Topics ranging from genetic engineering to implant devices will be highlighted in an upcoming biomedical engineering conference that will draw participants from around the South and from as far away as China.
The April 4-6 event at Biloxi's Broadwater Beach Resort and Hotel is jointly sponsored by Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
The 16th Southern Biomedical Engineering Conference will focus on new developments in theory, concepts, applications, and techniques in the field, said Joel Bumgardner, Mississippi State University assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering.
"Some of the most prominent researchers in the biomedical engineering field will be featured," he said. "We also will emphasize the biomedical engineering programs available in Mississippi."
An expected 250 participants will be welcomed by Mississippi State President Donald Zacharias in an April 4 opening reception. During two days of plenary sessions, a host of nationally recognized speakers will present the latest research in their areas.
Among speakers are Jack E. Lemons, director of the Division of Orthopedic Laboratory Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Larry V. McIntire, chair of the Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering at Rice University, and Mark N. Melkerson, chief of orthopedics devices branch for the Food and Drug Administration.
Other speakers include Arthur C. Guyton, UMC professor of physiology and biophysics; Boyd Gatlin, director of biological modeling at Mississippi State's Engineering Research Center; Lesia Crumpton, director of the ergonomics laboratory in Mississippi State's department of industrial engineering; and Harry F. Rizer, director of the Comprehensive Assistive Technology Center at Mississippi State.
"We have worked hard to involve students in this conference, and they will have opportunities to interact with leading researchers," Bumgardner said. The Whitaker Foundation, a nonprofit foundation supporting biomedical education and research, is sponsoring a student competition as well as travel for 20 students, he noted.
The conference also is endorsed by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers/Engineers in Medicine and Biology Society, Society for Biomaterials, Institute of Biological Engineering, and the Biomedical Engineering Society.
Information about the conference can be accessed at . Those interested also may call Bumgardner at (601) 325-3282 or conference co-chair Aaron D. Puckett at the School of Dentistry, UMC, at (601) 984-6170.