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Russ Prize winner David Walt discusses his groundbreaking research – Ohio University

David Walt, Ph.D., winner of the 2023 Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize, discussed his transformative research work and its impact on human health in a special presentation at Ohio University.

Awarded biennially by Ohio University and National Academy of Engineering (NAE), the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize recognizes outstanding bioengineering achievements in widespread use that improve the human condition.

Dr. Walt received the 2023 Russ Prize for the development of microwell arrays that have greatly advanced the fields of genomics and proteomics, said Russ College of Engineering and Technology Dean Patrick Fox while introducing Walt.

The Russ Prize is the top bioengineering award given worldwide, Fox said.

Walt spoke to students, faculty, staff and area residents in the Baker University Center Theater on March 28, about Discovery, Scale and Impact. His lecture focused on how ideas happen in the laboratory and then get translated into the commercial sector.

And then, eventually, we hope, they make an impact on human health, Walt said.

In his presentation, Walt discussed the founding of the companies Illumina and Quanterix.

In the 1990s, Walt explained, he was working in the field of optical sensors and imaging optical fibers, when one of the individuals in his laboratory found a way to create microwells.

This was a mistake, this was the opposite of what he was trying to do, Walt explained.

We did not pay attention at first, he said. A graduate student in his laboratory later found a way to put beads of liquid in the microwells, but there was no use for this at the time.

The next year, though, Walt was involved with research involving DNA sequence testing and realized that the microwells could be very beneficial in his research work and the work of others.

At that instant, I just had an epiphany, Walt said.

That original accidental discovery and the realization of what could be done with the microwell arrays led to the founding of Illumina, which then led to new collaborations that changed Walts life and transformed the field of genetics. He explained the work that Illumina was able to do with the technology and how it greatly expanded research possibilities.

Walts research work included identifying which genes are responsible for different diseases.

An important part of understanding the role of various genes in disease is to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; pronounced snips). At the time he was doing this research work with Illumina, in order to get one SNP, it would cost $2 per SNP, Walt said. In order to do the proper research work, though, it would take 1,000 gene SNPs from 1,000 subjects, which made the project far too expensive to be feasible.

Illumina, though, was able to introduce the product, the Array Matrix, which was able to do gene SNPs quickly and at a low price. That technology revolutionized this research work and drove the evolution of more new products.

That technology also led to the development of the company 23 and Me.

Its also the technology that was used for ancestry.com, Walt said.

These technological advances turned Illumina into a company that today is worth $30 billion.

Really, thats not where the impact starts, Walt said. He is proud of its financial success, but whats much more important is how the company has impacted human health.

This can be seen in the clinical applications, he explained. In one example, he discussed how scientists were able to help a family with a genetic disease, and how this can be applied further.

In another example, he explained how researchers found a new way to identify cancer.

Now this is not just an economic impact, its really a human health impact, Walt said.

Walt also discussed new technologies that led to the founding of the start-up company, Quanterix. This company has great potential to also make a difference in human health as it is doing research work into areas such as prostate cancer, breast cancer and COVID-19.

While talking about his research work, Walt stressed that he is grateful for all of the assistance he has received from everyone who has worked in his laboratories over the years. He said he is also thankful for the support of his funders and benefactors.

Walt also thanked the Russ Family and said he was honored to receive the Russ Prize.

Thank you for the opportunity to present the Russ Lecture here, Walt said, adding that he had enjoyed his time at Ohio University.

To watch a recording of Walts lecture, please see this website.

To read more about Walt and his research work, please see this OHIO News article.

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From equitable access to equitable innovation: rethinking bioengineering for global health – Nature.com

We acknowledge the participants at the Frugal Diagnostics Network workshop at Ashesi University in December 2023 for the conversations that informed this Comment, in particular co-organiser E. Rosca. This Comment was supported by funding from the European Research Council under the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement 715450) and the Royal Academy of Engineering through the Frontiers Champion award 2023.

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From equitable access to equitable innovation: rethinking bioengineering for global health - Nature.com

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Shay Soker, PhD, inducted into the College of Fellows for the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering – EurekAlert

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Shay Soker, PhD

Credit: Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Winston-Salem, North Carolina April 2, 2024 Dr. Shay Soker, a distinguished professor at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), has been honored with induction into the 2024 Class of College of Fellows for the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). This recognition highlights Dr. Soker's contributions to the field of regenerative medicine and his dedication to advancing biomedical engineering.

Dr. Soker's extensive research portfolio spans various critical areas within regenerative medicine, including the identification of novel cell sources, the development of innovative scaffolds for tissue engineering, tissue neovascularization, real-time imaging technologies, and the fabrication of bioengineered tissues for both developmental and disease modeling.

