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FEMTECH: Forging Expertise in Modern Technology and Engineering through a Convergence of Hokies

Learn more about Virginia Tech's brand new women's health research center

Erika, Lilly and Ritika doing inflation test

FEMTECH at VirginiaTech

FemTech at Virginia Tech is a new initiative that brings together experts across engineering, health, and social sciences to develop innovative, women-centered technologies. By combining biomechanics, advanced sensing, ultrasound, and data-driven modeling with a strong focus on user experience and real-world needs, the center aims to address critical gaps in areas such as comfort, performance, and personalized design. Through collaborative pilot studies, cross-campus partnerships, and engagement with stakeholders, the initiative works to translate research into practical solutions that improve well-being and expand the impact of technology in women’s health.

  • Erika, Ritika, Cristina, and Lilly collaborating

  • Cristina, Danielle, Peyton doing cellwork

  • Roberts and Cristina analyzing images

  • De Vita and Roberts

Lymphatic Changes during Pregnancy: Dr. Raffaella De Vita in ME and Dr. Monet Roberts in BME collaborate to assess lymphatic changes in uterine tissue throughout pregnancy in mice.

  • Narges and Ritika making device

  • Ritika, Rowan and Winson performing inflation test

  • (From left) Rikita Singh and Victoria Conklin work at a bench in Raffaella De Vita's lab. Photo courtesy of Rikita Singh.

    (From left) Rikita Singh and Victoria Conklin work at a bench in Raffaella De Vita's lab. Photo courtesy of Rikita Singh.

  • Ritika and Winson taking images

Device Development for In Vivo Mechanical Testing of the Vagina: Dr. Raffaella De Vita in ME and Dr. Xiotang Jia in ECE collaborate to develop a novel mechanical testing device for vaginal tissue for in vivo studies on pregnancy and radiation exposure.

  • Clara and Lilly doing mechanical test

  • Clara and Lilly analyzing data

  • Clara and Lilly taking images

Changes in the vagina during menopause: Dr. Raffaella De Vita collaboration with Dr. Marianna Alperin in BME at UCSD to assess changes in menopause in rat vaginal tissue. 

FEMTECH is led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty spanning mechanical, electrical, industrial, biomedical engineering, mathematics, medicine, and science, technology, and society. The initiative actively engages undergraduate and graduate students and fosters cross-disciplinary mentorship, preparing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators to work in women-centered technology and health.

Philosophy

At its core, FEMTECH is driven by the belief that engineering solutions must reflect biological reality and real-world use. The initiative recognizes that women’s health and technology needs are not interchangeable with men’s, particularly in areas such as reproductive health, biomechanics, hormonal regulation, and ergonomics. FEMTECH embraces an interdisciplinary philosophy that integrates fundamental science, advanced engineering, and social context to ensure that innovations are both technically sound and responsive to real needs.

Research and Resources

FEMTECH leverages Virginia Tech’s extensive research infrastructure across Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Alexandria, drawing on world-class laboratories and long-standing institutional partnerships. Research areas include reproductive biomechanics, computational modeling and machine learning, ultrasound and acoustics, wearable and implantable technologies, healthcare systems modeling, and user-centered design. The initiative supports pilot projects, shared research groups, undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, and strong clinical and community engagement to promote translation from research to real-world impact.

Events and Community

FEMTECH will host workshops, seminars, and collaborative events that bring together researchers, clinicians, industry partners, policymakers, and advocates. These activities are designed to build community, share knowledge, and accelerate translation from research to practice. A flagship FemTech workshop at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus will serve as a focal point for broader national and global engagement.

Looking Ahead

FEMTECH represents a foundational step toward establishing a dedicated engineering center for women at Virginia Tech. By uniting research, education, and engagement, the initiative positions the university as a leader in a rapidly growing field and contributes to meaningful, lasting improvements in women’s health, safety, and quality of life.