BioE's Chris Jewell Named Outstanding Young Engineer

immunomodulation

The Maryland Science Center and the Maryland Academy of Sciences have named Clark School Fischell Department of Bioengineering (BioE) Assistant Professor Christopher M. Jewell the state's 2013 Outstanding Young Engineer. He will be presented with the award's Allan C. Davis medal and a cash prize at a reception on November 20.

Jewell, who received his Ph.D. in chemical and biological engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2008, specializes in "immunomodulation," an emerging field of study that explores directing the body's immune system to target a specific disease. His research group focuses on using biomaterials and nanotechnology to improve the delivery of drugs and vaccines. Understanding how and why biomaterials interact with different types of immune cells could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders such as type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The title of Outstanding Young Engineer, one of the Maryland's highest professional honors, is awarded to engineers who have pioneered and implemented new approaches to solve difficult problems. Candidates must be Maryland residents; demonstrate vision, technical excellence and leadership; and have overcome challenges or obstacles to their work in order to have a positive impact on people.

Established in 1988, the OYE award is sponsored by the Maryland Academy of Sciences and conferred by the Maryland Science Center. According to the Science Center's web site, the award, given in honor of the Science Center's past Chairman of the Board and planetarium founder Allan C. Davis, was created "to encourage the important work of young scientists and engineers residing in the State of Maryland and increase public awareness of their accomplishments."

"Chris' concepts in vaccine development and immunotherapy are sure to impact our lives as his ideas move from the lab into clinical practice," says BioE Professor and Chair William E. Bentley. "We are building a cadre of very motivated professors in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering, and Chris embodies the spirit and talent that is a distinguishing feature of our programs."

Jewell's efforts have previously been recognized by USA Today, which profiled him in its 2012 "New Faces of Engineering" feature during National Engineers Week, and by the Controlled Release Society, which honored him with a T. Nagai Postdoctoral Achievement Award in 2011.

For More Information:

Visit Professor Jewell's web site

Published November 11, 2013