2022 Annual Event Speakers

Guillermo Ameer, Ph.D.

Chair-Elect, AIMBE College of Fellows
Daniel Hale Williams Professor, Northwestern University

Dr. Ameer is the Daniel Hale Williams professor of Biomedical Engineering and Surgery in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the McCormick School of Engineering and the Department of Surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. He is the founding director of the Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE).

Dr. Ameer received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and his doctoral degree in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His research interests include biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative engineering, on demand patient-specific medical devices, additive manufacturing for biomedical devices, controlled drug delivery and bio/nanotechnology for improved therapeutics and diagnostics. Dr. Ameer’s laboratory pioneered the development and medical applications of citrate-based biomaterials. These materials have been adopted for various bioengineering applications by hundreds of researchers around the world. He has co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed journal publications and conference abstracts, several book chapters, and over 50 patents issued and pending in 9 countries. Several of his patents have been licensed to companies to develop medical products. Dr. Ameer is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering(AIMBE), a Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society(BMES), and a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers(AIChE). Dr. Ameer is an Associate Editor of the Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine Journal, member of the Boards of Directors of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the Regenerative Engineering Society, and the American institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, co-chair of the BMES Diversity Committee, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Acuitive Technologies, Inc. a company that is bringing one of his technologies to the musculoskeletal surgery market. Dr. Ameer is also a co-founder of several medical device companies.

Emery Brown, MD, Ph.D.

Professor, MIT & Harvard Medical School
Director, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program

TITLE(S)
Edward Hood Taplin Professor of Medical Engineering and of Computational Neuroscience, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Professor of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Warren M. Zapol Professor of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
Director, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program, MIT
Associate Director, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT
Investigator, Picower Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT

DEGREES
PhD in Statistics, Harvard University, 1988
MD, Harvard Medical School, 1987
AM in Statistics, Harvard University, 1984
BA, Harvard College, 1978

SELECTED AWARDS/SOCIETIES
2020 Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
2019 Board of Trustees, Guggenheim Foundation
2019 Doctor of Science Honoris Causa, University of Southern California
2018 Dickson Prize in Science
2018 Member, Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
2017 Medaillon Lecture, Institute of Mathematical Statistics
2017 Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science, American Society of Anesthesiologists
2016 Fellow, Institute of Mathematical Statistics
2015 Fellow, National Academy of Inventors
2015 American Society of Anesthesiologists Award for Excellence in Research
2015 Member, National Academy of Engineering
2015 Guggenheim Fellow in Applied Mathematics
2014 Member, National Academy of Sciences
2012 NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award
2012 Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
2011 National Institute of Statistical Science, Jerome Sacks Award
2008 Fellow, IEEE
2007 Member, National Academy of Medicine
2007 NIH Director’s Pioneer Award
2007 Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
2006 Fellow, American Statistical Association
2006 Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
2002 Member, Association of University Anesthesiologists

RESEARCH
Neural Signal Processing Algorithms
Recent technological and experimental advances in the capabilities to record signals from neural systems have led to an unprecedented increase in the types and volume of data collected in neuroscience experiments and hence, in the need for appropriate techniques to analyze them. Therefore, using combinations of likelihood, Bayesian, state-space, time-series and point process approaches, a primary focus of the research in my laboratory is the development of statistical methods and signal-processing algorithms for neuroscience data analysis. We have used our methods to characterize:

how hippocampal neurons represent spatial information in their ensemble firing patterns
analyze formation of spatial receptive fields in the hippocampus during learning of novel environments
relate changes in hippocampal neural activity to changes in performance during procedural learning
improve signal extraction from fMR imaging time-series
construct algorithms for neural prosthetic control the spiking properties of neurons in primary motor cortex
localize dynamically sources of neural activity in the brain from EEG and MEG recordings made during cognitive, motor and somatosensory tasks
measure the period of the circadian pacemaker (human biological clock) and its sensitivity to light
characterize the dynamics of human heart beats in physiological and pathological states
track brain states under general anesthesia
Understanding General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a neurophysiological state in which a patient is rendered unconscious, insensitive to pain, amnestic, and immobile, while being maintained physiologically stable. General anesthesia has been administered in the US for more than 165 years and currently more than 100,000 people receive general anesthesia daily in this country for surgery alone. Still, the mechanism by which an anesthetic drug induces general anesthesia remains a medical mystery. We use a systems neuroscience approach to study how the state of general anesthesia is induced and maintained. To do so, we are using fMRI, EEG, neurophysiological recordings, microdialysis methods and mathematical modeling in interdisciplinary collaborations with investigators in HST, the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Boston University. The long-term goal of this research is to establish a neurophysiological definition of anesthesia, safer, site-specific anesthetic drugs and to develop better neurophysiologically-based methods for measuring depth of anesthesia.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
A full list of Dr. Emery Brown’s publications can be found on PubMed.

