April 11, 2023
By Chloe Arrington

Susan Thomas, Woodruff Professor and associate professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, has been inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows.  

Induction by the AIMBE into the College is a recognition of contributions in teaching, research, and innovation. Inductees are those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medical research or education as well as the innovation of new and developing technology to advance traditional medical and biological engineering.  

Thomas was nominated and accepted for her work in lymphatic drug delivery technology and research into biotransport in cancer bioengineering and immunoengineering. This research focuses on the role of biological transport phenomena in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Her laboratory specializes in incorporating mechanics with cell engineering, biochemistry, biomaterials, and immunology to explain the role mechanical forces play in regulating seemingly unrelated aspects of tumor progression and developing novel immunotherapeutics to treat cancer. 

Thomas joined Georgia Tech in 2011 as an assistant professor. Previously, she was a Whitaker postdoctoral scholar at École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne, one of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology. She has received several awards and distinctions including the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program Concept Award in 2009, the Rita Schaffer Young Investigator Award in 2013, and a Biomaterials Award for Young Investigator in 2022. 

A formal induction ceremony was held during the AIMBE Annual Event at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia on March 27. Thomas was inducted along with 140 colleagues who make up the AIMBE College of Fellows Class of 2023. 

About AIMBE 

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., representing the most accomplished individuals in the fields of medical and biological engineering. Their mission includes advocating and providing service to the public via medical and biological engineering, to contribute to public policy advancing medical and biological engineering, to inspire future field leaders, promote multi-disciplinary cooperation and to recognize and honor achievements and contributions to the field of medical and biological engineering.