CBU engineering team places third at international artificial heart competition

Dr. Matthew Rickard (from left), Jonathan Sum, Trent Higa, Addison Reardon, Gianna Lawson, Timothy Huang, Benjamin Iliev, Kathleen Nerhbass, Jessica Gordon and Dr. Sarah Zhao attend the Heart Hackathon in Vienna, Austria. 

Riverside, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2026) – For the third year in a row, the Cardiac Engineering Team from California Baptist University competed at the international Heart Hackathon, an artificial heart design competition judged by industry experts. CBU placed third — the only university to place in all three competitions. 

“Watching their long hours and hard work turn into a world-class design is incredibly rewarding, but more than that, it’s a beautiful way to glorify God through the skills He’s given them,” said Dr. Matthew Rickard, professor of biomedical engineering and the team’s advisor.  

The Heart Hackathon was created for university students from around the world to consider the future of artificial heart technologies and to work on innovative solutions. Teams apply by submitting their heart design and a business plan including research, industry data and a strategy that demonstrates product marketability and viability. CBU was one of 13 teams and the only team from the U.S. that competed last month in Vienna, Austria.  

CBU’s latest prototype featured important updates, said Addison Reardon, a biomedical engineering junior and the team’s vice president. The openings where blood flows in and out were made more compatible with a patient's major arteries and veins. This change was made to demonstrate the feasibility of the device, she said. The design was also adjusted to help keep the blood safe as it moves through the device. The prototype was made from two materials: titanium and 3D-printed biocompatible resin. 

Reardon said she developed skills in design and coding. 

“I've also taken a leadership role. In addition to staying involved with these projects, I get to introduce new members to the team and explore new research areas to pursue,” she said. 

For Gianna Lawson, a biomedical engineering senior and the team’s president, she grew in her different roles. She learned how to design, lead people, the importance of documentation and the business side of engineering.  

“I have also grown my passion in biomedical engineering. The Lord has shown me the beauty in His creation within this field of study, and I have learned to love everything to do with it,” she said. “I think it is beautiful to appreciate the Lord's intricate design and how we can interact with it using modern-day technologies.” 

The Hackathon kicked off the International Society of Mechanical Circulatory Support conference. About 20 companies that have artificial hearts in development shared their latest designs as well as bench top and clinical data. CBU students had the opportunity to watch the presentations and network with the companies. 

“We were blessed with the opportunity to learn from engineers, clinicians and many more professionals in the field of mechanical circulatory support,” Reardon said. 

The entire process — from the initial design to a full business plan — prepares the students to step into a medical device company and hit the ground running, Rickard said. The audience at the presentation included experts in artificial heart design and cardiac surgeons. 

“It’s such great experience working on a team to solve a real, life-saving problem in biomedical engineering and doing so with an industry-mindset,” Rickard said. 

Lawson wants to pursue a career within the cardiovascular field. 

“So many people suffer from cardiovascular disease in our world today and do not have the proper accessible help,” she said. “The fruits of our labor now are only the beginnings as we aim for the long-term goals of serving the Lord's people with life-saving devices.”