“This equipment is critical for advancing research in wearable biosensors and biomedical devices,” said Ankita Mohapatra, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, who is directing the grant project. Students interested in biomedical engineering careers are learning to use technology-driven tools at the forefront of innovation in biomedical labs, sensor development companies and advanced manufacturing environments. “Training students on this equipment gives them a significant competitive edge in industry and graduate research,” Mohapatra said. “These are exactly the skills sought after by companies in biomedical engineering, wearable health devices and even defense sectors,” she said. With the addition of the new equipment and faculty research collaboration, George said the college is building the capacity to expand the curriculum and develop new courses with a biomedical engineering focus.