering at The University of Toledo is a joint program between the College of Engineering and the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. The program is open to qualified students with degrees in engineering or science fields, such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science.
UToledo’s unique doctoral curriculum contains an entrepreneurship component — something most biomedical engineering programs don’t have. Students take classes from UToledo’s top-ranked College of Business and Innovation and develop a business plan to commercialize their dissertation research.
One-of-a-kind entrepreneurship focus.
Collaborative research. Our biomedical engineering faculty members work closely with medical clinicians, other engineers and scientists in cutting-edge laboratories. This multi-disciplinary approach offers great opportunities for students to learn:
Dual M.D./Ph.D. program. This is the perfect program for medical students with undergraduate engineering backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers as physician scientists.
Bioengineering graduate options. UToledo also offers an M.S. and Ph.D. in bioengineering. Our students have an advantage with employers because we require that they have proficiency in three principle areas of bioengineering: biomechanical, bioelectrical and biochemical. Other graduate programs usually require just one specialization. Our doctoral bioengineering program attracts students who want to blend bioengineering with other fields of engineering, such as chemical and mechanical engineering.
Financial assistance. Full-time graduate students in the biomedical engineering program can help pay their way by applying for:
Graduates of UToledo’s doctoral program in biomedical engineering find positions in the biomedical engineering industry or as faculty members in academia.
Employers love our graduates because of our unique focus on entrepreneurship. Our students know how to market the biomedical technology they develop.
Dr. Ata Kiapour, ’13 — research faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School; associate member of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University
Dr. Minal Bhadane, ’12 — clinical research manager at the University of Houston College of Optometry
Dr. Darcy Wagner, ’11 — assistant professor in the Department of Experimental Medical Sciences at Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Dr. Mostafa Elsaadany, ’17 — assistant professor at the University of Arkansas
Students in the Ph.D. biomedical engineering program have the flexibility to select courses that complement their research areas. UToledo also requires students to take two business classes and create a business plan to commercialize their research.
Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Program Sample Courses
Biomedical engineering research at UToledo focuses on:
Our Ph.D. students work with expert faculty on leading-edge science and engineering projects. Several students are involved in the startup companies of their faculty mentors.
Our faculty are outstanding researchers in their fields. Dr. Vijay Goel is an expert in developing spinal implants. He has started several companies based on his research and won four lifetime achievement awards from professional societies. The American Society of Biomechanics has established an entrepreneurial award in his name.
Dr. Mohammad Elahinia is an expert in the development and application of smart materials, particularly the 3D printing of high-performance metals. His work has resulted in three biomedical device start-up companies that are working to further develop, design and produce cardiovascular, oncological and orthopaedic devices.
Our faculty and students conduct research in state-of-the-art facilities with the latest equipment. The Biomechanics and Assistive Technology Laboratory is equipped with an advanced, integrated, human-motion analysis system that includes:
