Although students, faculty and families couldn't gather on campus to celebrate commencement, the COVID-19 pandemic didn't stop the Department of Biomedical Engineering from making the day special for the class of 2020.

Biomedical engineering faculty, staff, students and families gathered virtually May 14 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the department's graduating seniors.

The day included remarks from Dean of Engineering John English, Department Head Raj Rao and Outstanding Senior Samia Ismail.

Ismail encouraged fellow graduates to put their knowledge of biomedical engineering to use.

"I want us to consider the essential nature of the contributions that we will be making to the fields of medicine, policy and research in the coming years and perhaps even in the course of this coronavirus pandemic," Ismail said.

Graduates also heard from alumnus Gage Greening, who earned both his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the department. Greening is now the chief technical officer of Nanomatronix, a Fayetteville-based firm focused on nanotechnology, microelectronics, and biotechnology.

Rao said the ceremony was important for both student and faculty.

"I am extremely proud of the achievements of our Class of 2020 students and for staying true to their learning commitments to earn a biomedical engineering degree," he said. "I wish them the very best as they work towards translating knowledge gained in the classroom to generating novel healthcare solutions that impact our society."

View the ceremony here: youtu.be/A9A_UQQHys0.

For a slideshow featuring all Biomedical Engineering graduates, click here: youtu.be/bG4ih4j1xYo.