The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) announced this week that their Bachelor of Science program in Biomedical Engineering is the first among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

More than 175,000 students graduate from ABET-accredited programs each year, and millions of graduates have received degrees from ABET-accredited programs since 1932.

Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles and design concepts to solve medical-related problems that affect the human quality of life. In addition to earning an ABET-accredited degree, UDC’s biomedical engineering students benefit from a unique and advantageous ecosystem, including access to several world-renowned biomedical institutes near the university as they ultimately pursue professional careers in this growing field.

In related news, the United States Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division announced recently that Victor McCrary, vice president for research and sponsored programs from UDC, visited the command on Oct. 22.

Located in Dahlgren, Virginia, the division provides the military with the development and integration of warfare systems for the warfighter, warfighting, and the future fleet.

During the visit, McCrary, a BEYA Scientist of the Year, was joined by James ‘Jim’ Moreland, Jr.,  deputy vice president, Raytheon Missiles and Defense, and accompanied by Capt. Stephen ‘Casey’ Plew, commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, and Darren Barnes, acting technical director.

According to the press release, the guests toured the Dahlgren facilities, including the Human Systems Integration and Directed Energy labs.

McCrary also met with the chief technology officer (CTO), Naval Surface Warfare Center – Dahlgren Division, to discuss a partnership. He listened to briefs surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), battle management systems, and quantum research.

Currently, UDC is not a Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division partner, but both parties hope to change that in the future.