UW Bioengineering celebrates the selection of Amy Orsborn and Elizabeth Wayne to the inaugural cohort of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Emerging Leaders Program. Their inclusion highlights their groundbreaking research, commitment to advancing medical and biological engineering and potential to lead innovation in the field.
AIMBE announced the 17 Emerging Leaders as part of a new initiative designed to increase diversity in the field, recognize outstanding rising leaders and create pathways for future members of AIMBE’s College of Fellows. The honorees will be formally recognized at AIMBE’s Annual Meeting, held March 29–31, 2025, where they will engage in mentorship with current Fellows and network with a community of innovators.
Elizabeth Wayne, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
Elizabeth (Liz) Wayne is an expert in immunoengineering, translational research, drug and gene delivery and biomaterials. Her research focuses on leveraging immune cells to combat disease, repurposing these cells to deliver treatments for conditions such as cancer and other immune-related disorders. Her innovative approach bridges engineering and biology to create tools that harness the power of the immune system for therapeutic advancements.
Amy Orsborn, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering
Amy Orsborn specializes in developing brain-machine interfaces to restore, replace and augment nervous system function, particularly for individuals with movement disorders. Her work uses engineering techniques to leverage neural plasticity for more effective interfaces and applies these tools to study the mechanisms of neural learning. By improving brain-machine interfaces, Orsborn is working to provide better therapeutic options for patients and enhance our understanding of the nervous system.
As part of AIMBE’s Emerging Leaders Program, Wayne and Orsborn will engage with a national community of leaders dedicated to advancing biomedical research and ensuring inclusivity in medical and biological engineering. Their achievements reflect Bioengineering’s commitment to tackling the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges through innovative research.
About AIMBE
Since 1991, AIMBE has been a leading voice in medical and biological engineering, uniting academia, industry, government and scientific societies to drive innovation and advocate for societal benefit. The Emerging Leaders Program underscores AIMBE’s dedication to advancing equity, fostering diverse leadership and supporting transformative contributions to the field.
Learn more about the program and the other members of the inaugural cohort.