On October 10, 2024, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) hosted its inaugural cardiovascular device pitch competition at Beall Applied Innovation (BAI). Seven student teams presented innovative designs to industry judges. Initiated by a $25,000 donation from Shlomi Nachman, former group chairman of Cardiovascular Specialty Solutions and Johnson & Johnson Vision, the event was organized by the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center (CIRC) in partnership with UCI’s Samueli School. Teams underwent extensive preparation, including workshops and mentorship from faculty and industry advisers. The winning team, Venaptic, received $20,000 for their deep vein thrombosis detection device, while runner-up BioLoop was awarded $5,000 for their noninvasive blood pressure monitor. The competition provided valuable networking opportunities and feedback from industry professionals, showcasing UCI’s commitment to fostering innovation in biomedical engineering.

Pitch Day presentation
Check out the full story here:
https://engineering.uci.edu/news/2024/10/students-compete-20000-cardiovascular-device-pitch
Chesler Lab News: Congratulations to David Martinez!
/in CIRC NewsUndergraduate student David Martinez from the Chesler lab has been selected for the prestigious Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program. This program is part of UCI’s Minority Science Programs (MSP) at the School of Biological Sciences, and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This training grant aims to increase the representation of minority researchers in biomedical fields. Martinez’s appointment places him among an elite group of scholars nationwide. The MARC program supports outstanding junior and senior honor students majoring in sciences who demonstrate a keen interest in biomedical research careers and intend to pursue Ph.D. degrees. This recognition not only highlights Martinez’s academic excellence but also underscores UCI and our centers commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in scientific research.
UCI BME and CIRC Students Compete for $20,000 at Pitch Day!
/in CIRC NewsOn October 10, 2024, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) hosted its inaugural cardiovascular device pitch competition at Beall Applied Innovation (BAI). Seven student teams presented innovative designs to industry judges. Initiated by a $25,000 donation from Shlomi Nachman, former group chairman of Cardiovascular Specialty Solutions and Johnson & Johnson Vision, the event was organized by the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center (CIRC) in partnership with UCI’s Samueli School. Teams underwent extensive preparation, including workshops and mentorship from faculty and industry advisers. The winning team, Venaptic, received $20,000 for their deep vein thrombosis detection device, while runner-up BioLoop was awarded $5,000 for their noninvasive blood pressure monitor. The competition provided valuable networking opportunities and feedback from industry professionals, showcasing UCI’s commitment to fostering innovation in biomedical engineering.
Pitch Day presentation
Check out the full story here:
https://engineering.uci.edu/news/2024/10/students-compete-20000-cardiovascular-device-pitch
Biomedical Engineering and Social Science Training (BEST) Program NSF-Funded Graduate Student Research Experience
/in CIRC NewsThe University of California Irvine (UCI) is the recipient of a new NSF graduate research training award: The Biomedical Engineering and Social Science Training (BEST) program, which will provide interdisciplinary and community-engaged research training for graduate students from Biomedical Engineering (BME), Health, Society, & Behavior (HSB), and Psychological Science departments. We seek to create the next generation of leaders at the intersection of health, technology, and identity.
UCI News BEST Program Announcement
Congratulations to CIRC Core Faculty, Dr. Wendy Liu – Excellence in Research Awardee
/in CIRC NewsWe are thrilled to announce CIRC faculty and distinguished professor in Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Wendy Liu, has been honored with the Excellence in Research Award (Senior category) at the Samueli School’s annual faculty awards. Dr. Liu leads an internationally renowned research lab in immunoengineering and immunobiology. Her impactful work, exceptional contributions to the field and dedication to mentoring her trainees further exemplifies her commitment to excellence. Congratulations to Dr. Liu, on this well-deserved recognition!
(For the full article, please visit SSoE news and events )
Welcome and Congratulations to newest CIRC Affiliate Faculty Asuka Eguchi!
/in CIRC NewsCIRC Faculty Receive IPH Pilot Awards
/in CIRC NewsCongrats to Drs. Downing and Oomen!
“The Institute for Precision Health (IPH) Pilot Studies award is designed to support multidisciplinary research projects that address clinical and research needs using data, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Award winners focus on improving human health and well-being; and fostering advances in personalized health and patient-specific care through precision health.”
(Summary taken from UCI Health Affairs website; for full details and information regarding the IPH Pilot Awards visit: IPH Pilot Studies Awardees)
CIRC Core Faculty Member Tim Downing Introduces Two New PhDs!
/in CIRC NewsDr. Tim Downing presents two new PhD’s – Dr. Lauren Urban and Dr. Andrew Phan – after the UCI 2023 Hooding Ceremony.
Elliot Botvinick Awarded HSSoE Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award
/in CIRC NewsDirector Chesler to receive 2023 Florence R. Sabin Award
/in CIRC NewsCIRC Director Naomi Chesler, Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UC-Irvine and a member of NAVBO’s DEI committee, has been named as the 2023 recipient of the Florence R. Sabin Award. The award recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of Dr. Florence Sabin, who broke scientific and social barriers with her research and community engagement. Dr. Chesler has made significant contributions to the scholarship of inclusive teaching and mentorship at her academic homes and across her professional networks. Her work has been recognized by numerous mentoring awards from her professional organizations, evidence of her far-reaching impact. The Sabin Award will be presented to Dr. Chesler at VB2023 in Newport, RI, in October.
You can read more about Director Chesler and this award here.
June is Pride month!
/in CIRC News