Tejal Desai, Ph.D.

President, AIMBE
Ernest L. Prien Professor, University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Tejal Desai is currently the Ernest L. Prien Professor and Chair of the department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. She is also a member of the California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research, PI of the UCSF/UC Berkeley Graduate Group in Bioengineering Training Grant, and founding directorof the UCSF/UC Berkeley Master’s in Translational Medicine. She received the Sc.B. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Brown University in 1994 and the Ph.D. degree in bioengineering from the joint graduate program at University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco, in 1998. Dr. Desai currently directs the Laboratory of Therapeutic Micro and Nanotechnology where her research focuses on using micro and nanofabrication techniques to develop devices for cell and drug delivery, scaffolds for cell and tissue regeneration, and functional biomaterials. In addition to authoring over 200 technical papers and delivering over 200 invited talks, she has chaired and organized numerous conferences and symposia in the area of bioMEMS, micro and nanofabricated biomaterials, and micro/nanoscale drug delivery/tissue engineering. Her other interests include K-12 educational outreach, gender and science education, science policy issues, and biotechnology/bioengineering industrial outreach.

Her research efforts have earned recognition including Technology Review’s “Top 100 Young Innovators,” Popular Science’s Brilliant 10, and NSF’s New Century Scholar. Some of her other honors include the Eurand Grand Prize Award for innovative drug delivery technology, the Young Career Award from the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (IEEE EMBS), the Dawson Biotechnology award, and the UC Berkeley and Brown University Distinguished Engineering Alumni awards. In 2015, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Omar Ishrak, Ph.D.

Chairman of the Board, Intel
Former Chairman & CEO, Medtronic

Omar Ishrak is a global healthcare and technology thought leader, with a passion for using technology to innovate, invent, and disrupt healthcare. Omar served as Chairman and CEO of Medtronic from 2011-2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Intel. He is recognized as a creative and forward-thinking problem solver — ranking in America’s 100 Most Innovative Leaders by Forbes.

In his more than 35 years in healthcare technology companies, Omar has fostered deep relationships with technology partners, healthcare providers, governments, and payers to advance the future of medicine. He speaks often on the global stage about the intersection of healthcare and technology, and the importance of innovation in transforming healthcare to deliver value for all stakeholders.

Excited about furthering world-changing computational technology, Omar joined the Intel board as a member in 2017 and in January 2020, was named independent Chairman of its Board of Directors. Intel is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, Intel works to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address customer challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, Intel harnesses the potential of data to transform business and society for the better.

As Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Omar redefined the company’s growth strategy, driven by the purpose outlined in its enduring Mission — to use technology to improve human welfare. He rejuvenated the $30 billion company’s technology pipeline, strengthened its position in emerging markets, and advanced efforts in value-based healthcare. Notably, Omar created over $90 billion in market capitalization appreciation and engineered the $50B acquisition of Covidien — a global medical devices manufacturer delivering early diagnosis and solutions for patients across the care continuum — the largest medical technology acquisition in the history of the industry. Under Omar’s leadership, Medtronic went from serving one patient every 4 seconds, to improving the lives of 2 people every second. During his tenure, Medtronic therapies positively impacted 450+ million patients around the world.

Omar has promoted diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout his career. At Medtronic, he made inclusion a true business priority, often pointing to it as key to the company’s success as a global healthcare leader. He embedded a focus on diversity and inclusion in various operating mechanisms to ensure it remained a key priority throughout the company. He established Medtronic’s Diversity Networks and focused efforts on measurable goals. His approach helped Medtronic earn accolades such as the prestigious Catalyst Award in 2020, which recognized Medtronic’s groundbreaking programs to advance women in the workplace.

Prior to joining Medtronic, Omar spent 16 years in a variety of management roles at GE Healthcare Systems, including President and CEO. Earlier in his career, he amassed more than 13 years of technology development and business management experience, holding leadership positions at Diasonics/Vingmed, and various product development and engineering positions at Philips Ultrasound.

Omar grew up in Bangladesh and earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of London, King’s College. He was inducted to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows in 2016 and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2020. He is also a Fellow of King’s College.

He has amassed numerous awards over the course of his career, including ‘Outstanding Contribution to MedTech’ by the Irish MedTech Association in 2020, ‘Top 5 Healthcare Technology CEOs’ by Healthcare Technology Report in 2020, and ‘Person of the Year’ by Twin Cities Business in 2015.

Omar currently serves on the Board of Directors of Cleveland Clinic, Cargill, and Amgen. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society and is a Senior Advisor to Blackstone Life Sciences.

