Medical Device Leader Invents New Opportunities for Students | Technological Leadership Institute
By Brittney Klingl – August 29, 2016
It makes sense that an accomplished inventor, entrepreneur and med tech executive would help mold the next generation of medical device leaders.
But for Dr. Dan Mooradian, director of graduate studies for the Master of Science in Medical Device Innovation(MDI) degree program, it goes beyond simply training engineers to be well-rounded professionals; it’s about improving the industry as a whole.
“We always focus on what is going to help our students meet the needs of their employers. I’ve been an executive, so I know what they’re looking for when they’re hiring and promoting.”
Dr. Mooradian is originally from Michigan, but it was in Minnesota – home to half of the world’s medical device companies – where he began his successful career.
“My career as a research scientist at the University of Minnesota, and my experience as a member of the teaching faculty in the biomedical engineering program helps me understand the research and discovery side of the industry. Having then spent 15 years applying that research to innovation, I have a unique perspective on what we can do for our students to prepare them to make a difference in the medical device industry. I came to the University of Minnesota to do my postdoctoral fellowship in laboratory medicine and pathology, and I ended up staying.”
Since then, Dr. Mooradian has worked at companies like Synovis Life Technologies, Baxter International and Boston Scientific, in positions ranging from an individual inventor and researcher to vice president. In 2013, he joined the Technological Leadership Institute to help launch its third and newest Master of Science degree program: Medical Device Innovation. Dr. Mooradian’s background and experience made him the perfect fit for the director of graduate studies role.
“My career as a research scientist at the University of Minnesota, and my experience as a member of the teaching faculty in the biomedical engineering program helps me understand the research and discovery side of the industry,” he says. “Having then spent 15 years applying that research to innovation, I have a unique perspective on what we can do for our students to prepare them to make a difference in the medical device industry.”
