The 19th Annual Utah Biomedical Engineering Conference (UBEC) took place on Saturday, September 21st, at the University of Utah Alumni House. As one of the region’s key events since its inception in 2005, UBEC has grown into a premier platform for sharing groundbreaking research and fostering collaboration. With more than 300 registered attendees from across Utah, this student-run conference proved to be an exceptional opportunity for networking and showcasing research.

Research Presentations Highlight Diversity in Biomedical Engineering

UBEC 2024 featured a robust program of student research, including 45 scheduled podium presentations and over 80 posters. Students from four universities presented their work in fields such as cardiovascular engineering, biomaterials, neuroengineering, data science, and drug delivery. The diversity of research exemplified Utah’s role as a leader in biomedical innovation, with many attendees praising the breadth of scientific inquiry on display. For the first time in UBEC history, a rapid-fire podium session was introduced to highlight 12 of the highest-scoring posters. Presenters had just one minute to share their research, with the audience voting on their favorite. “It was fun to watch the excitement build during the Grand Rounds Rapid Fire Talks. The presenters did a great job summarizing their research in a short amount of time,” said UBEC Co-Chair Hannah Duffy.

The top honors for student presentations were awarded to:

  • Poster Sessions: Rui Jin (1st place), Elise Nielsen (2nd place), Chimdi Ihediwa (3rd place)
  • Podium Sessions: Bram Hunt (1st place), Kai Pruyn (2nd place), Eric Paccione (3rd place)

(Chris Young, Rui Jin, Elise Nielsen, Chimdi Ihediwa, Hannah Duffy)

(Chris Young, Bram Hunt, Kai Pruyn, Eric Paccione, Hannah Duffy)

Keynote and Alumni Panel Inspire Future Innovators

A highlight of UBEC 2024 was the keynote address by Kirk Ririe, co-founder of Idaho Technology (now BioFire), who shared his journey in developing Rapid-PCR technology. Ririe’s insights into the world of molecular biology and the challenges of innovation resonated with attendees, with many calling his talk the highlight of the day. “Kirk is a great representative of innovation in the Mountain West,” said one student, noting how well he connected with the audience. Another graduate student said he “set the tone for an exciting day full of innovative research presentations.”

In addition, a PhD alumni panel featuring distinguished graduates from the University of Utah’s Biomedical Engineering program offered guidance to students and early-career professionals. Panelists included 4 PhDs: Jocelyn Todd, Luke Bennink, Brett Davis, and Sophia Bou-Ghannam. These professionals shared their experiences navigating careers in industry from the start-up space to large companies. They provided valuable advice during an engaging Q&A session that several students said was a highlight of the conference.

Networking and Collaboration Take Center Stage

UBEC has always emphasized collaboration, and this year was no different. The conference’s expo featured 10 local exhibitors, including biomedical engineering industry leaders such as Stryker, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Edwards Lifesciences. Other exhibitors included local medical device companies including 3Helix, Vetlen, and Purgo Scientific. University of Utah and UHealth organizations also participated such as the Center for Medical Innovation, the Vice President for Research, Technology Licensing Office, and UHealth Data Science Services. Other exhibitors included the Utah Innovation Center and the BioHive Student Chapter. Our exhibitors made it possible for students to connect with innovators and programs in the biomedical engineering space.

UBEC’s Role in Utah’s Medtech Growth

As Utah continues to be recognized as a hub for biomedical innovation, UBEC plays a crucial role in connecting talent with opportunity. Over nearly two decades, the conference has supported the growth of the state’s medtech industry, which employs thousands of University of Utah Biomedical Engineering graduates.

The success of UBEC 2024 has organizers already looking ahead to next year’s event. “We’re excited to build on the momentum and bring more interactive experiences like the Rapid-Fire Talks to UBEC 2025,” said Co-Chair Hannah Duffy.

Thank you to our UBEC 2024 Sponsors and Volunteers

UBEC 2024 was only possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors. Platinum-level sponsors included the Office of Dr. Rachel Hess, MD, Associate Vice President for Research at University of Utah Health Sciences; Dr. Patrick Tresco, PhD; and the Office of Dr. Erin Rothwell, PhD, Vice President of Research, alongside the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office and the I-Corps program; and finally The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah.

Additional support came from gold-level sponsors, including the Jeffery R. & Katie C. Nelson Foundation, the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, and Purgo Scientific and Vetlen. Silver sponsors were Edwards Lifesciences, 3Helix, Stryker, the Utah Innovation Center, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Bronze-level support was provided by Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) and the University of Utah Health’s Center for Medical Innovation. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of our sponsors.

In addition to our sponsors, UBEC 2024 could not have been possible without the help of the University of Utah Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Utah, the the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, and the 2024 UBEC Committee. We would like to specifically thank Patrick Tresco, PhD, Dave Grainger, PhD, Ty Jones, Monica Kohler, Sheila Olson, Taylor Wilkes, Matt Kitterer, Ryan Boyack, the army of volunteers, and the entire BME staff for their support and dedication to this event. Finally, we want to acknowledge the volunteer efforts of UBEC co-chairs and committee including Chris Young, Hannah Duffy, James Anderson, Diego Perez, and Abby Harrison.

As we look towards UBEC 2025, we anticipate another year of groundbreaking research and expanded opportunities for collaboration. Building on the success of this year’s conference, the UBEC 2025 organizers aim to introduce more interactive elements, foster even greater industry partnerships, and continue to provide a platform for Utah’s thriving biomedical engineering community to connect, innovate, and inspire. The future of UBEC looks brighter than ever.