09/09/2023
RE: Undergraduate Updates
Dear BME Undergraduates,
Welcome back, students! I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable summer and a great first week back!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to our incoming SOPHOMORES. Welcome to BME! I am
Dr. Kristen Labazzo, the Undergraduate Program Director. I am also a teaching professor in the department.
PLEASE familiarize yourself with the BME Handbook as this contains critical information regarding pre-reqs,
course offerings, how to receive technical elective credits for research, co-ops and internships, and other special
programs such as the Research Scholars Academy and Combined Degree Program.
https://bme.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/Handbook.pdf
I also email out regular Undergraduate Newsletters. Please be sure to read them, as they will include
information addressing registration concerns, elective offerings, internship/co-op openings and other topics that
are important at the moment.
Some other important notes:
- A Sophomore Orientation will be held on Friday Sept 22nd . This will be held during Intro to BME so
students registered for that class will be in attendance, however all sophomores are expected to attend
as schedules allow. At this orientation, I will review important policies in our department and introduce
our programs, research, faculty and clubs. If you cannot attend, you must schedule a meeting with me
to ensure you are familiar with our department and policies. I want to make sure all of our students are
equipped with the right tools to make the most of your time in BME and set you up for success! - You will soon be assigned an advisor who will be your advisor for your duration in BME. This is a
member of the BME faculty who will be your first point of contact for questions or concerns. If there is a
question that they cannot answer, they will know who can best assist you. - The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) has a great GroupMe where students
offer valuable tips, answer questions, and where I chime in, too! Please join via this
QR code!
JUNIORS, welcome back! This is a critical year for you as you take most of your core courses. We offer all the
core classes (except labs) both semesters; to keep the core classes to around half the class size, please ensure
you are registered for 3 core classes plus the lab class this fall. If not, you risk not getting into a class you need in
the spring if it reaches capacity.
As a reminder, please be mindful of the requirements for senior design, which is: you must pass 6/8 junior
classes INCLUDING the 2 labs; Devices in the fall and Measurements in the spring. You CANNOT take senior
design, which is a full-year course, without meeting this requirement. Keep in mind that passing 6/8 core is a
MINIMUM requirement and is more of a safety net for students who may have to retake a class, or for students
doing co-ops. By carrying junior core to senior year, you risk conflicts with senior electives you may have been
excited to take, and other inconveniences.
SENIORS, you made it!! We are so excited to have you back, and to work with you on your senior design
projects! Throughout the year, I will post information about job offerings, career fairs and other professional
development opportunities, so be on the lookout.
WELCOME!
We’ve had some new hires over the summer in both faculty and staff!
Dr. Kelly Kyker-Snowman is our new Teaching Professor who will be in charge of
Intro to BME and Senior Design! Dr. Kyker-Snowman completed her BS and MS in
BME at the University of Rochester before completing a PhD at the Johns Hopkins
School of Medicine. Dr. Kyker-Snowman completed her post-doctoral studies at
Rutgers, which combined research and teaching. Dr. Kyker-Snowman will be
teaching Introduction to BME and BME Senior Design and is enthusiastically
incorporating training for the future BME Design Studio’s 3D printing and
manufacturing capabilities into both courses. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys
rock climbing, mountain running, and finding tasty vegan treats. You can find Dr.
Kyker-Snowman in BME 328B or via email at kk978@rwjms.rutgers.edu
Ms. Elaine Connors is our Program Coordinator, a new position that combines
both undergraduate and graduate program administration. Ms. Connors will assist
with SPNs and undergraduate concerns. For students who will be in our Combined
Degree Program or who may take a graduate class for a department elective, she
will also help with those SPNs as well.
Ms. Connors has been employed at Rutgers University for 23+ years, primarily
within the School of Engineering in WINLAB and MAE. Ms. Connors enjoys her
free time with her family along with many outdoor activities such as nature hikes,
beach walks, and biking. Ms. Connors can be found In the Administrative Suite,
Room 110 or via email at econnors@soe.rutgers.edu
Mr. Matt Horvath is our new Business Assistant and will be responsible for many of
the financial and HR duties associated with the department and academic
programs.
Mr. Horvath is very excited to be working with Rutgers University and BME. He
graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers in 2021 and just graduated from
Rider with his MBA. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with
family, his girlfriend, and friends. Mr. Horvath can be found in the Administrative
Suite, Room 111 or via email at matt.horvath@rutgers.edu
UPCOMING EVENTS
MERCK will be presenting their MLDP (Manufacturing Leadership Development Program) on Thursday
September 14th at 7 pm in Chemistry 1303. This 3-year program within Merck’s Manufacturing Division, intended to give new graduates experience in the core work necessary to manufacture and supply Merck’s
products. Additional details will be forthcoming.
RANDOM COOL NEWS
Rutgers has launched a new Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies which was described in a recent issue of
Rutgers Today. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/new-interdisciplinary-minor-disability-studies-launched
Given how passionate our students are about helping others, I thought this may be a wonderful program to
complement your education if you are seeking a minor.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Please see the attached document which lists professors who are actively recruiting!
MEET YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DIRECTOR
If you wish to speak with me, please do not hesitate to stop by my OPEN OFFICE HOURS every Friday from 12-2
pm in BME-107 (conference room inside the main suite) or email me and set up an appointment at your
convenience, kristen.labazzo@rutgers.edu
Have a great semester, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns!