Our research-oriented Ph.D. program provides high-level command of concepts and an unsurpassed research experience that turns students into world-class researchers with specialization in their chosen area of research.
Biomedical engineering at Cornell University focuses on interdisciplinary research to achieve a quantitative understanding of human biology at all spatial and temporal scales, from molecules and cells to tissues and organs, with the goal of improving human health. Our mission is to educate students to understand the human body as an integrated system and the mechanisms of disease through quantitative engineering analysis, and to use that understanding to design better therapeutic strategies, devices, and diagnostics.
Application Deadline: The application requirements and deadline for the Ph.D. programs are listed on the Graduate School's website.
GRE: Cornell's graduate field of biomedical engineering will no longer requires GRE scores from applicants, and will review all applications blinded for GRE scores.
Graduate education at Cornell is focused on individualized programs tailored to the background, needs, and interests of each student. Cornell combines an Ivy League tradition with many features of a land grant university to provide outstanding programs of teaching and research in all areas of human inquiry. Students shape their course of study working within an academic framework developed with a Special Committee of faculty advisors chosen by the student. Doctoral programs are typically completed in five to six years.
While a list of our research areas cannot fully capture the integrated nature of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, it does provide helpful information to understand the breadth of research available at the Meinig School.
In addition to a world-class research environment, the BME department at Cornell has opportunities for you to learn to become a better educator, communicator, and science advocate. Cornell BME students have opportunities to teach students at various levels, from middle school through high school to undergraduates, educating them about science and engineering.
Ph.D. students who will do their thesis research in a NYC lab generally signup for the Linkage Program, which includes an increased stipend and access to subsidized housing. For more information and forms, visit the links below.
I was amazed at how inclusive and family-oriented the BME faculty, staff, and students were. Many things assured me that I would be in a supportive and collaborative environment which is exactly what I wanted and needed.
Jeremiah James is a doctoral student in biomedical engineering from Tampa, Florida. He studies how a newly invented technique creates polymer nanoparticles at Cornell under the guidance of Rong Yang. Read more about Understanding how how a newly invented technique creates polymer nanoparticles (PNPs).
NSF GRFP recipient Ambika Pachaury is a third-year doctoral student in biomedical engineering from Noida, India. She studies the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the membrane components of cells under the guidance of Susan Daniel. Read more about Combining virology, membrane biochemistry, and biophysics to understand how SARS CoV-2 interacts with cells.
Erica Pratt's doctoral work in Dr. Brian Kirby's lab focused on investigating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood system of patients with solid tumors and how these cells can be used as a noninvasive tumor surrogate, and as prognostic biomarkers for survival in advanced disease. Read more about Erica D. Pratt, Ph.D. 2015
