BOISE — The future of medical technology could already be developing in this classroom, thanks to the new doctoral program in biomedical engineering heading to Boise State.
There was a lot of student interest in this area but then we didn't have any advanced degrees for students to pursue," said Boise State University assistant professor Clare Fitzpatrick.
Interest from graduate students like Katie Hollar. You might remember her from a report we did in December; she created a 3D optical scanning technique which shows heavy wear in a hip replacement. Now, she can get a degree in a field that matches her work.
"The plan right now is to work through my masters in mechanical engineering and then hopefully the PhD program," said Hollar.
There's been a demand for this program by both students and professors. Already students have been able to receive a minor in biomedical engineering. It's the first of it's kind in Idaho and paves the way for other students looking to combine their interests in tech with biology and medicine.
"I think it makes BSU, the engineering department and the university as a whole more well rounded just because we have that medical experience now, and the opportunities for students to go into engineering and medicine and it kind of just ties the universities together," said Hollar.
The Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. program at Boise State is currently accepting applications for fall 2019. The application deadline for the fall semester is March 15, 2019. More information can be found at www.boisestate.edu/bme.
