Students and faculty from the School of Engineering and Computing showcased their innovative research at the 2024 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD. The conference provided a platform for undergraduate and high school researchers to present their work alongside professionals and network with leaders in the field.
Among the presenters were Associate Professor Isaac Macwan, PhD, Assistant Professor John Drazan, PhD, and students Elia Haghbin ’26, Leslie Abbott ’25, Ryan Jaworski ’25, Zuzanna Janusz ’27, and Luke Bornstein ’25.
Biomedical engineering majors Bornstein, Janusz, and Jaworski, mentored by Dr. Drazan, presented their poster, “A Novel Approach to Enhancing Efficacy in Biomedical Engineering Research Prior to Access to Human Subject Data.” Completed in collaboration with Donna Pacicca, PhD of Connecticut Children’s Hospital, the research explored the use of synthetic data sets to streamline research methodologies before transitioning to studies involving human subjects. Haghbin, Abbott, and Dr. Mcwan presented their findings on bacteriorhodopsin, a bacterial protein in a purple membrane. Specifically, the group explored its potential as a biological memory device when combined with graphene and polyvinyl alcohol to create nanofibrous scaffolds for bioelectronics.
Bornstein also presented his work on pediatric limb length discrepancies, reflecting on the importance of such conferences. "These gatherings provide undergraduates like me the chance to explore the field, network with representatives from other universities, and prepare for medical school through meaningful conversations about research opportunities," Bornstein shared.
The event also highlighted Fairfield’s commitment to community outreach. Central High School students Titus Graham, Gabrial Verges, Zi’Ayanna Mason, and G-brown Gervil presented their research poster at the High School Research Poster Expo. Their project, also titled “A Novel Approach to Enhancing Efficacy in Biomedical Engineering Research Prior to Access to Human Subject Data,” stemmed from a summer research program at Fairfield with Dr. Drazan and served as an impactful introduction to STEM fields.
Dr. Macwan underscored the significance of these opportunities. "The Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting was a transformative experience for our students, offering a platform to connect with leaders in biomedical engineering, explore cutting-edge research, and ignite their passion for innovation," he said. "It's more than a conference—it's a launchpad for their future and a celebration of their research accomplishments."
