[img_inline align=”” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Beams.jpg” caption=”Dr. de Bruin presenting on the topic of biomedical engineering. Photo credit:Nilesh Patel”]What exactly do bioengineers do? How are biomedical devices implemented in the industry? What career opportunities exist for bioengineering students upon graduation? These were the kinds of questions answered by the special guests at the Bioengineering at McMaster Society (BEAMS) Industry Night “The Promise of Bioengineering” hosted by BEAMS VP External, Mohammed Khalaf on Thursday, March 23, 2006.

The night began with a presentation on recent developments in medical instrumentation by Hubert de Bruin, an associate professor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering at McMaster. He spoke about the development of new techniques for analyzing physiological signals in clinical medical laboratories as well as current information on the response of motor neurons to different modes of stimulation.

After an information-rich presentation, de Bruin emphasized the importance of bioengineering students, noting “there is a lot more to be investigated than what is known so far.”

Mark Mosley, a McMaster kinesiology graduate, and Robert Harrison, both from Baylis Medical Company, followed with a presentation on how a biomedical design is implemented and brought to the production phase. They demonstrated the life cycle of a bioengineering device in considerable detail and complimented with concrete examples. The key stages were identified as idea, prototype, design modification and finally production. They used Baylis Medical's Radiofrequency Puncture Generator as an example, a device which allows controlled punctures to be made using radiofrequency energy, eliminating the need for surgical excisions. This non-invasive tool allows surgery to be performed safely on those who are unable to undergo conventional surgical techniques.

At Baylis, Mosley is currently a clinical support specialist for the Radiofrequency Puncture Generator. He acquires research and development feedback from physicians and communicates this information to product engineers such as fellow presenter Robert Harrison, a biomedical engineer from Dalhousie University. Both presenters reflected the versatile career opportunities available to students interested in bioengineering.

After the presentations, wine and cheese accompanied an informative question-answer session. Held in CIBC Hall, the turnout was much greater than expected and the event served as an excellent annual get-together for bioengineers in all levels of study. For more information on other BEAMS events please visit our website at www.beamsociety.ca.