Careers

Childhood: “I loved to take things like electronics and furniture apart to see how they worked (and sometimes got in trouble for it!)”

High School: “I learned to work with computers and even started a business making gaming computers for my friends”

College: “I got a degree in business because it seemed like a safe bet”

After graduating: “I got a job doing computer repair and realized electronics was my real interest”

A Biomedical Equipment Repair Technician tests, adjusts, or repairs biomedical or electromedical equipment.

Since the biofabrication industry relies on advanced technology, skilled technicians are required to service the range of machines and tools used in biofabrication research and manufacturing.

High School: “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I had great science teachers who made the subject come alive for me”

Choosing a college: “I got great advice that it would be really crucial to get hands-on experience at school”

In college: “I took lots of lab-based classes to build real-world lab skills to prepare me for work”

After graduating: “I wanted a graduate program that would let me apply my skills toward making a difference in society, so I chose biotechnology”

A biotechnology researcher designs and implements laboratory experiments and analyzes the results. 

The majority of the jobs available in biofabrication are in research. These jobs are housed in hospitals, universities, and biotech/manufacturing companies. 

Childhood: “I loved working on classic cars with my uncle”

High School: “I took a machine shop class so I could learn to build things”

After graduation: “I joined the Navy as a machinist and learned how to fix all kinds of things under pressure!”

After serving: “I got a job building equipment and making sure everything works in a biofabrication laboratory”

An Operations Manager is responsible for planning projects, overseeing services and equipment, and maintaining operations in the lab. 

Tissue engineering is a type of advanced manufacturing, involving complex equipment and technologies. Operations personnel must have an understanding of the technology and the science to keep tissue engineering labs running.

Childhood: “I loved solving puzzles”

Middle School: “I enjoyed learning about nature, life sciences, and biology”

High School: “A visiting professor sparked my interested when he explained engineering is about solving problems”

College: “I studied chemical engineering because it combined problem solving with biology”

After graduation: “I found an internship at a biofab start-up then they hired me as a full-time employee”

A Chemical Engineer uses chemistry, physics, math and engineering knowledge to identify and solve complex problems. 

Chemical engineers create hydrogels - water-based materials that are mixed with chemical compounds - which are often used as scaffolds in tissue engineering. The water content in hydrogels is conducive to cell survival and growth. 

Childhood: "I loved playing outside and being in the woods."

Middle School: "I enjoyed reading about nature and finding animals in my backyard."

High School: "My AP Biology class convinced me I wanted to pursue a career in science."

College: "I studied Material Science Engineering and got involved in undergraduate research. I loved working in a laboratory environment. I continued my education into graduate school and Received my master's in biomedical engineering."

After Graduation: "I connected with a 3D printing and tissue modeling company at a conference and was excited to join their team."

A Biomedical Engineer designs, develops, and evaluates biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

Biomedical engineers are central to tissue engineering research, and have successfully created artificial bladders, jawbones, and tracheas.  

Childhood: “You need to have a sense of wonder about the world, and you also have to love solving puzzles”

High School: “It’s really exciting to work on all different parts of a project - the electrical, the mechanical, the programming, the modeling, and the testing”

College: “I did a lot of hands-on work with robotics, and mechanical and electrical systems”

After graduating: “My everyday job is a combination of designing, building, analyzing, and testing”

Mechatronics Technicians repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Bio-mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that brings mechanical engineering, electronics, and biology together to create devices that mimic human organs and limbs.