The Biomedical Engineering, Imaging, and Technology Acceleration (BEITA) Program

The Biomedical Engineering, Imaging, and Technology Acceleration (BEITA) Program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded initiative designed to expand institutional research capacity in biomedical engineering, 3D bioprinting, imaging technologies, biomaterials science, and artificial intelligence–enabled biomedical discovery.

Supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), BEITA strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, advances disease modeling technologies, and provides workforce training opportunities that prepare students for careers in biomedical research, biotechnology, and health innovation.

The program integrates experimental and computational approaches to improve understanding of tumor biology, neurological health, biomaterials performance, and health disparities affecting underserved populations.

BEITA is housed at the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Institute (JLC-BBRI) and supports partnerships across academia, industry, and federal agencies.

The BEITA program aims to:

• Expand NCCU’s biomedical engineering research infrastructure
• Develop advanced 3D bioprinting disease models
• Strengthen imaging and computational biomedical analysis capabilities
• Increase interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and institutions
• Prepare students for graduate training and biomedical careers
• Support innovation addressing health disparities
• Establish sustainable partnerships with R1 universities and industry 

Program Background

The BEITA program was established through NIH funding to enhance NCCU’s institutional capacity in biomedical engineering, imaging sciences, and emerging biofabrication technologies. The initiative supports the development of research infrastructure, faculty collaboration, student training programs, and regional partnerships that accelerate biomedical discovery and workforce readiness.

BEITA integrates experimental platforms such as 3D bioprinting with computational approaches, including machine learning and bioinformatics, to enable translational research addressing complex diseases.

BEITA strengthens NCCU’s role as a leader in biomedical innovation by:

• Expanding laboratory capabilities in biofabrication and imaging
• Supporting interdisciplinary faculty research
• Increasing student participation in advanced research training
• Developing articulation agreements with partner institutions
• Creating industry-aligned workforce pathways
• Supporting NIH transition readiness from UG3 to UH3 program phases 

Upcoming Events

NCSSM High School Bioprinting Workshop

• May 11, 2026
• Hands-on outreach workshop introducing high school students to tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting technologies

Steering Committee Meeting

• May 12, 2026
• JLC-BBRI Auditorium

External Advisory Committee Meeting

• June 15, 2026
• JLC-BBRI Auditorium

BEITA supports outreach activities designed to expand participation in biomedical sciences through:

• High school STEM workshops
• Student research mentoring
• Technology exposure initiatives
• Workforce development programming 

These efforts strengthen regional biomedical training pipelines and increase access to emerging research technologies.

The BEITA program collaborates with:

• Regional universities
• Research Triangle Park industry partners
• NIH program leadership
• Biomedical engineering training centers
• Community outreach organizations
• CELL INK: a company that leads the way in 3D bioprinting innovation, developing bioprinters and bioinks for pharma, academic and industry researchers.
• North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: A high-school program that inspires talented young North Carolinians to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and math

These partnerships strengthen translational research capacity and workforce readiness.

1. Nano Select - 2026 - Mwangi - Green Synthesis Ufana Riaz
2. Poster: Creating Standardized 3D Bioprinting of Breast Cancer Spheroids Addressing Model Disparities for Therapeutic Screening

BEITA Program

Julius L. Chambers Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Institute
North Carolina Central University
700 George Street
Durham, NC 27707

Program Manager:

Dr. Thais Holanda ([email protected]; 919-530-7004)