July 17, 2017

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

A collaboration including Hani Awad, professor of biomedical engineering, and colleagues at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has resulted in a new technique that combines gene, stem cell, and ultrasound therapies to help bone regenerate itself across large gaps in fractures. Successfully demonstrated in animal fractures, the technique might someday replace bone grafting as a way to mend severe fractures in humans. Hani tested the healed fractures in the Center for Musculoskeletal Research’s state-of-the-art Biomechanics Lab with the help of Jayne Gavrity. She is a 2015 graduate of our Center for Medical Technology and Innovation master’s program, and is now a research engineer with Smith & Nephew. Read more here about this exciting research.

Another of our engineering alumni, Philip Brune, who double majored in mechanical engineering and history as an undergrad before getting his PhD in mechanical engineering here in 2011, is quoted in the Washington Post about the remarkable staying power of the concrete that the Romans used in their harbors. In fact, the concrete is stronger now than when it was poured 2,000 years ago. Scientists are trying to duplicate it for potential use in barriers that may be needed to protect against rising sea levels caused by climate change. Philip, whose PhD dissertation was on “The mechanics of imperial Roman concrete and the structural design of vaulted monuments,” is now a research scientist at DuPont Pioneer. Read more here.

The late Kevin Thompson, who served as a visiting scientist at The Institute of Optics, has been honored by The Optical Society, which has named a new award in his honor. Kevin was a leading expert in understanding the aberration fields of a new class of nonsymmetric optical systems using freeform optical surfaces. The Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award will recognize contributions to optical engineering, lens design, or metrology at an early career stage. Click here to learn more about the award and OSA’s fundraising campaign.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman