Biomedical Engineering

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About

In the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, we develop innovative technologies that apply engineering principles to medicine and biology and prepare students for an exciting career in a thriving industry. Within a short walking distance, students can collaborate with experts in our seven engineering departments, the Colleges of Medicine, Design, Dentistry, and Pharmacy and the top-ranked hospital in the state. It’s no wonder that our graduates rise to leadership positions in the medical device industry, academia and medicine.

Only BME program powered by Design Thinking

$7M Gift to the department from alumnus F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D.

$70,258 Average starting salary (NACE 2023)

Two students working together with a labtop and medical device prototype

BME Undergraduate Program

BME Graduate Program

BME Research

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Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the biomedical engineering research projects, the faculty of the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering collaborates with investigators in many units across the University of Kentucky campus, including the Colleges of Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Arts & Science; the Centers for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy and Membrane Science and the Advanced Science and Technology Commercialization Center and Institute For Sustainable Manufacturing.

BME Department News

Pegah Safavi awarded Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers scholarship

Jun 13, 2025

Safavi, a Ph.D. candidate in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, was one of 74 students worldwide selected to receive the SPIE Optics and Photonics Scholarship. This prestigious award, granted by the SPIE Scholarship Committee, recognizes students with strong potential to advance the fields of optics, photonics and related disciplines.

Faezeh Akbari receives Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers scholarship

Jun 6, 2025

Akbari, a third-year Ph.D. candidate, was one of 74 students worldwide selected to receive the SPIE Optics and Photonics Scholarship. This prestigious award, granted by the SPIE Scholarship Committee, recognizes students with strong potential to advance the fields of optics, photonics and related disciplines.

Biomedical Engineering teams sweep graduate division at 2025 PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition

May 13, 2025

Biomedical Engineering graduate students claim first, second, and third place in the 2025 PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition.

Creation of a Femoral Spacer Mold Project

Pigman College of Engineering hosts first ever Capstone Design Showcase

Apr 29, 2025

On April 28, the University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering hosted its first ever Capstone Design Showcase in the Gatton Student Center. The event showcased 56 Capstone projects from over 200 students from seven engineering disciplines. Featured disciplines were biomedical engineering, biosystems and agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, engineering technology and materials engineering.

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Department Recognitions

Spotlight

Trisha Sullivan

Q&A with Trisha Sullivan - April 21, 2025

Trisha Sullivan graduated in 2023 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering. She is currently a Ph.D student studying Chemical Engineering. She is the President of Biomedical Engineering Society, Vice President of Society for Biomaterials and member of the Materials and Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association.

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