Translational research in the department provides faculty and students with hands-on experience in not only developing medical devices, but also clinical applications.
Several faculty members have been recognized for their contributions to innovations. Dr. Duncan Maitland was named a National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow in 2020. The NAI identifies and recognizes early-stage innovators and inventors whose patents have the potential to make an impact on society.
Maitland developed the IMPEDE Embolization Plug, a device that could provide doctors with a more effective and safer method for treating aneurysms. This led to the creation of Shape Memory Medical, Inc., which was awarded one of the Best University Startups for 2017 by the National Council of Entrepreneurial Tech Transfer. The IMPEDE device also received the 2020 Excellence in Technology Transfer Award from the National Federal Laboratory Consortium and an R&D 100 Award in 2019.
“There are patients who have been treated because of our devices who didn’t have any other reasonable options,” Maitland said. “Some of the applications that we’re working on could be the first indications to the FDA for treating large populations.”
Along with emphasizing translational research among faculty, the department also involves students in this innovative work.
“It’s fantastic exposure for students for companies to hire them and/or for (students) to get into the startup world themselves,” Maitland said. “We have a significant number of students and former students who are leaders in entrepreneurship and doing translational work.”
Several faculty in the department are NAI Senior Members:
Dr. Saurabh Biswas,
Associate Professor of Practice
Dr. Balakrishna Haridas,
Professor of Practice
Dr. Roozbeh Jafari,
Professor
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