Fischell Institute hosts inaugural Faculty Engagement Symposium

The Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices hosted its first Faculty Engagement Symposium on Thursday, January 23, in the A. James Clark Hall Forum.

The event was designed for affiliated faculty interested in learning about the Fischell Institute’s history, mission, programs, Fischell Foundry team members and services, and opportunities for collaboration within the institute.

A. James Clark School of Engineering Associate Dean for Research and Fischell Institute Affiliate Fellow Jelena Srebric kicked off the symposium with remarks that emphasized the institute’s role as a hub for interdisciplinary partnerships. Fischell Institute Director Bill Bentley followed with an introduction to the institute’s vision for advancing public good, as well as how it offers a unique space for prototyping and manufacturing biomedical devices in-house.

The symposium also featured a research poster session with presentations by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, providing an opportunity to showcase projects and foster collaborations.

“I was happy to participate in this symposium,” said Ricardo Araneda, a professor in the Department of Biology and a Fischell Institute affiliate fellow. “Some of the work on devices from Reza Ghodssi’s MEMS Sensors and Actuators lab is very exciting, and I learned a lot from other posters as well. I also had a great time talking to IBBR Research Professor and Fischell Institute Fellow Greg Payne, and we discussed the possibility of collaborating. I think these symposia encourage synergistic interactions among the Fischell community.”

Following the poster session, Fischell Institute Assistant Director Martha Wang provided an overview of the JumpSTART Program, which offers opportunities to work with the Fischell Foundry on projects.

The symposium concluded with a networking lunch, during which Bentley discussed ways for faculty and students to get involved with the institute, while reinforcing a commitment to fostering innovation and interdisciplinary partnerships.

"The Faculty Engagement Symposium was filled with high-energy interactions,” said Bentley. “If even a single new collaboration emerges as a result of the event, then it was a success."

Published January 31, 2025