The application of engineering principles to biological systems, creating medical devices, genetic modifications, or biofuels.
From bio- (life) + engineering (the practical application of science), a field that emerged in the 1960s combining genetics, medicine, and engineering.
Bioengineers have created insulin-producing bacteria by inserting human genes—diabetics worldwide depend on bacteria-made insulin, a huge leap from harvesting it from pig pancreases.
Engineering fields globally remain male-dominated due to historical exclusion of women from technical education and credentialing. Bioengineering emerged in the late 20th century within this gendered landscape; women bioengineers still achieve less recognition and face stereotype threat.
Use 'bioengineering' and 'bioengineer' without gender markers. Actively highlight women contributors in historical narratives; note gender gaps in team composition when relevant.
["biological engineering","genetic engineering"]
Pioneers like Rita Colwell (microbial bioengineering) and Fei-Fei Li (computational biology) drove the field; ensure women's names are attached to methodologies and discoveries they authored.
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