Waterloo Engineering faculty member Dr. Maud Gorbet is providing students with new opportunities for professional skill development
Biomedical Engineering (BME) students are building their professional skills, thanks to a new fund from Dr. Maud Gorbet, professor and director of the BME undergraduate program. Her investment will support three key areas: the student-led Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the BioTEC conference and a travel fund for undergraduate students presenting their research at conferences.
Gorbet established the fund to grow initiatives directly from the BME student community so the students can think bigger and create a lasting impact.
“The fund is investing in people and ideas,” says Gorbet. “It’s about creating opportunities that help students discover the kind of biomedical engineer they want to be.”
Dr. Maud Gorbet with BME student Jarett Dewbury, the 2024 Engineering Co-op Student of the Year.
The BMES recently used the fund to subsidize a field trip to Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX), a local hub for health technology companies.
“It was one of the highlights of the term,” said Jeeda Sabri, a third-year BME student and BMES co-president. “We toured the facility and learned about health-related entrepreneurship directly from founders. It was inspiring to see how biomedical innovation is happening in our own backyard!”
Companies in residence at MIX showcased their products to the students on the field trip. Photo courtesy of Elliot Fung, Executive Director of MIX
BME students at the MIX field trip. Photo courtesy of Elliot Fung, Executive Director of MIX.
The gift supports the Biotechnology and Bioengineering Conference (BioTEC), a student-run annual conference hosted at Waterloo. BioTEC features keynote speakers, workshops and a pitch competition to connect students from different universities and professionals to expand their view of biomedical engineering.
“I want students to explore the many paths within biomedical engineering and find where they can make an impact,” added Gorbet. “An important topic at BioTEC this year was health policy and how biomedical engineers can play a critical role in shaping a healthier future.”
BME students chosen to present their research at academic conferences can apply to the fund to help cover travel costs. These opportunities are often transformative in building confidence and career momentum.
“I had that sense of belonging when I was in undergrad,” reflects Gorbet. “That’s what pushed me to where I am today. The students and their passion for BME continue to inspire me.”
With long-term impact in mind, Gorbet sees the Fund as a spark that will continue to ignite student ambition for years to come.