Ajiboye named new chair of Biomedical Engineering Department
A. Bolu Ajiboye, PhD, the Allen H. and Constance T. Ford Professor in Biomedical Engineering, has been named chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME)—a uniquely interdisciplinary department that’s part of both Case School of Engineering and the School of Medicine.
“I am truly honored to serve as the new chair of BME,” he shared. “Under former Chair Robert Kirsch and previous department chairs, CWRU has become one of the preeminent places in the world for biomedical research and education. I am enthusiastic for the opportunity to lead and support our world-class faculty to continue establishing BME as a global leader of biomedical engineering innovation and translational medicine, as the standard-bearer for undergraduate and graduate education for preparing the next generation of engineers, scientists and clinicians to lead in solving the most challenging problems of human health, and as a uniting anchor of the medical research community across the many institutions of Northeast Ohio.”
Ajiboye is a leader in designing technological breakthroughs that improve health outcomes and quality of life. His main research focus is helping individuals who have experienced severely debilitating injuries to the nervous system, such as spinal cord injury and stroke. His work centers on developing brain-computer interface (BCI) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) technologies that restore function after paralysis by reconnecting the hand and arm to the brain, specifically creating neurotechnology systems that allow for upper-limb movement and sense of touch in people living with tetraplegia.
Building on this research-driven perspective, Ajiboye sees the department’s interdisciplinary structure as a powerful catalyst for future impact. “As a joint department between the Schools of Medicine and Engineering, BME is uniquely positioned for growth and to make real-world impact in the rapidly evolving landscape at the intersections between technology, health and education,” he said. “I look forward to fostering a deeply supportive academic and research culture that maximizes opportunities for all in our community, including students, staff and faculty, to continue to succeed and proudly represent CWRU BME.”
Ajiboye earned a dual Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, with a minor in computer science, from Duke University in 2000. He then went on to get his master’s and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University in 2003 and 2008, respectively.
Last year, Ajiboye, who is also a principal investigator at the Cleveland FES Center, won the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers—the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers.
Robert Kirsch, PhD, who is stepping down as the department’s chair to take on a new role as a research cluster lead for the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building’s Neurotechnology Cluster, reflected on the passing of the torch. “As I conclude my term as chair, I could not be more confident in the future of our department under Bolu Ajiboye’s leadership,” he said. “Bolu is a prominent researcher, a proven and widely recognized leader, an excellent teacher and a prolific mentor whose impact is already deeply felt across the biomedical engineering community. His vision and guidance will further elevate the excellence of our educational programs and empower our renowned faculty to continue innovating and ‘engineering better health.’”
