The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) proudly announces the induction of Caroline Cao, Ph.D., Professor of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering and Director of Applied Health Technology Initiatives in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, into its prestigious College of Fellows. This honor is bestowed upon the top two percent of engineers in the medical and biological engineering fields and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to research, practice or education within these domains.
Professor Cao’s election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is a testament to her pioneering contributions to medical technology, particularly in the area of minimally invasive surgery. Her international leadership in translational research and commitment to patient safety have significantly advanced the field, making her a standout figure among her peers.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by AIMBE alongside such esteemed colleagues. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medical and biological engineering and to improve patient outcomes through innovative technologies. My vision for the future of healthcare is one where patients from anywhere in the world can access quality care, delivered via effective technology, by competent care providers.”
Professor Cao will join 171 other distinguished colleagues in the Class of 2025, representing a diverse group of professionals from academia, industry, clinical practice, and government across more than 30 countries.
AIMBE Fellows include some of the most respected leaders in the field, including four Nobel Prize laureates and 27 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Science and/or Technology and Innovation. Among the AIMBE Fellows, 233 have been inducted into the National Academy of Engineering, 120 into the National Academy of Medicine, and 51 into the National Academy of Sciences. This esteemed community works collaboratively to advance the field of medical and biological engineering, advocating for its value to society.
Professor Cao’s induction into the AIMBE College of Fellows not only honors her exceptional work but also highlights the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's commitment to fostering innovation in engineering and healthcare. Her contributions continue to shape the future of medical technology, paving the way for advancements that enhance patient care and safety.
Caroline Cao is a Professor in the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering and Director of Applied Health Technology Initiatives for the Grainger College of Engineering. She is cross-appointed in the Carle Illinois College of Medicine as the Director of Engineering Innovation & Medical Simulation, Director of the Jump Simulation Center Urbana, and Health Innovation Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. Her research interests include Human Factors Engineering of medical devices and systems, XR simulation for medical skills and empathy training, haptics and sensory augmentation for remote manipulation and shape tracking for remote visualization and navigation.