Associate Professor of Biology Kristin Fischer, Clay Topping '27, and Brenden Kittner '28 traveled to Orlando, Florida, to attend the national Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2026 Annual Meeting from October 21–24.
As the field of biomedical engineering continues to evolve, new discoveries and knowledge are constantly emerging. Through research at the College and collaboration with others, Hampden-Sydney students and faculty members are contributing to this important work and helping advance the field. The BMES meeting provides a valuable platform for these efforts, bringing together thousands of the brightest minds in academia and the biomedical engineering industry to share research, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities.
The theme of this year’s meeting, “Engineers Empower Human Health,” highlighted the vital role biomedical engineering plays in advancing groundbreaking discoveries and addressing some of the most pressing challenges in health and medicine.
“I am a member of BMES and regularly attended its annual conference as a graduate student. I am also a trained biomedical engineer specializing in tissue engineering, with a focus on regenerative medicine,” says Dr. Fischer. “I have had the opportunity to bring Hampden-Sydney students to the conference in 2019, 2024, and again this year. During this year’s meeting, Clay and Brenden connected with my doctoral advisor, my collaborator at the University of Florida and several members of her research lab, faculty members who mentored me, and professors who were graduate students in my department during my own graduate studies. They also had the chance to meet a potential collaborator from Virginia Commonwealth University.”
While at the annual meeting, the group had the opportunity to hear about groundbreaking research shaping the next generation of therapeutics, medical devices, and integrative diagnostics. They also connected with industry professionals, expanded their networks, and gained valuable insight into the latest advancements in biomedical engineering.
Additionally, Clay and Brenden presented research posters highlighting their summer research and engaged with attendees by fielding their questions. Working alongside Dr. Fischer, Clay explored solvents used to fabricate poly(caprolactone) scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue regeneration. Brenden’s research, also conducted with Dr. Fischer, examined the effects of commercially available pea and whey protein products on skeletal muscle cells.
“Few undergraduate students have the opportunity to attend a national biomedical engineering conference, present their original research, and engage with professionals in the field,” says Brenden. “This experience helped me realize that undergraduate research extends far beyond conducting experiments in a lab. It also requires effective communication, problem-solving, presenting ideas, and building connections with professionals. These are valuable skills that I can carry with me into any career path I pursue.”
Clay reflected on the impressive range of research presented and its positive potential to shape the future of biomedical science: “One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was seeing the breadth of biomedical research being conducted to improve human health and quality of life. It was inspiring to witness the innovation taking place across the field and gain a greater appreciation for how today’s discoveries and research could help shape a better future.”
By providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings alongside industry experts, our faculty members push them to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and grow professionally. These experiences not only prepare our students for future careers but also allow them to contribute to an evolving field and play a role in advancing research that has the potential to improve and save lives.