Strategic Plan 2029
The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University is developing its Strategic Plan 2029—a bold vision for the future of biomedical engineering. This marks a new chapter in our department’s journey, building on 25 years of innovation, collaboration, and impact. The strategic plan will outline our vision for the future and set a clear path toward transforming healthcare and improving human health through education, research, and innovation.
Our department is a unique partnership between Georgia Tech and Emory University, consistently ranked among the top biomedical engineering programs in the nation. We are driven by two powerful forces:
- Unmet clinical needs that demand innovative solutions—from cancer and cardiovascular disease to neurological disorders and immune conditions.
- Extraordinary talent drawn from across Georgia and around the world, fueling discovery and leadership in healthcare innovation.
Strategic Plan 2029 is organized around five transformative themes:

Expand real-world connections, enhance career exploration, and refresh curricula to prepare students for diverse futures.

Build a supportive, inclusive culture across both campuses through engagement and integration.

Accelerate clinical translation, product development, and commercialization to improve individual and public health.

Strengthen collaborations with medical institutions, industry, and employers to expand opportunities and influence.

Grow funding, optimize space, and support faculty and students through strategic investments and fundraising.
Dive deeper into our goals, initiatives, and vision for the future by viewing the full Strategic Plan PDF.
With Gratitude
Alyssa Panitch, Ph.D.
Caleb M. Appleton (BME ’15)
Mario Ball (BME ’07)
Sylvia Bartley, Ph.D.
Ambika Bumb, Ph.D. (BME ’05)
Elizabeth Cosgriff-Hernandez, Ph.D.
Ryan Davis (BME ’05)
Gautam Goel, Ph.D. (MS BIOE ’06; Ph.D. BIOE ’09)
Elizabeth Harrison, Ph.D. (Board Chair)
Heather Hayes, Ph.D. (BME ’10)
Angela Holmes (ME ’96)
Shawna Khouri (BME ’12, ’14)
Robert F. Kirsch, Ph.D.
Xavier Lefebvre, Ph.D. (ChBE ’92)
Jason Litten, M.D. (Emory ’02)
Dev Mandavia (BME ’18)
Ann Saterbak, Ph.D.
Sue Van, Emeritus
Josh Vose (CHE ’01)
Essy Behravesh
Paul J. Benkeser
Michael Davis
Jaydev P. Desai
Scott Hollister
Hanjoong Jo
Michelle C. LaPlaca
Joe Le Doux
Cheng Zhu
Tracie Arnold
Martha Greenway
Magaret Brackett
Kelly Petty
Kim Paige
Luke O’Connell
Valencia Cantrell
BME Faculty and Staff Retreat: Aug. 8, 2024
Student Input Sessions: Sept. 3 & 5, 2024
BME External Advisory Board Meeting: Nov. 8, 2024
BME Strategic Plan Workshop: Oct. 16, 2024
BME Strategic Plan Implementation Workshops: Feb. 17, 19, 20, 2025; March 18, 2025
Breylan Boyd
Erin Buckley
Wendy Cocke
Tara Deans
Tracie Dinkins
Simone Douglas-Green
Lisa-Lewis Fears
Todd Fernandez
Paul Fincannon
Tanya Frierson
Chris Hermann
Scott Hollister
Ashlynn Hunkin
Gabriel Kwong
Michelle LaPlaca
Chordae Lauderdale
Deja Lloyd
Nezafati Maysam
Anant Madabhushi
Luke O’Connell
Nicole Peavy
Felipe Quiroz
Ankur Singh
Garrett Stanley
James Stubbs
Lena Ting
Karmen Swan White
Dana Zastrow