Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Science (iBioMed) students at McMaster University are well-versed in developing solutions for real-world healthcare challenges. “It’s at the core of our unique programming,” says co-director Michelle MacDonald.
From first year, iBioMed students engage in project-based learning courses that introduce foundational topics in engineering, including design and communication, computation, graphic design, materials science and the engineering profession. These topics are applied through a series of integrated, team-based design projects in simulated healthcare environments.
In a fitting collaboration, iBioMed students recently supported high school students from Blakelock High School, one of three schools in the Halton District School Board participating in I-STEM – an innovative regional program for Grades 9 to 12. This four-year program helps students develop skills in engineering design, design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking and global competencies.
“Our Grade 10 students have been diligently working towards creating their own start-up,” explains Blakelock teacher Ainslie-Maria D’Alesio. The students traveled to McMaster’s campus to participate in a Hackathon focused on human-centered design principles for a wrist orthosis. During the event, they had the opportunity to consult with upper year iBioMed students specializing in entrepreneurship to refine their elevator pitches for their start-up projects.
“It’s always a welcome opportunity to connect with local high schoolers who are passionate about STEM and entrepreneurship, “says MacDonald. “We hope some of these students consider iBioMed in their futures.”
