Making an Impact

The University of Oklahoma is excited to offer a new field of study to prospective and current students. In April of 2015, The Gallogly College of Engineering announced the new Peggy and Charles Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, which was made possible by a major gift from the Stephenson Family Foundation.

One of approximately 100 public universities to offer such a degree, the new undergraduate program welcomed its first students last fall and looks forward to continued growth, as we put Oklahoma on the biomedical engineering map!

The Peggy and Charles Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) ties together OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering, the OU Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, the OU College of Arts and Sciences and the regional bioscience industry, offering an unprecedented level of health care collaboration and discovery in Oklahoma. SBME is a showcase for the University community, attracting top talent to the region that invigorates health care research and innovation.

Biomedical engineers enhance the quality of life through transformative research that provides solutions to complex medical challenges. They bridge the medical and engineering disciplines providing an overall enhancement of health care. Biomedical engineers design and build innovative devices (artificial limbs and organs, new-generation imaging machines, advanced prosthetics and more) and improve processes for genomic testing.

OU biomedical engineering students can choose a specific focus area within the field.

Core focus areas include:

• Biomechanics 
• Molecular, cellular and tissue engineering 
• Biomedical micro-and nano-technology 
• Bioimaging; biotransport and neural engineering 

As a relatively new discipline, biomedical engineering is a growing and evolving career. According to CNNMoney.com, biomedical engineering was the #1 Best Job in America for 2012.  

OU has a rich research history in biomedical engineering based on the collaborative activities of professors on the Norman and Health Sciences Center campuses that began in 1950. Throughout the decades, OU has been the home to many renowned biomedical researchers.

Students interested in biomedical engineering will be able to participate in research as early as their freshman year at OU. Our faculty members are creating tools for brain imaging, designing devices for infants with disabilities to aid in their development, as well as leading research in innovative technologies for cancer therapies.

A few of the unique opportunities offered through OU’s program:

• Direct interaction with OUHSC clinicians (shadowing, developing technologies).
• Direct interaction with regional bioscience companies (Bioscience Industry Affiliates).
• Cutting edge biomedical research – create new ideas!
• Opportunities with Business
• Frequent seminars hosting top experts in the biomedical field
• International experience – study abroad and research abroad
• Advanced biomedical engineering courses and research, allowing students the flexibility to individualize their curriculum to meet their career objectives.

The Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering is already making waves as one of three key institutes awarded $6M over the next four years by the National Science Foundation to build research infrastructure in the areas of brain science and neural engineering within the State of Oklahoma.

Come join the Sooner family and be a part of these exciting times as we lead the way in the field of biomechanical engineering!