Welcome

From the Department Head

Welcome to Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (BEAM) at Virginia Tech!

Our department combines fundamental mechanics with biomedical science in a unique multidisciplinary interface. Through collaboration and innovation, we pursue real-world applications that enhance the quality of life. BEAM faculty and students are breaking down barriers across disciplines to address complex problems that require expertise in a number of specialties. The department's distinctive combination of disciplines allows us to underpin newly emerging research fields and areas of discovery with an exceptional foundation of engineering theory and practice.

Our Culture and Impact

BEAM's unique focus promotes a department with a supportive and entrepreneurial culture, a place where students and faculty with a variety of interests come together through impactful research. We make significant contributions to the fields of biomechanics, solid and fluid mechanics, dynamics and control, bioengineering, computational modeling, biological systems, and translational cancer research — among others.

Degrees and Offerings

With over 40 teaching and research faculty members, BEAM offers B.S. programs in biomedical engineering as well as engineering science and mechanics, along with minor programs of study in each of these fields. We also offer M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biomedical engineering and engineering mechanics. Major partners and affiliates include the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Critical Technologies and Applied Sciences, and the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

What’s Next?

I am excited to return to Virginia Tech, my alma mater. Biomedical engineering and mechanics (BEAM) combines my two professional passions - biomedical engineering and engineering mechanics. Our department has seen tremendous growth and is poised to launch strategic initiatives that will further strengthen our community, align education and research, and expand departmental relationships with industry. BEAM is advancing the boundaries of engineering knowledge and practice to make a positive impact.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Wayne, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head