Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and the world, and damage often requires surgery. But what if other treatments like gene therapy could offer new, less invasive approaches to heart care? Find out how Duke BME researchers are growing beating human heart to test these therapies.

Dear Colleagues,

Each new year brings to me a sense of excitement and possibility, especially as I begin seeing everything that our dedicated students and faculty have planned for the coming months. To kick off 2026, I invite you to take a literal look into several prominent programs Duke BME is currently pursuing that touch on every aspect of our mission. From boundary-pushing heart research and outreach programs to innovative uses of emerging technologies, the subjects of these videos truly reasons to be optimistic about how biomedical engineers can positively impact people's lives.

Sharon Gerecht, PhD
Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Paul M. Gross Distinguished Professor

K-12 STEM outreach programs often focus on students; but what about the teachers? Discover how Duke emphasizes partnering with and educating the educators to multiply these programs' impact.

From mimicking stressful real-world scenarios to study and treat PTSD to helping neurosurgeons plan complex surgeries, virtual reality technology is transforming health care. See how Duke BME is harnessing its powerful abilities.

Hospitals in Uganda need better health care equipment. Instead of gifting them used Western tech, Duke BME is teaching local engineering students how to design and build their own. Watch the program in action.

John Hickey was awarded a V Foundation Scholar Award to improve the use of T cell therapies to treat cancerous tumors. Find out how he plans to better infiltrate and attack solid tumors.

Adam Wax received one of the top honors for academic inventors. Read why the National Academy of Inventors recognized his work translating research in optical spectroscopy to diagnostics.

Check out the latest work from Samira Musah and her team, where they explore the early links between congenital heart disease and kidney problems. Identifying this early cause of kidney damage could enable clinicians to diagnose and address kidney problems much sooner than current practices allow.

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