Bridging Academia and Industry: A Career Trek to Himed’s Bioceramics Center of Excellence

In the fast-evolving landscape of biomedical technology, hands-on exposure to industry leaders and cutting-edge research is crucial for students preparing to make their mark. Recently, a group of students embarked on a career trek to visit Craig Rosenblum, President of Himed, and Garren Angacian, Engineering Manager at their Bioceramics Center of Excellence, located in Old Bethpage, New York. This visit offered a unique chance for students to explore the intersection of science and industry while gaining insights into the entrepreneurial journey of Johns Hopkins University (JHU) alumni, Craig and Garren, making this experience even more special compared to other opportunities.

Craig Rosenblum and His Vision at Himed

Craig has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of bioceramics, which is now essential in medical devices and implants. As the president of Himed, a company that specializes in the development of surface treatments and biocompatible coatings for medical implants, Rosenblum has demonstrated the power of innovative partnerships, such as Himed’s collaboration with Lithoz, a leader in ceramic 3D printing technology. During the trek, students witnessed firsthand the dynamic leadership and forward-thinking approach that Craig Rosenblum applies to bridge research, industry, and real-world applications.

Garren’s Day to Day Responsibilities to Push Innovation Forward

Garren leads a team of engineers focused on ensuring Himed provides exceptional products and services to the dental, spinal, and orthopedic markets. This principally consists of three core functions: ensuring manufacturing processes are running optimally, collaborating with customer partners on innovative implant and product designs, and advancing internal engineering projects. Active projects include reducing machine downtime, increasing critical process efficiencies, and development of new custom automated equipment. Students were able to observe all these areas being worked on during their visit and even operated an advanced robotic unit currently in development!

Himed’s Bioceramics Center of Excellence

The Bioceramics Center of Excellence is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to research, development, and production of biocompatible ceramic materials. The center is at the forefront of creating surface modifications for implants, providing solutions that ensure better integration with human tissue. These treatments are essential for improving the longevity and performance of medical devices, including dental implants, orthopedic implants, and spinal devices.

The center’s unique positioning is bolstered by Himed’s partnership with Lithoz, a global leader in ceramic additive manufacturing. By leveraging Lithoz’s 3D printing capabilities, Himed can create highly complex, precise ceramic parts, paving the way for breakthroughs in patient-specific solutions. The combination of Himed’s expertise in bioceramics and Lithoz’s advanced manufacturing technology is accelerating innovation in the medical field and expanding the scope of what is possible in terms of medical implant design and functionality.

Student Learning and Industry Insights

For students, this trek wasn’t just an observational experience. It was a deep dive into how biomedical engineering and material science theories are put into practice. The visit to the Bioceramics Center allowed them to see how research is commercialized, from the early stages of material innovation to final product applications in healthcare.

During the interactions with Craig and Garren, the students learned about the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing technology. Rosenblum spoke about the importance of partnerships with both academic institutions and industry pioneers like Lithoz, highlighting how diverse expertise is key to solving the complex challenges of biocompatibility and medical device efficacy.

One of the highlights for the students was witnessing the ceramic additive manufacturing process, facilitated by Lithoz’s technology. This process allows for the creation of extremely detailed and patient-specific parts, which is revolutionizing the medical implant industry. The students saw how custom solutions can be designed with precision, particularly in cases where traditional manufacturing methods fall short.

The Impact of Career Treks

Career treks such as this one are critical for students, as they provide exposure beyond the classroom and help them understand the day-to-day realities of working in high-tech industries. For many, it was the first time they had the chance to connect their academic learning with real-world applications, and to interact with a leader who had once been in their shoes at JHU.

By interacting with alumni, students gain not only industry knowledge but also a broader perspective on what their own career paths could look like. Rosenblum and Angacian’s journey from Johns Hopkins to leading a specialized company like Himed shows the potential of combining academic rigor with entrepreneurial vision.

Conclusion

This career trek to Himed and the Bioceramics Center of Excellence was an unforgettable experience for the students. It underscored the importance of bioceramics in advancing medical technology and showcased how partnerships, like the one between Himed and Lithoz, are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Through exposure to industry leaders and groundbreaking technologies, students were inspired to think about how they can contribute to the future of healthcare—whether through research, entrepreneurship, or interdisciplinary collaboration.

In today’s interconnected world, these opportunities are invaluable, providing students with a tangible sense of direction as they prepare for their own professional journeys. By continuing to facilitate such experiences, academic institutions can bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students are well-equipped to lead the next wave of biomedical advancements.

By Kara Hunter
Kara Hunter Associate Director of Employer Engagement