BMES 2009 Bridging the 3 Rivers of Biology, Engineering and Medicine
While a number of faculty are involved in the extensive planning needed for a successful meeting, David Vorp, bioengineering professor, helped develop the application to make Pittsburgh the host and has since spent his time as the BMES technical program chair. The position is responsible for the content presented at the meeting, as well as whether the presentations are delivered orally or by poster display. As technical program chair, Vorp’s work includes managing the review process of over 2,000 abstracts, from which, Vorp set up 25 individual categories, or tracks; however, he is quick to point out that each track contains co-chairs (many of whom are University of Pittsburgh and Department of Bioengineering faculty), who have been involved in the decision-making process. Vorp mentioned that there was a small window for reviewing abstracts and that the demanding deadlines were difficult for everyone involved, all of whom are volunteers. Analytical skills are at the top of the list for managing such an extensive amount of obviously relevant bioengineering content. Vorp used a layered process to determine which abstracts would be presented at the meeting. The team scoured the submissions, sorting them into the appropriate track (when needed). Track chairs and track reviewers then evaluated each abstract for content and presentation, and chose whether or not it would be a podium or poster presentation. Vorp enthusiastically pointed to the number of excellent submissions and mentioned that the choice to put the work in a podium presentation or a poster was a difficult one. “When the level of work is so exemplary,” Vorp stated “it was not a decision based on which abstract was more worthy of a podium speech, but rather the other categories and the needs of the BMES Meeting focus.” Vorp hinted that such a challenge found its way into all planning of the meeting. After all, it was his responsibility to make sure that tracks were complimentary and coordinate the schedule so that visitors could attend topics on similar subjects without worrying about overlap. Since the meeting has been in the planning phases for over two years, Vorp also cited the amount of personal time all volunteers have invested into the preparation of what will prove to be an exciting meeting. Despite the challenges, Vorp believes the gains are numerous. “I wanted to showcase Pittsburgh through this venue because I strongly believe in the medical and engineering bridge we have created here,” he said. “It also provides a valuable opportunity for Swanson School students to learn the ins and outs of the field, both in industry and academia, and develop a plan to get them from school to the next step in their career.” A career, which the meeting is sure to highlight, that has a bright future ahead. |
The Department of Bioengineering is undertaking a major initiative as it hosts Pittsburgh’s first Department of Bioengineering
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