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Office Hours
Office Hours
Author: Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
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© 2026 Office Hours
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Now more than ever, it’s essential to engage the public in the work of biomedical engineers, especially those advancing science and medicine from within universities.
To help bridge that gap, BMES has launched a new podcast platform that takes listeners inside the world of biomedical engineering, from the day-to-day lives of researchers to the long-term innovations shaping the future of healthcare.
Office Hours with Liz Wayne is the first show, hosted by Dr. Liz Wayne, Assistant Professor at the University of Washington. Tune in as Dr. Wayne explores some of the most pressing topics in science and medicine, breaking them down in thoughtful, accessible conversations.
8 Episodes
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In this episode of Office Hours, Liz Wayne talks with Shelly Sakiyama‑Elbert, Vice Dean, Research and Graduate Education, Professor of Bioengineering at University of Washington, and President of the Biomedical Engineering Society. From nerve regeneration and stem cell biology to academic leadership and professional service, Sakiyama-Elbert shares how she balances research, mentorship, and administration while helping shape the future of biomedical engineering. Together, Wayne and Sakiy...
Dr. Liz Wayne, host of the Office Hours podcast, is joined by Dr. Michelle Oyen, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Wayne State University, for an in-depth discussion on pregnancy through an engineering lens. Oyen shares how biomechanics, materials science, and data analysis are transforming our understanding of pregnancy, from placental development to preterm birth—the leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. Together, they explore the mechanical properties of the amnioti...
Dr. Liz Wayne, host of the Office Hours podcast, is joined by Dr. Ayokunle Olanrewaju, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington, for a conversation on how microfluidics is transforming the landscape of accessible diagnostics. Dr. Olanrewaju explains the potential of microfluidic technologies in creating user-friendly diagnostic tests and discusses the fabrication challenges that often hinder progress. Drawing from his upbringing in Niger...
Dr. Liz Wayne, host of the Office Hours Host podcast, is joined by Dr. Collin Bowersock, Principal Scientist at Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute at Oklahoma State University, to discuss the mechanics of human movement and the future of rehabilitation engineering. Bowersock dives into his research on motor control, spinal cord injury recovery, and adaptive devices designed to support individuals with cerebral palsy and other movement disorders. They explore how personalized r...
Dr. Liz Wayne, Office Hours Host, is joined by Dr. Jessica Winter, Distinguished Professor of Engineering at The Ohio State University, as they explore how technology becomes life-changing diagnostics. Winter shares how quantum dot “tighter and brighter” labels are making leukemia and lymphoma testing faster and more sensitive, why earlier detection saves lives, and how her own breast cancer diagnosis sharpened her mission. They discuss teaming up with clinicians, and training the next genera...
Dr. Liz Wayne, Office Hours Host, is joined by Dr. Mete Civelek, Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he breaks down how our genes shape health. From DNA stability and protein coding to genetic variants linked to cardiometabolic disease, they explore the science driving precision medicine. The conversation dives into the power of genetic testing, the need for diverse datasets, and the ethical challenges of protecting data, showcasing how biomedic...
Dr. Liz Wayne taps in on her wide network of friends and contacts to discuss some of the most important, and often controversial, topics surrounding biomedical engineering, and related areas shaping healthcare. Wayne, an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and host of our monthly webinar, unpacks today’s most pressing scientific topics and explores how biomedical engineers are building a healthier, more equitable world, one discovery at a time. In our first episode, Wayne spea...
Welcome to the Office Hours podcast, brought to you by the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)! In this special preview episode, host Dr. Liz Wayne gives listeners a glimpse into what’s to come—from candid conversations with BME leaders to unexpected insights about life in and out of the lab. Hear about the vision behind the show, what kinds of guests and topics you can expect, and why now is the perfect time for these kinds of conversations in biomedical engineering. Follow along and...



