OHIO professor named to top two percent of medical, biological engineers

Ohio University Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Doug Goetz has been elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows.

Election to the College of Fellows, which comprises the top 2 percent of medical and biological engineers, is among the highest professional distinctions a medical and biological engineer can achieve.

“The College of Fellows election is an exclusive honor bestowed upon the best in the field, and we are thrilled to see Dr. Goetz join its ranks,” Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis said. “Our mission is to help advance our global society, and this election serves as a reminder of the impact being made right here at Ohio University.”

AIMBE is the authoritative voice and advocate for the value of medical and biological engineering to society, driving advocacy initiatives into action on Capitol Hill and beyond. Its College of Fellows honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medicine research, practice or education, and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering, or developing or implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.

Goetz, who is also director of the Biomedical Engineering Program in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, was elected for his insights into the mechanisms of cellular adhesion and use of this knowledge to propose and develop novel therapeutics.

“Dr. Goetz has developed an in-depth understanding of molecular recognition and signaling, which greatly contributes to molecular therapeutics and diagnostics of different diseases,” said Russ College Dean Mei Wei. “He is well-deserving of this fellowship.”

AIMBE, which canceled its annual meeting and induction ceremony scheduled for March 29-30, instituted special procedures to remotely induct Goetz and 156 others to the class of 2020. Fellows are employed in academia, industry, clinical practice and government.

"I’ve had the good fortune to collaborate with inspirational students, colleagues and mentors throughout my career. It has been a privilege to work with each one of them. I’m delighted to receive the AIMBE honor on their behalf,” Goetz said.

AIMBE Fellows are among the most distinguished medical and biological engineers, including three Nobel Prize laureates, 18 Presidential Medal of Science and/or Technology and Innovation recipients, 173 National Academy of Engineering members, 84 National Academy of Medicine members and 37 National Academy of Sciences members.