Induction into the AIMBE College of Fellows stands as a top achievement for medical and biological engineers, reserved for the top two percent in these fields, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to research, practice, or education in engineering and medicine. The AIMBE acknowledges the pioneering work of researchers advancing new technologies and methodologies, whether through traditional fields or through innovative approaches to bioengineering education.

Dr. Sokers pioneering work has significantly advanced our understanding of tissue regeneration and has led to transformative breakthroughs in the field. Notably, Dr. Soker's research has led to the use of vascularized scaffolds for whole organ bioengineering, offering promising prospects for the development of viable organ replacements and regenerative therapies, stated Dr. Anthony Atala, Director of WFIRM.

Commenting on his induction into the AIMBE College of Fellows, Dr. Soker expressed profound gratitude and emphasized the collaborative efforts of his team and colleagues. He stated, "It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the AIMBE, and I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and collaborators who have contributed to our shared pursuit of advancing regenerative medicine."

Fellows with AIMBE include members from over 30 countries employed in industry, healthcare, academia and government.

Dr. Shay Soker received his PhD from the Technion-Israel Institute for Technology, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Childrens Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School. He was then recruited to the Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Cellular Therapies and promoted to Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Harvard Medical School. Currently, Dr. Soker is a Professor of Regenerative Medicine and the Chief Science Program Officer at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

About the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE): AIMBE is the authoritative voice and advocate for the value of medical and biological engineering to society. AIMBEs mission is to recognize excellence, advance public understanding, and accelerate medical and biological innovation. No other organization brings together academic, industry, government, and scientific societies to form a highly influential community advancing medical and biological engineering. AIMBEs mission drives advocacy initiatives into action on Capitol Hill and beyond. For more information, visit http://www.aimbe.org.

Media contact: Charlie Kim, ckim@aimbe.org

About Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine: The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is recognized as an international leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies, with many world firsts, including the development and implantation of the first engineered organ in a patient. Over 500 people at the institute, the largest in the world, work on more than 40 different tissues and organs. A number of the basic principles of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine were first developed at the institute. WFIRM researchers have successfully engineered replacement tissues and organs in all four categories flat structures, tubular tissues, hollow organs and solid organs and 16 different applications of cell/tissue therapy technologies, such as skin, urethras, cartilage, bladders, muscle, kidney, and vaginal organs, have been successfully used in human patients. The institute, which is part of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, is located in the Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem, NC, and is driven by the urgent needs of patients. The institute is making a global difference in regenerative medicine through collaborations with over 500 entities and institutions worldwide, through its government, academic and industry partnerships, its start-up entities, and through major initiatives in breakthrough technologies, such as tissue engineering, cell therapies, diagnostics, drug discovery, biomanufacturing, nanotechnology, gene editing and 3D printing.

Media contact: Emily Gregg, egregg@wakehealth.edu

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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Shay Soker, PhD, inducted into the College of Fellows for the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering - EurekAlert

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Student receives MaGNET Award to present research at international genetics conference – News at OU

Bioengineering student Daniela Meson De La Fuente is pictured with the research poster she presented at the 2024 Maize Genetics Meeting.

Oakland University student Daniela Meson De La Fuente recently presented research at the 2024 Maize Genetics Meeting, an international conference that brought together researchers whose work advances the field of maize (corn) genetics and breeding.

The sophomore bioengineering major attended the meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina after receiving a MaGNET Award, a competitive travel grant aimed at members of underrepresented groups.

I was extremely excited when I received the news, as only five undergraduates received the awardfrom hundreds of attendees, she said. This award was funded by the National Science Foundation to create diversity in our future researchers.

As a member of Dr. Shailesh Lals research laboratory, Meson De La Fuente is researching a gene that exists in corn and humans, serving important functions for both.

Our laboratorys prior work led to the discovery of a novel RBM48 gene in maize, which was later found to be homologous in humans, she said. A mutated RBM48 gene can lead to developmental defects in both maize and humans. It is likely that this gene is associated with developing diseases, including cancer.

While working in the lab, Meson De La Fuente has been mentored by Dr. Lal and graduate student Dalton Raymond.

Dalton has been my mentor since the summer of 2023, when I was accepted to be part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), she said. He had been working on this research project since I joined the lab team, and I helped him continue the project.

She also credited Dr. Lal for encouraging her to apply to SURP, as well as for the MaGNET Award.

Heexemplifies a professor who goes above and beyond to ensure his students have everything they need toachieve their goals, she shared. I like that Oakland University has countless opportunities for undergraduate students to explore theirinterests by getting involved in research, something that is very rare and unique to be available for an early-career student.

To receive a MaGNET Award, Meson De La Fuente submitted a detailed application, including information about her research, academic performance, career aspirations and a recommendation letter from Dr. Lal.

"Daniela is a dedicated studentwho excels inacademic and extracurricular activities, said Lal, professor and chair of OUs Department of Bioengineering.

