Spring 2025 Workshop
Here's What Our Student Attendees Had to Say
Photo Gallery
Workshop Agenda
- – : Welcome, Process Overview, and Community Commonalities and Connections
- – : Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
- – : Support Map Exercise
- – : Break
- – : Panel Discussion: Pathways to the Biomedical Engineering
- – : Lunch and Outdoor Break
- – : Lunch Recap and Community Connections
- – : Panel Discussion: What Mentoring Means to Me
- – : Break
- – : Building Your Learning Strategies, Communication, and Connecting Toolkit
- – : Panel Discussion; Implementing Learning Strategies in Biomedical Engineering
- – : Concluding Remarks, Resources, Evaluation
Workshop Panelists
“What Mentoring Means to Me” Panelists
Daniel Alge, PhD
Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Programs in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at TAMU
Dr. Daniel L. Alge’s research is in biomaterials with an emphasis on applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, his interests span from fundamental studies on biomaterial chemistry and characterization to translational research.
Roland Block
Associate Director, Engineering & Architecture in the Division of Student Affairs at TAMU
Roland graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Career Center in 2017 following a successful 25-year career in the Medical Device Industry. With a passion for innovation, Roland has commercialized over 100 new products, received multiple patents, and was the R&D Project Manager and Marketing Product Manager concurrently for products grossing over $250 Million in sales. Roland earned Product Manager of the Year awards at two different companies within his first 12 years after college, trained 1,000s of sales reps and 100s of surgeons, and advanced to Director of Global Marketing roles for companies ranging from start-up to Fortune 500. Roland has adapted principals learned as an industry executive to mentor students and to lead the Texas A&M Career Center with respect to its 25,000+ engineering and architecture students.
Kimberly Branan
Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at TAMU
Kimberly L. Branan is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, conducting research in the Optical Biosensing Laboratory (OBSL) under Dr. Gerard Coté. She specializes in sensor development and wearable biomedical technology, designing noninvasive devices for monitoring cardiac and diabetes biomarkers, including heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration rate, and cuffless blood pressure. With multiple pending patents in sensor technology and multimodal wearable devices, her work has led to breakthroughs in real-time physiological monitoring and health diagnostics.
A proven leader in research and development, Kimberly has led multidisciplinary teams of undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students, driving the design, development, and validation of groundbreaking wearable biomedical devices. Under her leadership, these teams have generated intellectual property, pioneered novel biosensors, and contributed to transformative medical innovations. Notably, she spearheaded the NASA space glove project, integrating biosensing, pressure quantification, and feedback systems to enhance astronaut dexterity and safety.
Beyond research, Kimberly is a dedicated educator and mentor. As a Graduate Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, she has played a key role in teaching and guiding students through biomedical sensor design, signal processing, and real-world medical applications. She has also mentored over 20 undergraduate and multiple master’s students, helping shape the next generation of biomedical engineers. Recognized on the global stage, she was selected to represent Texas A&M University at the prestigious Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) in Singapore, where she engaged with world-renowned scientists and Nobel laureates while presenting her research on wearable cardiac monitoring.
Passionate about bridging innovation and real-world impact, Kimberly continues to push the boundaries of biomedical sensing and wearable technology, ensuring her work contributes to personalized healthcare, space exploration, and beyond.
Damion Dixon, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at TAMU
Damion Dixon is a postdoctoral research associate and visiting lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University (TAMU). He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering [2018] from Georgia Southern University and his Ph.D. in Engineering (Mechanics and Materials emphasis) [2023] from the University of Georgia. Dr. Dixon’s long-standing research interests are in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, specifically for the treatment of segmental bone defects. Dr. Dixon’s Ph.D. research centered around the development of stimuli- (e.g., electrical and mechanical) responsive biomaterials for targeted regeneration of load-bearing bone. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Dixon joined Prof. Melissa Grunlan’s research group with a focus on creating “self-fitting” shape memory polymer (SMP) bone scaffolds with improved osteogenic and antimicrobial properties.
