Navigating First-Time ABET Accreditation: Lessons Learned from Establishing a Multidisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Program at CSULB
- Conference
- Location
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California Polytechnic University, California
- Publication Date
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April 10, 2025
- Start Date
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April 10, 2025
- End Date
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April 12, 2025
- Tagged Topic
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Diversity
- Page Count
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11
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--55234
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/55234
- Download Count
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23
Paper Authors
Shadnaz Asgari California State University, Long Beach
Dr. Shadnaz Asgari is a Professor in the Departments of Computer Engineering & Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She is a founding faculty member of the Biomedical Engineering Department and served as its first full-term Chair.
Dr. Asgari's research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience, focusing on biomedical signal processing and machine learning applications in clinical decision-making. She has published over 37 peer-reviewed journal articles and 50 conference presentations, with her work garnering over 2,700 citations and an h-index of 24.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Asgari is passionate about fostering student success within STEM fields by providing high-quality and practical education. As such, she is a strong promoter of industry-academia relationships to ensure students are prepared for future success and capable of making meaningful contributions to STEM fields. She has developed and taught a wide range of interdisciplinary courses across biomedical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science. She successfully ushered the CSULB Biomedical Engineering Department to its first ABET accreditation during her tenure as Chair.
Dr. Asgari earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA, followed by postdoctoral research and a research scientist position in the Department of Neurosurgery at UCLA. She is an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering students and faculty to bridge the gap between engineering and medicine through innovative research and education.
Ga Young Suh California State University, Long Beach
Perla Ayala California State University Long Beach
Abstract
Biomedical Engineering (BME) integrates engineering, natural sciences and medicine to address healthcare challenges. To meet growing demand and advance inclusive excellence in STEM, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) established an independent BS BME program and pursued ABET accreditation to ensure quality and industry alignment.
This paper shares CSULB’s experience with its first-time ABET accreditation for its BME program, outlining steps taken, lessons learned, and key recommendations for other institutions. It details how the program met accreditation criteria, implemented assessment processes, and aligned the curriculum with industry needs. By sharing practical insights and best practices, this paper aims to support educators and administrators in developing rigorous, industry-relevant, and inclusive programs that achieve ABET accreditation.
Asgari, S., & Suh, G. Y., & Ayala, P. (2025, April), Navigating First-Time ABET Accreditation: Lessons Learned from Establishing a Multidisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Program at CSULB Paper presented at 2025 ASEE PSW Conference, California Polytechnic University, California. 10.18260/1-2--55234
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