Research
At UT Southwestern, the Department of Biomedical Engineering is built on a foundation of collaboration, curiosity, and purpose. Embedded within one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, we are dedicated to transforming patient care through thoughtful engineering solutions that bridge scientific discovery and clinical practice.
Our research program is distinguished by its integration of core engineering principles, deep biological insight, and cutting-edge biodata engineering. Together, these disciplines empower us to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in medicine today.
We are at the forefront of developing advanced nanomaterial platforms that support the precise delivery of immunotherapies—enhancing their impact while reducing unwanted side effects. Our work in mRNA therapeutics is paving the way for more effective, stable, and targeted genetic interventions, with potential applications across a wide range of diseases.
Our team has also made significant strides in phototherapy, designing technologies that activate therapeutic light deep within the body—reaching areas previously considered out of reach, and doing so while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. In imaging, we are building noninvasive sensing technologies and wearable devices that give scientists and clinicians a clearer, more accurate picture of what’s happening inside cells, tissues, and the human body—enabling earlier diagnoses, real-time treatment monitoring, and personalized care plans.
In the field of biomaterials, we are creating smart, responsive materials that interact seamlessly with the body. From tissue regeneration scaffolds to controlled drug-release systems and bioelectronic interfaces, these innovations hold promise for improving outcomes across a spectrum of conditions.
Everything we do is rooted in partnership—working closely with clinicians, scientists, and institutions around the world to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. And through it all, we remain committed to preparing the next generation of biomedical engineers—equipping them with the knowledge, compassion, and collaborative spirit needed to lead the future of healthcare innovation.
Research News
Gene-editing system targets multiple organs simultaneously
Tool developed at UT Southwestern corrects mutation that affects the liver and lungs in model of rare genetic disease.
With innovation of Medical Vision Goggles, no cancer cells left behind
The goggles are a wearable, cost-effective system for fluorescence-guided cancer surgery, in which cancer cells light up, allowing surgeons to ensure they leave no bit of tumor behind.