Congratulations on Recent Promotions for BME Faculty

The department is delighted to recognize our BME faculty on news of their recent promotions.

“I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to these BME faculty members on their well-deserved promotions,” said Mary-Ann Mycek, William and Valerie Hall Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering and Professor, Biomedical Engineering. “Their dedication to academic excellence in biomedical engineering, commitment to our students’ success, and impactful contributions to research are truly inspiring.”

The following three BME core faculty members have been promoted to full professor:

Cynthia A. Chestek, professor of biomedical engineering, with tenure, College of Engineering and Medical School; professor of electrical engineering and computer science, without tenure, and professor of robotics, without tenure, CoE
David A. Nordsletten, professor of biomedical engineering, with tenure, Medical School and College of Engineering; and professor of cardiac surgery, without tenure, Medical School
Ariella Shikanov, professor of biomedical engineering, with tenure, College of Engineering and Medical School; professor of macromolecular science and engineering, without tenure, CoE; and professor of obstetrics and gynecology, without tenure, Medical School

Dr. Chestek’s research focuses on brain machine interface (BMI) systems using multielectrode arrays implanted in motor cortex. The goal of this research is to eventually develop clinically viable systems to enable paralyzed individuals to control their own limbs using functional electrical stimulation. She also works on nerve controlled prosthetic hands, which is currently in initial clinical trials. Finally, her lab develops tiny electrode arrays made of carbon fiber that are smaller than neurons themselves, which could dramatically improve the performance of these neuroprosthetic systems in the future.

Research in Dr. Nordsletten’s lab focuses on the novel application of biomechanics integrated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the advancement of human cardiovascular health. This broad focus encompasses a range of projects spanning from numerical methods development through to direct analysis of medical imaging data for diagnostics in cardiovascular disease. Their broad target is to improve diagnosis and treatment in heart failure and cardiovascular disease; two conditions that present a significant burden to healthcare systems around the world.

Dr. Shikanov’s laboratory is interested in creating artificial constructs that direct tissue regeneration and restore biological function by combining approaches from engineering, materials, chemistry, and life sciences. The clinical problem they want to solve is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which is a common outcome of anticancer treatments in young girls and women. POI causes sterility and complications related to absent ovarian endocrine function such as premature osteopenia, muscle wasting, impaired cognitive development, and accelerated cardiovascular disease. They aim to engineer a biomimetic environment that promotes in vitro growth of immature follicles and integrates cellular, molecular, and physicochemical properties with a structural design that allows studying the bi-directional interactions between the follicles and the support cells. Engineered ovarian tissue with controlled physical and biological properties provides a supportive environment for ovarian follicle survival and development, graft remodeling, and longevity after transplantation. The lab is also interested in molecular mechanisms involved in early stage development of ovarian follicles, development of novel 3D culture systems, and immunoisolating hydrogels for ovarian follicles.

Congratulations to our additional faculty promotions in BME:

Deanna Gates, professor of kinesiology, with tenure, School of Kinesiology; professor of biomedical engineering, without tenure, College of Engineering and Medical School; and professor of robotics, without tenure, CoE
Janggun Jo, Research Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering-Medical School
Allen P.C. Liu, professor of mechanical engineering, with tenure, College of Engineering; professor of biomedical engineering, without tenure, College of Engineering and Medical School; and professor of biophysics, without tenure, LSA
Tristan Maerz, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, with tenure, associate professor of internal medicine, without tenure, Medical School; and associate professor of biomedical engineering, without tenure, Medical School and College of Engineering