Kavli Nanoscience Institute Distinguished WebinarPolymer-based Microfabricated Implants

The Biomedical Microsystems Laboratory at the University of Southern California focuses on developing novel translational microtechnologies and microdevices for biomedical applications, in particular medical implants. Often the last line of defense for combating a wide range of challenging medical conditions, implants help extend and improve the quality of life for many. This industry continues to be fueled by the growing number of elderly and increased prevalence of chronic diseases. The application of microelectromechanical systems technology and medical polymer micromachining will enable the next generation of advanced medical implants that are needed to address urgent unmet clinical needs. This talk will present an overview of current research topics in the laboratory starting with invasive polymer interfaces to nervous tissue and then transition to electrochemical sensor systems for treating hydrocephalus.

Ellis Meng is Professor of Biomedical and Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California where she has been since 2004. She also serves as the Vice Dean of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She was previously Dwight C. and Hildagarde E. Baum Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering from 2015-2018 and an inaugural holder of a Gabilan Distinguished Professorship in Science and Engineering. She received the B.S. degree in engineering and applied science and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1997, 1998, and 2003, respectively. Her research interests include biomedical microelectromechanical systems (bioMEMS), implantable biomedical microdevices, microfluidics, multimodality integrated microsystems, microsensors and actuators, biocompatible polymer microfabrication, and packaging. Her honors include the NSF CAREER award, Wallace H. Coulter Foundation Early Career Award, 2009 TR35 Young Innovator Under 35, Viterbi Early Career Chair, ASEE Curtis W. McGraw Research Award, 2018 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Technical Achievement Award, and 2019 IEEE Sensors Council Technical Achievement Award. She is a fellow of NAI, IEEE, ASME, BMES, and AIMBE. She is also a member of the American Society for Engineering Education. She is on the editorial board of the Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering and Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, Micro- and Nano-mechanical Systems. She is also an inventor, co-founder of two companies, and author of a textbook on bioMEMS.