Program Overview

Introduction to the ENGMED Program

The ENGMED (Engineering and Medicine) program is a summer research experience offered by Rice University. This program brings together students from various institutions across the country who are majoring in engineering and computer science with faculty mentors from the Rice University School of Engineering. The goal is to engage students in leading-edge collaborative research with non-engineers in the health sciences.

Program Description

The past decade has seen a dramatic transformation in our quality of life as a result of disruptive new technologies that are changing the way we study, diagnose, and treat disease. These technologies include the application of cellular and molecular engineering approaches to create living, cell-based therapies; the use of biologically compatible materials to regenerate tissue lost to disease; the creation of robotics and patient-device interfaces that automate therapy and enhance human performance; and the application of bioinformatics and machine learning to disease diagnosis and the personalization of treatment.

Research Areas

The program focuses on several emerging areas of interdisciplinary research, including:

• Cellular and molecular engineering
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering
• Robotics and therapeutic devices
• Machine learning and bioinformatics

Program Details

• Program Start Date: May 27, 2026
• Program End Date: July 31, 2026
• Program Length: 10 weeks
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Additional Information: On-campus housing is provided, and participants receive a $6,500 stipend for the ten weeks of the REU program.

Faculty Program Directors

The program is directed by faculty members from the Rice University School of Engineering, including Marcie O'Malley and Caleb Bashor. These directors are engaged in active research collaborations with groups from the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in the aforementioned emerging areas of interdisciplinary research.

Program Structure

Participants in the ENGMED program are matched with faculty mentors who are engaged in collaborative research projects with TMC partners. Through participation in these projects, students are trained to conduct team-based research, gaining valuable experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technologies in engineering and medicine.