PhD in Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics and Mechanobiology in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

The program offers extensive, cross-disciplinary research and educational pathways culminating in a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. It combines engineering principles with life sciences to equip graduates for academic, industrial, and governmental careers. The curriculum addresses both molecular and large-scale biomedical engineering aspects, covering five key research domains: biomedical instrumentation, drug delivery, metabolic design, biomaterials, computational/systems biology, and medical biomechanics. Students access cutting-edge facilities such as the Cornell Nanofabrication Facility, NSF STC in Nanobiotechnology, CHESS synchrotron source, Cornell Theory Center, Biotechnology Advanced Technology Center, and resources at the Hospital for Special Surgery's Biomechanics Department.

Prospective Biomedical Engineering students typically possess an engineering background. The program provides comprehensive research training, requiring a Ph.D. minor in both engineering and life sciences. Core coursework includes a year-long Foundations of Biomedical Engineering sequence, advanced biological systems analysis, additional bioengineering electives, and mandatory seminars. Ph.D. candidates must complete a six-week clinical immersion at Weill Medical College and a teaching requirement. Master's students take the Foundations course, two seminar semesters, and typically four to five engineering/life science electives. Note that requirements may change.

Biomechanical forces significantly influence physiological and pathological processes. Cornell's Biomechanics and Mechanobiology initiative fosters interdisciplinary partnerships among engineers, scientists, and medical experts, driving innovative basic and applied research. With resources from leading engineering and medical institutions, Cornell achieves exceptional scope in biomechanical studies. Research spans 10 magnitude scales, from cellular nanomechanics to whole-organ physiology. The program advances mechanobiology by connecting molecular biology with tissue architecture, developing novel theories and experimental systems that integrate genetic tools to uncover biological design principles, ultimately aiming to enhance human health outcomes.