College of Engineering Celebrates New Space for Biomedical Engineering

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Speakers at the biomedical engineering wing dedication ended the celebration with a ribbon cutting. From left to right: Gage Greening, Aric Lasher, Dean John English, Ashok Saxena, Jim von Gremp, Chancellor G. David Gearhart

On Thursday, Aug. 28, the College of Engineering dedicated the biomedical engineering wing, located on the first floor of John A. White Jr. Engineering Hall. Speakers included Chancellor G. David Gearhart; Dean John English; biomedical department head Ashok Saxena; University of Arkansas board of trustee member Jim von Gremp; biomedical doctoral student Gage Greening; and Aric Lasher, director of design of HBRA Architects.

The biomedical engineering department, established in 2012, is the only department of its kind in the state. The department is expected to enroll over 200 students this semester. The renovated wing, located on the first floor of the east side of the building, contains office space for the faculty and staff. The renovations also include two new teaching laboratories on the first floor of White Hall.

“We’ve been saying for the last few years that we intend to capitalize better on our core research strengths, and the formation of this department is one way we are making good on that effort,” said Gearhart. “The completion of this renovation is another exciting step forward for this department.”

Dean English recognized the faculty and administration members who supported and contributed to the formation of the department, including Provost Sharon Gaber, Lalit Verma, head of the department of biological and agricultural engineering, Terry Martin, former interim dean of engineering and former interim department head, and Ashok Saxena, dean emeritus and current head of biomedical engineering. He also praised the architecture firm responsible for the renovations.

“The renovations you see today are the work of HBRA Architects, who did a great job of preserving the historic nature of the building while providing a contemporary space for our biomedical faculty, staff and students,” said English. “We look forward to a time in the near future when all of White Hall will look this elegant.”