When Kristen Cattin arrived at Purdue to study electrical and computer engineering, she could not have foreseen that her path would one day lead her to the highest technical honor at Medtronic. This August, Cattin was inducted into the Bakken Society—an elite group of 209 Fellows out of Medtronic’s 95,000 employees worldwide. The society recognizes the company’s most distinguished scientists, engineers and clinicians for their lasting contributions to patient care.

In the world of biomedical engineering, some of the most powerful innovations are the ones you can't see. Shelley Claridge's latest patent, issued in June 2025, is one of them. A molecular-scale breakthrough that could reshape how we guide cells to grow, heal and regenerate.

In the quiet hum of Purdue's laboratories, where innovation often begins with a question and a whiteboard, Professor Julie Liu and her team asked something simple but profound. What if surgical wounds could heal without staples or sutures, without pain, infection or extra doctor visits?

Jenna Rickus, senior vice provost for teaching and learning at Purdue University, has been awarded the Michael C. Holen Pacesetter Award by the National Academic Advising Association.

This summer, four ambitious high school students stepped into the world of biomedical engineering research through the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering's 2025 High School Summer Research Internship. Over six intensive weeks, they traded traditional classrooms for active research labs gaining hands-on experience, mentorship and a clearer vision for their future in STEM.

Mikko Chapman, who will receive his bachelor's in biomedical engineering, was selected as a banner bearer for the Aug. 9 summer commencement.

This summer, MS BME student Madison Balgeman wrapped up her co-op experience at Cook Research Incorporated where she worked as an R&D intern on the Bench Testing team. The experience gave her firsthand insight into how biomedical engineers connect innovation, regulatory strategy and patient-centered design.

For Safa Vucsko, the path to biomedical engineering was shaped by lived experience. Diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia in 2023 after years of undetected back pain, Safa underwent four surgeries including two periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs) and a labral repair that changed the course of her life and career.

The Weldon School is proud to celebrate three outstanding alumni! Krista O’Shaughnessey Toler, Keith Hansen MD and Brooke Beier—who have been named to Purdue Engineering’s prestigious 38x38 list for Fall 2025. This honor recognizes Purdue Engineering alumni under 38 years old who are already making waves across industries through innovation, leadership and impact.