Center for Advancing Systems Science and Bioengineering Innovation (CASSBI)

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Innovation that enables people and communities

The Center for Advancing Systems Science and Bioengineering Innovation (CASSBI) at George Mason University brings together scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and community members to advance medical technologies into the real world through human-centered and community-engaged methodologies focused on the lived experiences of real people. Our vision is to enable all people to fully participate in life activities by driving innovation at the intersection of health, technology, and society.

We are addressing grand challenges at the intersection of health, society, and technology. We see health as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” [World Health Organization, 1946].

CASSBI is led by Drs. Siddhartha Sikdar, Parag Chitnis, Samuel Acuña, and Jenny Mai Phan.

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Learn about the CASSBI, formerly known as the Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions.
What is Systems Science?
Systems Science

Systems science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the complex interconnections, behaviors, and dynamics of systems, whether they are natural, social, or technological. It focuses on understanding how individual components of a system interact to produce emergent behaviors, feedback loops, and patterns that cannot be understood by examining each component in isolation.

Systems science provides powerful frameworks and methodologies to address real-world problems by considering the broader context and interdependencies, leading to solutions that are sustainable, adaptive, and holistic.

Key Characteristics of Systems Science:
  1. Holistic Approach: It emphasizes studying systems as wholes rather than merely the sum of their parts.
  2. Interdisciplinary: Systems science draws from multiple disciplines such as biology, engineering, sociology, and computer science.
  3. Complexity: It often deals with complex systems where many interconnected elements interact in non-linear ways.
  4. Emergence: It examines how novel properties or behaviors emerge from the interactions within the system.
Common Applications:
  • Biology and Ecology: Understanding ecosystems or physiological processes in living organisms.
  • Engineering: Designing and managing complex systems like transportation networks or supply chains.
  • Social Sciences: Analyzing social networks, organizational dynamics, or economic systems.
  • Public Health: Modeling the spread of diseases or the impacts of interventions in healthcare systems.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Developing algorithms that mimic complex, adaptive systems.
What is Bioengineering?
Bioengineering

Bioengineering, also known as biomedical engineering, is an interdisciplinary field that applies principles and techniques from engineering, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics to solve problems in biology and medicine. It focuses on developing technologies, devices, systems, and methodologies to improve healthcare, enhance biological understanding, and address challenges in medicine and biology.

Bioengineering bridges the gap between life sciences and engineering, leading to innovations that directly improve quality of life and address critical challenges in healthcare. From developing cutting-edge medical technologies to understanding complex biological systems, bioengineering plays a pivotal role in advancing medicine, biotechnology, and public health.

CASSBI works alongside Mason’s Department of Bioengineering to promote this discipline.

Key Areas of Bioengineering:
  1. Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation: Designing prosthetics, wearables, imaging systems, and diagnostic tools.
  2. Biomaterials: Researching biocompatible materials such as implants, tissue scaffolds, and drug delivery systems.
  3. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: Creating artificial tissues and organs to replace damaged ones.
  4. Computational Modeling: Modeling biological systems, simulate physiological processes, and inform medical decision-making.
  5. Medical Imaging: Developing MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and optical imaging for diagnostics and treatment.
  6. Biomechanics: Understanding the forces, motions, and structures within the human body.
Common Applications:
  • Public Health: Innovations in health monitoring and preventive care technologies.
  • Healthcare: Diagnostics, treatment devices, and personalized medicine.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Drug design, delivery systems, and testing.
  • Rehabilitation: Assistive technologies like robotic limbs and rehabilitation equipment.