Students and faculty from Western New England University's (WNE) College of Engineering recently attended the 50th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference (NEBEC), held at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ on April 4-5, 2024.
NEBEC, a premier gathering in the field of bioengineering, aims to foster collaboration and showcase innovative research and education programs in the northeastern United States. This year's conference brought together distinguished professionals and aspiring minds to explore various disciplines within bioengineering and biomedical engineering, including Cell and Tissue Engineering, Biomechanics, Medical Device Technology, Medical Imaging and Processing, Neuro-engineering, and Education.
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Andi Kwaczala and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Experiential Learning Mike Rust lead the student delegation of 12 students from the Biomedical Engineering Department. including Matt Dougherty, Roberto Duran Brea, Connor Fallon, Elyse Gathy, Mitchell Gray, Mica Van Iderstine, Emily Kowal, Julia Lescarbeau, Brendon Mersincavage, Ethan Roy, Matt Steneri, and Nick Wilken. Student teams actively participated in the conference's scientific and design presentations, which included oral talks and poster sessions. The event featured keynote speakers from academia, medicine, and industry, enriching the dialogue on the latest advancements and future directions in bioengineering.
Among the highlights of WNE's participation was the success of its students in the poster competition, where they showcased their senior capstone design projects. Competing against undergraduate peers from prestigious institutions, including Ivy League schools, WNE students demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. Notably, one of WNE's senior design teams received an Honorable Mention. Matt Steneri presented on behalf of his team of two, teammate Shelby Edwards, and the team is mentored by faculty advisor, Assistant Professor Devina Jaiswal of the BME Department.
"We are immensely proud of our students and faculty for their outstanding contributions to NEBEC," said Rust. "Their achievements reflect the commitment to excellence and innovation that defines our institution. Participating in events like NEBEC not only enriches their academic experience but also positions them as leaders in the field of bioengineering."
WNE remains dedicated to providing its students with opportunities for academic and professional growth, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges in bioengineering and beyond.
