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Being named the Chair of the Society for Biological Engineering (SBE) is an incredible honor and an opportunity to help shape the future of our field. SBE has played a crucial role in fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among biological engineers, and I am committed to ensuring that this tradition continues to flourish. As we look ahead, we must maintain the core strengths of SBE while also embracing new opportunities for growth and impact.
As I follow the brilliant leadership of SBE’s founders and previous chairs (D.I.C. Wang, Greg Stephanopoulos, and Georges Belfort) during my tenure, certain aspects of SBE will remain unchanged: through SBE’s numerous conferences, we will continue to cultivate a vibrant biological engineering community, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinarity and engagement. Our members are at the heart of SBE’s mission, and by maintaining strong connections with them, we ensure that our organization remains responsive and relevant. Additionally, we will persist in highlighting the impact of biological engineering not only within our professional community but also in broader society. Our goal is to make SBE an indispensable resource for knowledge, networking, and professional development.
One of my primary objectives as Chair is to ensure that SBE continues to provide the most compelling programming and conferences for our stakeholders. Our events have long been recognized for their high-quality content and networking opportunities, and I intend to build on this strong foundation. By continually refining our conference offerings and seeking input from our community, we can enhance the value that SBE delivers to its members.
At the same time, it is imperative that we remain agile and forward-thinking. We must constantly seek ways to improve and reshape our offerings, ensuring that they evolve in response to emerging trends and technological advancements. Maximizing our relevance to all stakeholders will require a dynamic approach, one that embraces new ideas and adapts to the changing landscape of biological engineering.
Enhancements and future directions
As we look to the future, I see several key areas where we can enhance SBE’s impact and reach:
- Increase social media engagement: Social media platforms such as LinkedIn and X/Twitter offer powerful tools for engaging with our community, sharing research developments, and amplifying SBE’s presence. Expanding our footprint on these platforms will help us connect with a wider audience and create more opportunities for interaction and knowledge sharing. Join the SBE LinkedIn community.
- Expand awareness of SBE’s work: It is essential that we actively communicate the value of biological engineering and SBE’s contributions to the field. By increasing outreach efforts, we can ensure that our work is recognized by industry leaders, policymakers, and the public. More visibility will lead to stronger collaborations and greater support for our initiatives.
- Engage with government agencies: Biological engineering plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as sustainability, healthcare, and biotechnology innovation. By fostering stronger connections with government agencies, SBE can contribute to shaping policies and directing resources toward critical areas of research. Topics like the circular bioeconomy and sustainability are of increasing importance, and we must ensure that SBE has a voice in these discussions.
- Launch an educational program for high school students: The future of biological engineering depends on inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. I propose the launch of a program aimed at introducing high school teachers and students to biological engineering through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to real-world applications using platforms such as SBE’s recently launched June Wispelwey Fellowship in Bio Leadership. By nurturing young talent, we can create a pipeline of future innovators who will drive progress in the field.
Looking ahead
I am optimistic about the future of SBE and the broader biological engineering community. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we can build on our existing strengths while embracing new opportunities for growth. Through strategic initiatives, enhanced engagement, and a forward-thinking approach, I am confident that SBE will continue to be a leader in the field, making meaningful contributions to both science and society. I look forward to working alongside our members to achieve these ambitious goals and to shaping a brighter future for biological engineering.
Learn more about The Society of Biological Engineering (SBE)