Equipping Future Leaders in the field of Biomedical Technology

Northwestern’s School of Science & Engineering is positioned to equip future leaders in the field of biomedical technology. Right in the center of Medical Alley, a term referring to the world’s leading health technology region spanning from Rochester to Duluth, Northwestern’s location allows for student placement in companies leading the charge in biomedical research.

The recent launch of the Northwestern Center for Innovation & Research (NCIR) allows for faculty-led research projects and a growing number of business partnerships. The School of Science and Engineering continues to establish itself with strong connections to industry, ensuring that students have a leg up to find unique opportunities related to their passions. The NCIR allows for a symbiotic relationship to form with local businesses that need qualified experts and lab resources, as well as a program that provides hands-on experience for students in their field. The program kickstarted the university’s research effort in the summer of 2025, with weekly workshops that encouraged the cross-pollination of ideas across many fields. Student researchers shared glowing feedback, confirming that the program has been a valuable experience in building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also sparked the growth of a supportive research community. Many faculty and students are eager to continue their projects during the school year, carrying forward the spirit of truth-seeking and world-serving inquiry.

Northwestern is also expanding the engineering, science, and technology programs with the addition of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree and a Chemical Engineering concentration. Alongside these areas of growth, students and graduates continue to prove the excellence of the program through their successes post-grad.

Andrew Dwyer (’26) is excited to work in a field that can improve a person’s quality of life. “We get this opportunity to impact, especially in the medical industry, to improve someone’s quality of life and maybe save lives.” As someone who loves math, science, and analytical thinking, he has chosen to do something with his skills that will bless others and point them to Christ.

He was drawn to Northwestern with an interest in medical device work and was impressed by the extensive experience of science and engineering faculty members. The intersection of his interest with Northwestern’s expansion and our prime location is exciting. “Minnesota is the place right now: it’s called the Silicon Valley of medical devices.” Dwyer continued, “If this place is filled with believers who know God’s Word, what difference could we make in the world by amplifying the gospel?”

To Dwyer, Northwestern’s tagline “UNWavering” means, “unwavering in the gospel. We are going to stand true to what the Bible says. There is a movement in the world to compromise on the Bible.Northwestern has taken a stance and is equipping us to stand firm on what the Bible says—on biblical truth. But also, to be unwavering in our daily lives. Life is going to bring trials and troubles, but Jesus says, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world,’” (John 16:33).

In the fall of 2024, Dwyer took part in a research project focused on speech and language pathology. The project aimed at providing patients with optics, taking a therapeutic approach at retraining vocal cords through visual feedback. He hopes to continue to make a difference, amplifying and remaining unwavering in the gospel while improving quality of life.

Before settling on a degree in electrical engineering, Timothy Moyer (’26) was interested in robotics, physics, and taking things apart. He knew he was interested in the mechanics of how things worked, and the engineering approach seemed to complement how God wired his brain to think. When looking at schools, he chose Northwestern, not only for its reputation in engineering, but because of the biblical foundation offered. To Moyer, Northwestern’s tagline of UNWavering meant, “we are not going to be shaken by culture… shifting away from the gospel.” Rather, he affirms, “Standing firm… being different from the culture.”

Moyer learned about an internship with VivaQuant, a company focused on cardiac monitoring, through a faculty connection. For Moyer, it was a way to “make an impact, and save lives,” living out UNWavering. His internship focused on testing components, building, and development.

Northwestern’s location in the Twin Cities alongside faculty connections with alumni made the job search simple. Northwestern equipped Moyer to enter the workforce with strong technical skills and a solid theological background, ensuring that he, and each student that graduates from the program, remains unwavering, never shifting, solidly grounded in God’s Word, while working in His world.

Excerpt from the Northwestern Pilot.