News & Events

CHARLES L. NEWTON PRIZE

Allie Jia Hui Tay, Devin Wong

The Charles L. Newton Prize recognizes engineering students who show a special proficiency in an engineering subject and have conducted research, given a presentation or published a paper.

Allie Jia Hui Tay has demonstrated exceptional skill in musculoskeletal engineering research, particularly in studying implant-associated osteomyelitis. She has been a key contributor to research under Professors Edward Schwarz and Chao Xie at the Center for Musculoskeletal Research. In addition to her research accomplishments, Allie has held leadership roles, including vice president of Tau Beta Pi and editor-in-chief of Campus Times, and has been recognized for her service and academic leadership with the Tau Beta Pi Record Scholarship. Allie plans to pursue a career as an engineer-physician in orthopaedics after attending medical school.

Devin Wong, in collaboration with Dr. Douglas Kelley in the Mechanical Engineering Department, served as second author on a study under peer review in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, investigating measures of cerebral blood pulsations in experimental and synthetic data. Devin presented this work at the 2024 American Physics Society Division of Fluid Dynamics (APS DFD) Annual Meeting. Beyond research, Devin has shown strong leadership as president of the Society of Women Engineers at Rochester, promoting professional development and community among women in STEM. She also served as Financial Vice President of Gamma Phi Beta and contributed to multiple campus initiatives. After graduation, Devin plans to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa, focusing on orthopedic biomechanics.

DONALD M. BARNARD PRIZE

Megan Bell, Anakin de la Cruz Flecha, Yunqi Liu, Yash Waikar

The Donald M. Barnard Prize is awarded to a senior who is majoring in engineering, has been accepted into one of the University of Rochester’s Masters’ programs, and shows personal achievement as well as good personal qualities.

Megan Bell has consistently demonstrated integrity, perseverance, and personal excellence across all facets of her college career. In addition to excelling academically and contributing to multiple research efforts, she has served as a thoughtful mentor and role model—as a teaching assistant, student leader, and captain of the Track and Field Team. Megan’s strong character and tireless work ethic have earned her acceptance into a University master’s program and the respect of both faculty and peers.

Anakin de la Cruz Flecha  has made significant contributions to biomedical engineering research and education. He conducted research in Professor Timothy Baran’s lab, focusing on photodynamic therapy and medical imaging. Anakin also served as a teaching assistant for multiple courses, demonstrating his dedication to mentoring fellow students. His involvement in both research and teaching highlights his commitment to the field.

Yunqi Liu  has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and campus involvement. She completed several summer research projects in China, including one that resulted in a co-authored IEEE publication. At the University of Rochester, Yunqi served as co-captain of the Figure Skating Club and as a teaching assistant for multiple courses, showcasing her leadership and dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities.

Yash Waikar  has stood out through his dedication to research, leadership, and service. He conducted research at the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, contributing to a manuscript currently in preparation. Since his sophomore year, he has volunteered in the Pediatrics Department at Strong Memorial Hospital. Yash has also served as a teaching assistant and residential advisor, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and building community.

TAU BETA PI PRIZE

Megan Bell

The Tau Beta Pi Prize is awarded to a senior who, through academic achievement, proven leadership, and character has excelled and inspired fellow students.

Megan Bell embodies the ideals of Tau Beta Pi through her outstanding leadership and commitment to the engineering profession. As president of the University of Rochester’s Tau Beta Pi chapter, she fostered a collaborative environment that elevated academic and professional opportunities for her peers. Her initiative, ethical leadership, and ability to inspire others through service and example have made a lasting impact on the campus engineering community.

HONOR SOCIETIES

Several of our undergrads became members of prestigious honor societies:  

^{Alpha Eta Mu Beta (AEMB)  Established in 1979, Alpha Eta Mu Beta was formed to recognize and encourage excellence in the field of Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering. Membership into Alpha Eta Mu Beta consists of those individuals in the field of Biomedical Engineering or Bioengineering who through their attainments in college or in practice have manifested a deep interest and marked ability in their chosen life work.}

^{Phi Beta Kappa Iota of New York is the University of Rochester’s chapter of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization, the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa invites for induction the most outstanding students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The society champions the liberal arts—the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences—in higher education and in society at large.}

^{Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society  Founded in 1885 at Lehigh University by Edward Higginson Williams Jr. and is the second oldest honor society in the United States. The primary goal of Tau Beta Pi is to acknowledge the work done by students and members of the engineering community and their contributions to the growth of the engineering fields.}

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING GRAND CHALLENGES SCHOLARS 

Wenqi Di, Rufaro Gamariel, Yujia Jin, Manuela Montes de Oca, Hannah Rickert, Allie Jia Hui Tay

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenges  are inspired by 14 broad problems facing society in sustainability, health, security, and knowledge. Solutions to these problems will require interdisciplinary teams and years of sustained effort. The Hajim School of Engineering’s Grand Challenges Scholars design a personalized program that explores a selected Grand Challenge through five program areas, including hands-on projects, interdisciplinary experiences, entrepreneurial or innovation endeavors, global dimensions, and service learning. Scholars also receive formal designation as an NAE Grand Challenges Scholar at graduation.

