UC Riverside Bioengineering: Opinions or experiences?

I'm interested in bioengineering and was looking into UC Riverside. Can anyone share their thoughts on the program, its reputation, and research opportunities available for students?

I have heard some positive feedback about UC Riverside's bioengineering program. The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE), which houses the Department of Bioengineering at UC Riverside, is a well-regarded engineering college.

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs and focuses on research areas such as biomedical devices and sensors, neural engineering, drug delivery and targeted therapeutics, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, and computational modeling, to name a few. Students in the bioengineering program will benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration due to the strong research culture at UC Riverside.

Many faculty members secure a significant amount of funding, allowing for ample research opportunities to engage undergraduate students. By taking part in these projects, you can gain valuable hands-on experience and develop a better understanding of the field. Being involved in faculty-directed research as an undergrad is a great way to build a strong foundation and potentially secure internships or job opportunities after graduation.

To maximize research opportunities, be proactive in seeking out projects or laboratories that interest you and connect with faculty members or research leads. It's also essential to maintain a good academic standing, as many labs have requirements regarding GPA to gain research positions.

UC Riverside has several research centers, such as the Stem Cell Center and the Center for Infectious Disease and Vector Research, which collaborate with the bioengineering department and offer additional research opportunities for bioengineering students.

Overall, while UC Riverside might not be as well known as some other UCs for its engineering programs, the bioengineering program has a solid reputation, with many exciting research opportunities available for its students. If you are still undecided, consider visiting the campus, attend any open house events, reach out to current students and faculty, and learn more about the program to determine if it's the right fit for your goals and interests.