Hearing loss affects millions worldwide, yet standard clinical assessments often fail to pinpoint the specific causes of impairment. At Purdue University, a team of researchers led by Michael Heinz is tackling this challenge by developing innovative methods to improve hearing diagnoses and treatments. Heinz is the associate head of research and professor of speech, language and hearing sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences. He holds a joint appointment in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. His work focuses on accessible precision audiology, integrating engineering and computational techniques to transform hearing healthcare.

Ramaswamy Subramanian, the Gerald and Edna Mann Director of the Bindley Bioscience Center, professor of biological sciences (College of Science) and professor in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering), is being honored for seminal contributions to structural biology, enhancing atomic-level understanding of diverse biological processes, and for leading the development of scientific infrastructure in India and the U.S. Subramanian is an expert in structural biology and biophysics with an interest in understanding the relationship between atomic resolution structures and molecular function, with a focus on enzymes and membrane transporters.

Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, Chi Hwan Lee has been inducted into the 2025 class of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. This recognition places him among the top two percent of engineers in the field. A distinction awarded to those who have made significant contributions to medical and biological engineering through research practice, or education.

First-year BME student exploring industry, research and medical school paths in Indianapolis

“I love challenging myself,” McNamara said. “I want to be competitive in my field, and I never want to be in a position where I regret not getting a degree.”

New research from the Weldon School, led by Chun-Yi Chang and Professor Chien-Chi Lin, introduces a novel platform using click chemistries to modify hydrogel surfaces. This innovation allows for tunable stiffness and cell-binding ligands, offering valuable insights into cell migration and interactions. A promising step forward in tissue engineering and cell biology!

Professor Young L. Kim and his team at Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering have developed a smartphone-based malaria screening method using computer vision to analyze the inner eyelid. This innovative approach, tested in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Center, offers a noninvasive and accessible solution for early malaria detection in resource-limited settings.

Muhammad Mustafa Hussain and his team have recently been awarded a groundbreaking patent for their development of Edible Unclonable Functions (EUFs), a technology that promises to revolutionize food safety. These edible markers are designed to be incorporated into food products, providing a unique identifier that is safe to consume and impossible to replicate. In an era where food fraud and counterfeit products are increasingly common, EUFs offer a revolutionary solution. By ensuring that food products can be authenticated at the point of consumption, this innovation strengthens food security and builds trust in what we eat.

For Weldon student Ali Steele, studying abroad wasn’t just a temporary adventure, it was a life-changing experience that reshaped her academic and personal aspirations. After spending a semester at the University of Galway in Ireland, Steele not only gained a fresh perspective on biomedical engineering but also found a place she hopes to return to for her master’s degree and possibly even for life.

When a spinal cord injury occurs, the impact is life-altering, often leaving patients with limited options for recovery. At the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Chi Hwan Lee is leading a team of researchers to develop biodegradable semiconductor-based electroceuticals that offer a groundbreaking approach to restoring motor function and promoting nerve regeneration.