Wenqi Di- Engineer Better Medicines
Rufaro Gamariel- Engineer Better Medicines
Yujia (Shirley) Jin- Advance Health Informatics
Manuela Montes de Oca- Engineer Better Medicines
Hannah Rickert- Provide Acess to Clean Water
Allie Jia Hui Tay- Engineer Better Medicines

BME Departmental Awards, 2024 - 2025

BME FACULTY AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE SERVICE

Manuela Montes de Oca, Hannah Rickert

This award recognizs an outstanding student for service to the Department of Biomedical Engineering.  These efforts may include leadership in undergraduate organizations, engineering activities, or teaching activities.

Manuela Montes de Oca, president of the BMES Student Chapter, attended two national BMES conferences where she helped represent the department. Manuela also served as vice president of Engineers Without Borders, outreach chair for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and community service chair for Gamma Phi Beta. Her commitment to education is evident through her role as a teaching assistant and her research in Dr. Amy Lerner’s lab, where she collaborated with radiologists to develop finite element models of the knee. A Handler Scholar from Trinidad, Uruguay, Manuela aspires to pursue graduate studies and contribute to the field of biomechanics in her home country.

Hannah Rickert, president of both Engineers Without Borders and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), she led a water chlorination project in the Dominican Republic. Hannah has served as a teaching assistant in the BME and Chemistry departments, contributed to neuroimaging research at the University of Rochester Medical Center since her freshman year, and mentored peers through the Transition Opportunities at the University of Rochester (TOUR) program. Additionally, she is an engineering tour guide, a member of the Medallion Leadership Society, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, and plays on the club field hockey team.  Hannah plans on pursuing an MS in Medical Device Reprocessing through Clemson University and working full-time in the MedTech industry post-graduation.

BME FACULTY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Sri Lalana Appasani

This award recognizes an outstanding student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering for research excellence. The criterion for eligibility is authorship on a published manuscript or abstract; or presenting author of a public presentation or poster (internal or external).

Sri Lalana Appasani spent 10 weeks as a full-time summer researcher in Dr. Sanjay Desai’s NIH lab, contributing to a challenging malaria transfection project that led to co-authorship on a methods paper—featured on the cover of the International Journal for Parasitology. She also presented a first-author poster at the NIH SIP Poster Day. Beyond the NIH, she has conducted research on healthcare equity in neurology at UR CHeT, led community-focused initiatives at the Center for Community Health & Prevention, and served in multiple clinical and research roles, including at Strong Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine’s Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, and the Carpizo Lab. 

BME FACULTY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AS A TEACHING ASSISTANT

Yeidi Yuja Vaquiz

This award recognizes an outstanding student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering for teaching assistant excellence.

Yeidi Yuja Vaquiz served as a Teaching Assistant for BME/SART 134: Material Matters, where she played a central role in shaping the course alongside the instructors. She developed and delivered a series of Arduino workshops that blended engineering and art, significantly enhancing student learning and creativity. Beyond technical instruction, she contributed thoughtful feedback, helped lead classroom activities, and provided valuable insights to improve the course. Her dedication, innovation, and leadership exemplify the highest standards of teaching assistance. Yeidi plans on continuing her education by pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering here at the University of Rochester.

BME OUTSTANDING SENIOR

Megan Bell

In recognition of the student’s academic excellence and achievement in Biomedical Engineering.

Megan Bell exemplifies intellectual rigor and academic excellence in biomedical engineering. With a 3.96 GPA, she has pursued impactful research at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and participated in a National Science Foundation REU at Cleveland State University, where she investigated gait stability. As a teaching assistant in both Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Megan has supported her peers' academic growth, reflecting her deep engagement in the learning community. Her achievements underscore her strong foundation in engineering scholarship and research. 

BME OUTSTANDING JUNIOR

Kyra McCracken

In recognition of the student’s academic excellence and achievement in Biomedical Engineering.

Kyra McCracken is a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Spanish and has demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership. Beyond her studies, she serves as a Resident Assistant, fostering community and supporting fellow students. Kyra contributed to research in UR's Ultrasound Department during her sophomore year and interned at the UR Medicine Motion Labs as a Biomechanics Intern in the fall of her junior year. Her dedication to both academic pursuits and campus involvement exemplifies the qualities recognized by the Outstanding Junior Award. This summer, Kyra plans to intern at Hologic, Inc. as a Quality Assurance Intern in their Surgical Department.