A Conversation with Dr. Hong Chen: A Journey into Biomedical Engineering
My next encounter with a specialist in STEM was with Dr. Hong Chen, an associate professor of Biomedical Engineering and Neurosurgery at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Chen is an incredible inventor. Our meeting provided me with valuable insights into her journey and how her work in biomedical engineering has shaped her career.
Dr. Chen completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Jiaotong University in China before moving to the U.S. to pursue her PhD at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her research focuses on developing ultrasound-based image-guided drug delivery platforms for cancer therapy. Traditionally, diagnosing deep brain tumors required invasive procedures, which quite literally involve drilling into a patient’s skull to perform a biopsy. However, her innovative technique uses focused ultrasound to target specific areas of the brain. As a result of this method, RNA, DNA, and proteins from the brain can be temporarily released into the bloodstream to allow for diagnosis, thus eliminating the need for risky, invasive procedures.
Her research has been so successful that it led to the founding of a biotech company that commercialized her diagnostic tool. If you want to learn more, you can check out her lab’s website.
Reflections on My Conversation with Dr. Chen
I didn’t record our conversation, but I was so engaged that I managed to jot down some key takeaways from our chat. We met in her office at the gorgeous new neurology building at Washington University Medical School. As I entered, I was awed by the impressive space with gleaming white walls and a soaring ceiling that stretches across three floors. I felt a little smarter just walking in! (Okay, that might just be in my head, but the vibe was real.)
Strengths and Challenges in Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Chen explained that biomedical engineering is all about blending engineering principles with the study of the human body. Unlike bioengineering, which covers a wider range of living organisms (plants included), biomedical engineering is laser-focused on humans. One of its major strengths is the exposure to a bunch of specialties, from medicine to technology.
For example, Dr. Chen has been working on a non-invasive diagnostic tool using ultrasound. This project has her teaming up with physicians, computer scientists, and other specialists. With her background in biomedical engineering, she explained that she’s able to communicate and collaborate effectively across these different fields. She emphasized that the interdisciplinary nature of the field allows students to explore interests in various areas and tackle complex, cross-field problems.
However, there’s also a trade-off: as a biomedical engineer, you’re a jack-of-all-trades. Your knowledge of the human body won’t be as deep as a doctor’s, and your programming skills may not be as advanced as a computer science major’s. So, while you can bring specialists together like a conductor, you’re more of a generalist in comparison to people who majored in a single field.
Her Journey to Ultrasound
Curious about Dr. Chen’s work with ultrasound, I asked her how she got started in this field. She said that she found her passion for ultrasound during her university years, and it became the focus of her PhD. She’s super grateful to have found her calling so early in life, though she admitted that this isn’t the case for everyone. A lot of her graduate students and postdocs are still figuring out their specific areas of interest. While they’re all driven to serve society and contribute to the world, it often takes time to discover that one thing they want to dedicate themselves to.
After our conversation, Dr. Chen kindly took me on a tour of her lab, which had a modern feel typical of a medical facility but was particularly striking due to the presence of 3D printers. I noticed several printers in action and learned that students utilize them to create models for their experiments. The entire space felt fresh and new, as the building has just been completed. The lab occupies one side of the floor, while the offices of the principal investigators (PIs) line the opposite side, separated by a long corridor. The atmosphere on the floor was open and welcoming, suggesting that the PIs might have open-door policies. Most of the office doors were partially open, and I saw students (or perhaps post-docs) knocking and entering to engage in discussions with the PIs. It seemed like a collaborative environment designed to foster communication and teamwork.
I left the lab feeling incredibly inspired. My passion for developing innovative medical devices has only deepened, and I find myself envisioning how these advancements could transform healthcare. I’m excited and dreaming bigger about creating technologies that will ease the burden on patients during their toughest battles with illness.
How to Find the Right Biomedical Engineering Program
If you’re like me and searching for the best biomedical engineering programs for your unique goals and interests, here’s a tip from Dr. Chen: explore the research interests of the faculty at the schools you’re considering. This will help you understand the department’s strengths and ensure they align with your passions, rather than just relying on rankings like those from U.S. News.
After our conversation, I spent some time researching schools with strong medical affiliations, diverse faculty expertise, and internship opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step method I developed for helping narrowing down your search for your best fit BME programs:
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Biomedical Engineering (BME) School:
- Get a Broad Overview of Programs: Start by looking at ranking sites like U.S. News & World Report or QS World University Rankings, focusing specifically on Biomedical Engineering programs.
- Check Faculty Expertise: As Dr. Chen recommended, visit the BME department website for each school you’re interested in. Review faculty profiles and their research areas. If you’re into medical devices or bioinformatics, make sure the school has faculty who specialize in those areas.
- Look for Medical School Collaborations: This step is especially valuable for students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or becoming a doctor. Schools with an affiliated medical school (like Johns Hopkins or Washington University in St. Louis) tend to offer more hands-on opportunities for medical device research and clinical applications. While not having a medical school within the same institution doesn’t necessarily limit your ability to pursue a medical-related field, having strong ties to one is definitely a plus! These collaborations often give students greater access to clinical trials, patient care experiences, and practical medical device applications, which can be crucial for those aiming for a career in medicine.
- Consider Program Size and Flexibility: Larger programs, like Georgia Tech’s, could offer a wider range of research opportunities due to their size and resources, while smaller programs may provide closer mentorship and a more personalized experience. It’s worth considering what environment suits your learning style and career goals.
- Check for Internship Opportunities: Some BME programs emphasize undergraduate research or offer summer internships. Schools with strong partnerships with biotech companies or hospitals are especially great for gaining practical experience.
- Look at Graduation Outcomes: Investigate where alumni end up after graduating—whether they go into industry, research, graduate school or medical school. For example, MIT and Stanford have strong industry ties, while Johns Hopkins sends many students to med school.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the program that fits your interests and goals!
A Quick Note About Schools with “Washington” in Their Name
Before I wrap up, here’s a quick tip to help you avoid confusion when researching schools: there are four universities in the U.S. with “Washington” in their name. I know isn’t it confusing?
To help you navigate, here’s a breakdown:
- University of Washington: Located in Seattle, Washington (a state university).
- Washington University in St. Louis: Located in St. Louis, Missouri (a private university).
- Washington State University: Located in Pullman, Washington (a state university).
- George Washington University: Located in Washington, D.C. (a private university).
With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right university that aligns with your goals!
