Can Improving BME Professional Learning Address the “Jack of All Trades Master of None” Dilemma?
Abstract: Biomedical engineering and bioengineering (BME/BioE) undergraduate students take courses that allow them to develop skills in multiple disciplinary areas (e.g., biology, medicine, chemical, mechanical, electrical engineering) and as such, have a wide array of career opportunities available to them upon graduation. However, this educational approach leaves little room in the curriculum for professional competence development and has been implicated in graduates’ difficulties navigating career searches upon graduation. This talk details research that explores professional learning from the perspective of BME students during both their curricular and co-curricular engagements and from the perspective of employers’ professional competence needs when hiring BME/BioE graduates. Dr. Jamison will also discuss how these studies will inform her work to translate BME educational research into her teaching and outreach efforts at Illinois.
Speaker Bio: Cassie Jamison recently completed a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (BME) with an Emphasis in Engineering Education at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where she also completed her BME Master’s degree. Before attending Michigan, Cassie received a B.A. in Engineering Sciences at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA with minors in math, biology, and Spanish. Her research interests focus on supporting the professional, personal, and career outcomes of BME/bioengineering students as they move through an undergraduate program. In parallel with her graduate studies at Michigan, Cassie worked part-time with the College of Engineering’s Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education to perform experiential learning research.
