The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) chapter at UC Riverside is raising funds to support another incredible year of events and programs for our bioengineering community. We lead activities designed to communicate recent advances, discoveries, and inventions in our field; promote educational and professional development for career readiness; and integrate perspectives of the academic, medical, governmental, and business sectors to cultivate the next generation of biomedical innovators.
Our Mission
In alignment with the national BMES, our mission is:
To promote a collaborative and inclusive community to advance human health through education, discovery, and translation.
At the UCR chapter, we are dedicated to facilitating the success of our members in their academic and professional goals, whether they are pursuing graduate school, medical school, or a career in industry. Our chapter’s objective is to foster an inclusive engineering community with opportunities and programs that equip members with the experiences, resources, and network needed to turn their aspirations into reality.
Core Programs
BearHack
As the sole standing make-a-thon at UCR, BearHack is an annual 30-hour biomedical device competition hosted by BMES. Each year, over 100 student innovators across 20+ teams gather to transform bold healthcare ideas into working hardware and software prototypes. Featuring keynote speakers, hands-on technical workshops, and team-building exercises, BearHack empowers students from all backgrounds to design accessible, real-world solutions capable of changing the future of healthcare.
Project Team
Designed for students of all skill levels, the BMES Project Team delivers a year-long, applied engineering experience through collaborative modules. This year, in partnership with a research laboratory in UCR’s Bioengineering Department, the project team is designing a device that applies strain to cell matrices via differential air pressure for behavioral observation to better understand how cells react in stress conditions. Following design, fabrication, and validation, the project team will utilize the device for cell imaging research in the laboratory and plans to submit their work to national design challenges, including the Medtronic/BMES Student Design Competition.
Mentorship
Now in its 12th year, the BMES collaboration with UCR’s Bioengineering Interdepartamental Graduate Student Association (BIG-GSA) at UCR hosts a mentorship program for members seeking guidance on research, internships, graduate school, & overall career development. Mentees connect directly with experienced mentors, gain invaluable insights, and expand their network with UCR’s bioengineering community.
Bourns Next Generation Outreach (BNGO)
Recently rebranded from Bioengineering (BIEN) Day, BNGO is a K-12 outreach event that BMES hosts alongside other BCOE Student Organizations to introduce young students to various STEM concepts through guided design-and-build projects and live scientific demonstrations. While we predominantly work with schools in the Inland Empire to serve our local communities, we invite districts across Southern California to maximize our reach and serve all interested students. Historically, BNGO has seen remarkable success, welcoming over 200 K-12 students annually, with many families expressing interest in returning.
Additional Opportunities
Alongside these programs, BMES hosts technical and professional development workshops, coordinates K-12 outreach initiatives across the Inland Empire, and organizes local company tours and national conference trips throughout the year.
How Your Gift Helps
We are seeking to raise $6,000 to sustain our existing initiatives and expand opportunities for our members. Your contributions will directly support BearHack and the Project Team in their objectives, fund site visits to industry partners, and sponsor social events that build community among undergraduates, graduate students, professors, and industry professionals.
Bioengineers Making Every Step (toward the future)
Through team projects, mentorship, and professional networks, BMES elevates UCR bioengineering students every step of the way - learning, connecting & thriving.
Together, we are building the future of bioengineering at UC Riverside.
Support BMES today with a gift to:
- BCOE Dean's Innovation Fund - BMES Current Use - gifts of $25 or more, up to $1,000 will be matched, dollar for dollar, until available matching funds run out or till Nov 8, immediate support for BMES projects and events this year.
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The U.C. Riverside Foundation tax ID number is: 23-7433570
