Twenty-seven high school students toured the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering as a part of the 2024 Health Science Institute.

The Health Science Institute is a two-week-long program for high school students to learn about and experience careers in the medical field. The institute is co-sponsored by Deaconess Hospital and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC).

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Science Institute visited the Weldon School annually. Because of the pandemic, the institute was paused, and this was the institute’s first time back since then.

Inside the Martin C. Jischke Hall of Biomedical Engineering, the students visited the Biomechanics and Materials Lab, Tissue Culture Lab, Bioinstrumentation Lab and the BME Design Lab. The tour was led by Asem Aboelzahab, the Lead Instructional Labs and Senior Design Projects Coordinator for the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.

Students first learned about the design and purpose of prosthetics and orthopedic implants in the Biomechanics and Materials Lab. During this time, they examined and held various orthopedic implants.

The next stop on the tour was the Tissue Culture Lab. This is where students learned about tissue engineering. More specifically, they learned what it is, its equipment and the purpose of it in the medical field.

Students learned about bioelectricity and circuitry in the Bioinstrumentation Lab. In this portion of the tour, a student’s electrocardiogram (ECG) was taken and visualized by an oscilloscope.

Students visited the BME Design Lab as the final portion of the visit. The BME Design Lab is home to the Junior Design and Capstone Senior Design courses, so participants were able to see how the space is utilized throughout the year and learn about these courses. This is where Aboelzahab demonstrated the 3D scanner on a student. The purpose of this instrument is to create a model of an object, which can be used in the design of solutions for patients with specific needs. Students also viewed 3D printers, laser cutters and past projects here.

Students responded positively to the tour.

“I thought the [Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering] program was really amazing to see. I really understood how extensive and well-rounded it is,” said Vrinda Sheel, a student of the Health Science Institute.

The highlight of Sheel’s visit was the BME Design Lab.

“It was really nice to see all of the senior projects and how they can make an impact on people’s lives,” Sheel explained.

The Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering thanks the Health Science Institute for their visit.

“It was a pleasure to introduce the EVSC Health Science Institute students to Biomedical Engineering and some of the unique hands-on experiences our students get at the Weldon School to support their careers across many healthcare related fields,” said Aboelzahab. “This student group is always so engaged and inquisitive, and it was fun demonstrating hands-on skills and devices biomedical engineers use and design.  We always look forward to the visit from the Health Science Institute each year!”