He lauded her strong leadership qualities, including her roles as an OU Student Congress legislator,treasurer of the OU Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, member of the OU Chapter of Sigma Xi Scientific Society, andmember of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.

She has a bright career ahead of her in whatever she decides to pursue, Lal added.

At the conference, Meson De La Fuente presented her work on developing a method to discover the cause of the RBM48 gene mutations associated with human disease. The data generated from the study could help pave the way for development of treatments for certain cancers.

Along with sharing her research, she also learned from other student researchers and gained insight into how companies are leveraging the latest advances in agricultural science.

I hadan amazing experience at the meeting. I not only got an inside view of how other student presenters came about pursuing a master's or Ph.D., which was very helpful, but I also had the opportunity to connect and network with businesses such as Syngenta and Corteva, Inc. and learn about their innovative agricultural projects, she said. I met people from universitiesworldwide,which broadened my perspective on collaboration opportunities in research.

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Student receives MaGNET Award to present research at international genetics conference - News at OU

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RIT faculty member becomes fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering | RIT – Rochester Institute of Technology

Karin Wuertz-Kozak, a faculty researcher at Rochester Institute of Technology, was recently inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. Becoming an AIMBE Fellow, one of the organization's most prestigious honors, signifies inclusion among the top 2 percent of medical and biological engineers, representing the most accomplished individuals across academia, industry, education, clinical practice, and government.

Wuertz-Kozak, a Kate Gleason Endowed Professor in RITs Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recognized for her outstanding contribution to understanding the pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease and to developing new therapeutic strategies for disc disease. She brings an interdisciplinary background to her work with experience in pharmacology, biomedical engineering, and biology, as well as business administration. Her clinical collaborations are worldwide, spanning locally with the University of Rochester to the Fukushima Medical University in Japan.

Karin is conducting important research that will ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from degenerative disc disease, said Doreen Edwards, dean of RITs Kate Gleason College of Engineering.We are thrilled that she is being honored with this prestigious award.

Wuertz-Kozak is leading research on the role and effects of mechanical loading in the context of back pain. Understanding the mechanisms leading to degeneration and chronic inflammation can give clues to relieving disc-related back pain and is a crucial part of developing novel, molecular treatment options for patients, she said.

One promising approach being developed by her research team is to modulate and control tissue inflammation and induce regeneration is through extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from CRISPR-modified stem cells. While stem cells have proven successful in the regeneration of many tissues, the intervertebral disc constitutes a drastically harsh cell environment, making EV therapy a promising alternative to cell therapy. To this end, she has received several significant research grants from prominent agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

A longtime member of several national and international associations, Wuertz-Kozak has held leadership positions with the International Society of the Study of the Lumbar Spine and the Orthopedic Research Society. Among her many academic achievements, Wuertz-Kozak has been recognized by the Swiss National Science Foundation Professorship Award in 2016 and received a Faculty Scholarship Award as part of RITs Kate Gleason College of Engineering in 2021. She has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles and has contributed to numerous journals related to molecular science and biomedical engineering in editorial roles and as a reviewer.

AIMBE Fellows are employed in academia, industry, clinical practice, and government., and consist of distinguished medical and biological engineers including three Nobel Prize laureates and 22 Presidential Medal of Science and/or Technology and Innovation awardees. Each has led initiatives to pioneer new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.

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Sherry Gao pushes the boundaries of genetic engineering | Penn Today – Penn Today

Sherry (Xue) Gao, Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE)in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, always knew she had a future in the lab. I grew up in China, and when I was little, maybe 6 or 7, she recalls, my teacher asked me, What do you want to be when you grow up? I said, I want to be a scientist.

Neither of her parents had studied beyond high school; when Gao finished her training as a chemical engineer, she became the first person in her family to graduate from college. One of my greatest motivations is to help first-generation college students, Gao says.

Now, as the newest faculty member in CBE, Gao is prepared to do just that: support the next generation of chemical engineers, while also conducting groundbreaking research in the development of small molecules to edit genes, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine.

One of Gaos primary goals is to make gene-editing tools more accurate. As Gao points out, CRISPR, the revolutionary technology developed by Nobel Prize winners Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, doesnt always work perfectly. The tool goes in, fixes a mutation, but we also observe a lot of off-targets, Gao says. So its not just hitting the target letters in our genetic code, its sometimes editing other places. You could cure one genetic disease by using the CRISPR tools, but then the off-targets could cause dozens of other problems.

More generally, Gao is fascinated by enzymes, the class of molecules to which CRISPR belongs, which enable chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to take place. Enzymes typically catalyze molecules in a very precise fashion, says Gao. Thats sort of my passion: to look into how nature makes some molecules so accurate, and how we as humans and engineers can learn from that.

This story is by Ian Scheffler. Read more at Penn Engineering Today.

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Sherry Gao pushes the boundaries of genetic engineering | Penn Today - Penn Today

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