In recognition of American Heart Month, FIU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering hosted its 9th Annual Heart Day Symposium on Feb. 13, bringing together researchers, students and community partners to spotlight advances in cardiovascular science and innovation.
The event opened with remarks from symposium founder Joshua Hutcheson, Ph.D., who reflected on the symposium’s growth as a signature forum for collaboration across South Florida. The keynote address was delivered by Craig Goergen, Ph.D., a nationally recognized leader in advanced imaging technologies for detecting and managing cardiac and vascular disease. He highlighted emerging tools that are transforming how clinicians visualize and treat heart conditions.
Alexandre Torre of FIU’s STAR Center followed with a presentation demonstrating how engineers drive medical innovation beyond the bedside, from device design and prototyping to translational research that accelerates patient impact.
The program then moved into two concurrent sessions. A poster symposium showcased cutting-edge cardiovascular research conducted by FIU students, while an outreach area featured interactive exhibits from community organizations, including hands-on CPR demonstrations and augmented reality simulations illustrating heart function and disease.
The day concluded with fast-paced, three-minute “flash talks” examining pressing challenges and future directions in cardiovascular research. Jorge Riera, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the department’s commitment to interdisciplinary discovery and community engagement.
The symposium ended with an awards ceremony recognizing the top flash talk and first- and second-place poster presentations, celebrating the next generation of innovators advancing heart health.
View the full Heart Day Symposium photo gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCLn7Y