We conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as neuroengineering, biosystems and biosignal analysis, medical devices and imaging, and systems cellular-molecular bioengineering. Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California began in 1963 as a Ph.D. In 1967, Dr. Fred S. Grodins joined the University and undertook the challenge of establishing a formal program in biomedical engineering. Under Dr. Grodins' leadership, an independent graduate program was established in 1969, and in 1974 an undergraduate program was initiated. The Biomedical Engineering Program was granted Department status in 1976.