At the convergence of biology, medicine and technology, biomedical engineering is a fast-moving field that is attracting the "best of the best" students. As many as 20 percent of incoming engineering students would choose a specialization in biomedical engineering, estimated Ferrara.
Initially, the department will have a strong focus on genomics. Scientists need to develop new techniques to analyze the very large amounts of data created by the Human Genome Project and other gene-sequencing efforts. They will develop mathematical tools and computer programs to wade through the data and work out how a DNA sequence becomes a living being.
A major factor in awarding the grant was UC Davis' clear plan to bring together genomics and studies of whole organs, according to foundation spokesman Frank Blanchard. Craig Benham, recently appointed as associate director and current interim director of the UC Davis Genome Center, will have a faculty position in the department.
"The department has a very well developed plan led by a clear vision for the future," said Blanchard.
The department also has a strong focus on imaging technology, especially ultrasound and positron emission tomography (PET). The laboratories of Ferrara and Michael Insana are studying ultrasound imaging. For example, they are looking at ways to make ultrasound more powerful and precise for earlier diagnosis of diseases such as breast cancer.
PET is a sophisticated imaging technique that can be used to measure chemical reactions within the body. For example, it can be used to display images of the brain, and show what areas are active during particular tasks. New faculty member Simon Cherry, who joined the department July 1, is an expert on PET who will expand existing research in the area.
Other areas of research in the fledgling department inc
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Contact: Andy Fell
ahfell@ucdavis.edu
530-752-4533
University of California - Davis
30-Jul-2001