Discoveries relevant to our brains, which influence and control such a wide range of actions, emotions, and thoughts, have relied on two complimentary approaches: cognitive and behavior studies and brain cell and tissue biology studies. Our research traineeship program utilizing miniature brain machinery, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), combines these two paradigms to train the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce to advance discovery. Our students are recruited from neuroscience, cell and developmental biology, molecular and integrative physiology, chemistry, chemical and biomolecular engineering, bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, and psychology to foster a culture of innovation and translational research, and will significantly impact efforts to understand and control brain activities ongoing at other institutions.
Professor Rashid Bashir has been selected to receive the 2018 Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lecture Award, the premier recognition for outstanding achievements and leadership in the science and practice of biomedical engineering bestowed by the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). He will receive the award at the 2018 fall BMES annual meeting in Atlanta.