Susan Margulies, Ph.D.

Chair, AIMBE College of Fellows

Assistant Director of NSF, Engineering Directorate
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine
GRA Eminent Scholar in Injury Biomechanics

Dr. Margulies joined the National Science Foundation to lead the Directorate of Engineering in August 2021 after leading Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. She received her BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton and PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and post-doctoral training at the Mayo Clinic.

She is internationally recognized for pioneering studies spanning the micro-to-macro scales to identify mechanisms underlying brain injuries in children and adolescents, and lung injuries associated with mechanical ventilation, leading to improved injury prevention, diagnosis and treatments. Focusing on structural and functional responses of the brain and lung to their mechanical environment, her lab has developed novel methods and models identified injury tolerances, response cascades, and causal signaling pathways; and translated these discoveries to preclinical therapeutic trials to mitigate and prevent brain and lung injuries in children and adults. Her research program has disseminated findings in over 185 peer-reviewed publication. Dr. Margulies has launched numerous training and mentorship programs for students and faculty, created institute-wide initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion, and has led innovative projects in engineering education.

Dr. Margulies’ transdisciplinary scholarly impact has been recognized by her election the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Society, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Joyce Wong, Ph.D.

President-Elect, AIMBE

College of Engineering Distinguished Faculty Fellow, Boston University

Dr. Wong is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering and an Inaugural Term Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Boston University. She is also the Inaugural Director of ARROWS, Office of the Provost, focused on promoting women in STEM at BU. She is an elected Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

RESEARCH FOCUS: Development of novel biomaterials to detect and treat disease. Elucidation of fundamental molecular, cellular, and colloidal/interfacial processes for specific biomedical applications.

CURRENT PROJECTS: Pediatric vascular tissue engineering; Vascularized tissue engineering; Theranostics for cardiovascular disease and cancer; In vitro models of cancer metastasis.

Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Michigan State University

Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. serves as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Michigan State University. As chief academic officer, Provost Woodruff provides leadership for matters related to academic programs, research, and outreach involving faculty, students, and academic staff. She oversees the quality of instruction, scholarship, and leadership development at the university through collaborative work with deans, faculty, and student leaders.

Provost Woodruff directs policies related to the faculty and administers the university’s procedures and criteria for faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure. Woodruff is responsible for advancing the academic mission of MSU, enabling the quality of student learning, curriculum oversight, as well as admissions and recruitment for undergraduate and graduate programs. She enables strategic priorities and related academic budgetary planning.

Prior to joining MSU in August of 2020, Woodruff served as the Dean and Associate Provost for Graduate Education in The Graduate School at Northwestern University and held the Watkins Professorship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to her role as provost, Woodruff is a MSU Foundation Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology and the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Woodruff is an internationally recognized biologist specializing in reproductive science. In 2006, she coined the term “oncofertility” to describe the merging of two fields: oncology and fertility preservation. Working at the national level, Woodruff championed the new National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy mandating the inclusion of females in fundamental research.

As a leading research scientist, teacher, and mentor, Woodruff was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring by President Obama in an oval office ceremony in 2011. Most recently, Woodruff received the Endocrine Society’s 2021 Auerbach Laureate Award, a top honor that recognizes the highest achievements in the field of endocrinology and is in the inaugural class of distinguished fellows of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (2021). She holds 17 U.S. Patents, is the past president of the Endocrine Society and was the editor-in-chief for the journal Endocrinology. She has published over 400 papers and edited or authored 6 books.

She is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020), the National Academy of Medicine (2018), the National Academy of Inventors (2018), the American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineers (2017), the Guggenheim Foundation (2017) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2006).

Woodruff holds honorary degrees from Bates College and the University of Birmingham School of Medicine and has delivered the commencement address at numerous institutions. She is civically active and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and a former Board of Trustees member for The Adler Planetarium and the Young Women’s Leadership Charter School.

Milan Yager

Executive Director, AIMBE

Milan P. Yager is a long-time Washington insider having served in senior association and government positions in the public and private sectors. As AIMBE’s Executive Director, he brings experience and success in delivering innovative new programming, organizational leadership, advocacy, and public a airs results in repositioning organizations to achieve operational and strategic objectives. His background includes senior positions in the Administration and Congress including Chief of Staff to now Senate Assistant Majority Leader Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), and Director of the O ce of Economic and Environmental Analysis at the Interstate Commerce Commission. Most recently, Milan served as President and CEO of a national trade association where he delivered dramatic financial results, legislative achievements, and new programming resulting in record membership and a strong financial position. His career also includes senior management and policy advocacy positions for the National Association of Home Builders and United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, as well serving as Legislative Director for Congressman Berkley Bedell (D-IA). He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and has a Masters in Public Administration from American University.