What does it take to live, work, and do science on the ocean floor? 

In this episode of the BME Grad Podcast, host Devin Hubbard is joined by Dr. Dawn Kernagis (Scientific Director at Deep) and Dr. Virginia Papadopoulou (UNC Radiology & Biomedical Engineering) to explore the cutting edge of undersea research, human physiology, and biomedical innovation. 

From NASA-style underwater missions and saturation diving to ultrasound research on decompression and microbubbles, this conversation dives deep into how extreme environments are shaping the future of both human health and engineering design. 

The episode also highlights the 2051 Sea Odyssey initiative—a multidisciplinary effort combining research, storytelling, and a national student design competition aimed at solving real-world challenges in underwater environments. 

Learn about: 

• Nonlinear career paths from physics, diving, and biomedical research into frontier science 

• How extreme environments reveal new insights about human physiology 

• The growing role of biomedical engineers in space-analog and ocean exploration 

• Why communication, curiosity, and cross-disciplinary thinking are critical skills 

• Opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge underwater innovation 

Whether you’re interested in academia, industry, or exploration, this episode shows how BME skills can take you far beyond the lab—all the way to the ocean floor. 

Our graduating seniors provide their perspectives on navigating the BME major. Topics covered include navigating courses and university as well as starting a company while being an undergraduate student. Congratulations to the class of 2026!

We are joined by cardiac electrophysiology Field Clinical specialist at Biotronik and Lampe BME alum, Avantika Pandita to discuss the role of field clinical specialist, electrophysiology, job and resume preparation, and career advancement!

This episode of the BME Grad Podcast features Marcy Bullock, Director of Professional Development at NC State’s College of Engineering and host of the Engineering Pack Pod. We dive deep into career development, self‑awareness, navigating transitions, imposter feelings, and generational dynamics in the workplace.

We interview Peter Franzen, a Senior Principal Field Clinical Engineer about his journey from entry level to senior level at Medtronic. We cover topics related to job descriptions, skills and even whether and when to get an MBA.

Wondering what to do after you graduate? Thinking about industry or the startup world, but wanting some more experience? Look no further than the MS MedTech Program! In this episode we take a dive into the fast-paced, 11-month MS MedTech Program with Program Director Matt Penny from the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering.

We touch on the funding side of the medtech startup world with Jimmy Melton, founder and general partner at Cape Fear BioCapital. Topics covered include: types of funding, funding ranges and phases, where to look for funding, and common mistakes in fundraising strategy.

We sat down with Jimmy Melton, general partner and founder of Cape Fear BioCapital, to talk about his journey from the science world to the healthcare innovation investments space. If you're interested in the investment world--this episode is for you!

We dive into a discussion about the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) with alumnus and senior machine learning Engineer at Revvity, Thomas Kierski. Topics include job preparedness in the age of AI and how AI is being used in the development of preclinical imaging.

We're closing out Season 4 with some final thoughts and wisdom from our most recent graduating class of 2025. In this episode, we meet with Kiera Paye, Maya Cohn, Vignesh Sriram, Bryce Menichella, Mary Kathryn Hederick and Alyssa Cadiz. Our guests for this special episode discuss:

• specialties in biomedical engineering
• building a network during the undergrad experience
• making friendships and connections in engineering
• accessing opportunities to expand your depth of knowledge in the field
• maintaining healthy habits and hobbies outside of school work
• being vulnerable in reaching out to others, asking questions and exploring opportunities

Season 5 of The BME Grad Podcast will begin this fall. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @jointbme or @thebmegradpodcast, or find us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thebmegradpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to know when the new season begins!