Parul Mahajan
Senior Technical Marketer | Certified Life & Nervous System Coach
Parul Mahajan is a Senior Technical Marketer at NI (now part of Emerson), where she leads marketing initiatives that bridge the gap between technology, education, and industry. With a background in biomedical engineering and a passion for strategic storytelling, she has driven impactful campaigns for academic solutions, CompactDAQ, and MIO products, enhancing customer experience and engagement.
Beyond her corporate role, Parul is a Certified Life Coach and Nervous System Coach, dedicated to personal transformation and holistic well-being. She has coached over 100 clients through career transitions, stress management, mindfulness, and personal development. Combining her expertise in leadership, facilitation, and breathwork, she has hosted corporate workshops and women’s retreats focused on empowerment and resilience.
Parul holds a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas. She thrives at the intersection of engineering and human potential, helping both organizations and individuals navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
“Career Pathways” Panelists
Jackie Coleman
Grants and Marketing at InformAI
Jackie Coleman is a rocket scientist turned writer. Writing is her second career, which she loves! In her first career, she managed experiments and data on the Space Station and Shuttle and now provides great content to help businesses clearly communicate a tailored message.
Michael Florer
Manufacturing Engineer at Varian
Michael Florer is a Manufacturing Engineer for Varian Medical Systems’s Interventional Solutions division in Austin, Texas. With a background in both biopharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, Michael specializes in process optimization, automation, and aseptic processing. He graduated from Texas A&M in 2019 with a degree in biomedical engineering and has leveraged his experience there to drive progress in the treatment of cancer and rare diseases.
Christian Gonzalez
Director of Marketing and Product Management at Endotronix
Christian J. Gonzalez is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the medical device industry, transitioning from engineering to marketing and product management. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Christian earned a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering in 2011. He also holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Christian currently serves as Director of Marketing at Endotronix, where he oversees the global commercialization of innovative solutions for the Cordella System, a pulmonary artery pressure sensor enabling better heart failure management. His career includes roles at Medtronic, Argon Medical Devices, and Endotronix, where he gained expertise in product development, market strategy, and upstream/downstream marketing. Notably, Endotronix was acquired by Edwards Lifesciences in August 2024. Dedicated to education and mentorship, Christian serves on the External Advisory Board for Texas A&M’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. In 2023, he was honored as a Texas A&M Association of Former Students “12 Under 12” award recipient, recognizing his career and service achievements.
John Hanks
Professor of Practice, Biomedical Engineering
John Hanks is a Professor of Practice of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, where he teaches courses in AI & Machine Learning, Professional Development. He is the Founder of SageSpectra and formerly served as Vice President of Product Management at National Instruments, acquired by Emerson (Nasdaq: IMMR), and Executive Director of Sensors Advanced R&D at Maxim Integrated, acquired by Analog Devices (Nasdaq: ADI). With a career spanning leadership in product management, business development, and R&D, John has introduced products with cumulative sales exceeding $3 billion. He has served on the boards of early-stage companies and is an active early-stage and angel investor, with pre-IPO investments in companies such as SpaceX, Lyft, National Instruments, Dell, Lena.io, and 23andMe. As an inventor with several medical device, AI, and semiconductor patents, John holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M and an MS in Engineering from The University of Texas.
Adelina Ramirez
Regional Technology Specialist at Biosense Webster, J&J Med Tech
Howdy! My name is Adelina Ramirez, but usually go by Addie. I am from the Harlingen, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley and a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie BMEN Class of 2018! I went on to my first role in Biosense Webster (Now Johnson and Johnson MedTech | Electrophysiology) as a Clinical Account Specialist in Houston, Texas for 4 years. I was then promoted to Regional Technology Specialist where I help train others and launch new products in my Region! On my off time I enjoy running, rock climbing, and traveling. I also love to spend time with family and friends, cooking, and playing team sports.