Collaborative Pathways: Educating Emerging Biomedical Innovators
Abstract:
Biomedical engineering exists at the intersection of engineering, biology and medicine. Its inherently multidisciplinary nature makes collaborative work critical for driving biomedical innovation and solving complex problems. Experiential learning plays a foundational role in biomedical engineering education by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, particularly through the design of solutions for critical gaps in clinical care. Hands on experiences, such as clinical immersion, industry partnerships, and team-based design projects enable students to develop technical expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration skills and an understanding of the healthcare innovation process. With the support of a distributed innovation pipeline that fosters collaboration between medical and engineering students to identify clinical opportunities, develop and validate solutions, and assess market potential, students benefit from structured support that strengthens their ability to generate intellectual property and advance innovations towards commercialization. Drawing from her experiences as an engineer, Dr. Kotche will highlight how she creates hands-on learning environments that challenge students to solve real-world problems and develop core competencies as they transition into their professional careers.
Bio:
Miiri Kotche is the Richard and Loan Hill Clinical Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Her work focuses on the scholarship of engineering education, with an emphasis on providing students with real-world experiences through hands-on projects, interdisciplinary programming, and immersive learning opportunities. Drawing from her industry background in product development, manufacturing, and operations, she brings practical insights to her roles as both educator and administrator. Miiri also serves as Director of the Innovation Medicine program, a co-curricular program that supports medical students interested in the intersection of healthcare delivery, innovation, and technology development. As Associate Dean, she oversees academic and student affairs for more than 5,000 undergraduates in 13 degrees programs across 6 departments in UIC’s College of Engineering. Dr. Kotche is the 2024 recipient of the American Society for Engineering Education Theo C. Pilkington Award for outstanding education, leadership and research in biomedical engineering and a 2021 recipient of the UIC Award for Excellence in Teaching. She has been recognized as a Fellow of BMES and AIMBE, a U.S. Fulbright Scholar, a “Notable Woman in STEM” by Crain's Chicago Business, a UIC Master Teaching Scholar, and College of Medicine Rising Star.
