• Full-Time Programs
• Continuing Studies and Outreach Programs
• All Academic Programs
• Academic Departments
  • Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management
  • Rader School of Business
  • Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    • B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
      • What is Biomedical Engineering?
      • Is BE Right for Me?
      • Program Electives
      • Objectives and Outcomes
      • Get the Classes you Need
      • Senior Design Projects
      • BE Alumni Profiles
      • B.E. Organizations and Societies
    • B.S. in Computer Engineering
    • B.S. in Electrical Engineering
    • B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology
    • B.S. in Software Engineering
    • M.S. in Engineering
    • M.S. in Perfusion
    • Program Requirements
    • Department Faculty
  • General Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • School of Nursing
  • Physics and Chemistry
• Outstanding Facilities
• Academic Minors
• Study Abroad
• Research Centers
• Student Projects
• Other Academic Resources
• MSOE's Accreditations
• The MSOE Guarantee

MSc. Neuroscience and Bioengineering
PhD Graduate Student

 

 

Neural Engineering is an interdisciplinary field on the frontier of Biomedical Engineering integrating advancements in neuroscience, medicine, and engineering to develop implantable devices that replace or augment impaired function of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

I am a PhD student in the Neural Engineering Center at Case Western Reserve University. My research focuses on the use of electrical stimulation for the control of epilepsy.

 

PhD Graduate Student: Development of hypotheses that will guide your research experiments toward a particular solution/investigation as described in your thesis. Research suggestions are proposed by your advisor(s) (PI). They are responsible for the development of your project and professional growth.

 

Additional responsibilities include: preparation and presentation of abstracts and posters for scientific conferences, and collaborating in research goals with fellow graduate students, post doctoral students, and facility.

 

Primary Investigator (PI): The individual assigned primary responsibility and accountability for an investigation or research project. In 2003, I received a predoctoral grant to support my research; as a result, I am now the PI for my research. My thesis advisors are now my preceptors.

 

Teaching Assistant (TA): Teach lab sections for graduate and undergraduate classes. Responsible for organizing class materials, teaching limited class sections, supervising lab and recitation sessions, updating the lab manuals, proctoring exams, grading student work

 

Graduate Student: Undergraduate degree in related field.

• MSc. In related field (may be optional depending on program)
• Experience in forming hypotheses, and conducting experiments
• Public speaking skills, not required, but highly recommended
• Writing skills (scientific and general)

TA: Knowledge of material to be taught, may not necessarily have taken the class.

 

Independence, Organization, Creativity, and Confidence. You will be working independently, so your organizational skills are extremely important. Research is challenging work, and creativity may be required to think through some tough issues. However, having confidence in yourself and your ideas will get you through.

 

I had the desire to work with function electrical stimulation. After looking at several different programs, I decided to enter the Neuroscience and Bioengineering program, an interdisciplinary PhD program providing neuroscience research opportunities to students as they develop critical skills in mathematics and engineering, at Case Western Reserve University. I plan to use this current position as foundation for a research/teaching position in Neural Engineering.

 

Autonomy is a double edged sword. There is a fine balance between progress and procrastination. As a graduate student, you definitely need to keep your focus. I also enjoy meeting exciting individuals from around the world, whether it be fellow graduate students, faculty members, or conference attendees.

 

Your advisor will expect a lot of self-motivation. I enjoy being able to work when and where I want, experiments permitting, of course. In addition, traveling to conferences to present your work, as either a poster or break out session, is amazing. You are an expert in your area of research. Sometimes, you know more about what you’re a presenting than a majority of your audience. They are there to learn from you.

 

 

Biomedical Engineers combine biology, medicine, and engineering to develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. An undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering is an excellent decision and provides you with a solid foundation to enter both graduate school and industry in any number of fields from engineering to law. The only limitation is your imagination.

 

I have found that the things in life you work the hardest it achieve are the things that you enjoy and appreciate the most. My education from MSOE fits that motto. You will work hard! Engineering is a challenging field, no matter what your specialty. But, MSOE allows you to balance the hard work with fun. There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people.

 

I chose MSOE for a number of reasons:

1. I was impressed by the faculty and staff. They care about you, your education, and how you develop as a young adult
2. I loved the structure inherent in the BE program at MSOE. You knew what to expect, and how things were going to progress
3. MSOE takes the phrase "Hands-on experience" literally. I began taking laboratory and engineering classes as a freshman, by my senior year, working with peers in a laboratory setting to solve engineering problems was second nature.

 

MSOE’s campus is extremely easy to get around. Getting to and from classes, meetings, luncheons, and other activities was a snap. Downtown activities are only a short walk away, and the lakefront parks and museums are just as close. Plus, I lived on campus for all four years. Being able to walk home for a nap during my free time was priceless.

 

The faculty is dedicated to your success! This dedication shines in the quality of their classes and labs, and skills that they pass on to you socially and academically.

 

Late night pizza parties with your friends. The bonus: They live right down the hall! In addition, the Student Life Office is a wonderful resource, with lots of opportunities to get involved with campus life and the community as a whole.

 

Yes, very much so! The challenges of Biomedical Engineering at MSOE, are well worth, and have given me the professionalism and confidence to begin building my own career.

 

Network, network, network. Some of your most important contacts will come from the areas of life you enjoy the most. Always, get names and numbers. You never know when they will come in handy.

For information about MSOE's B.S. in Biomedical Engineering program, contact interim program director Dr. Charles Tritt at (414) 277-7421.