Futuristic technology is close at hand at the University as two of its researchers were named to a list of the 100 Top Young Innovators in the world.
Richard Kent, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Shayn Peirce, assistant professor in biomedical engineering, were ranked on a list of 100 individuals under the age of 35 whose work and research hold the potential to dramatically impact technology. The editors of "Technology Review," a magazine from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a group of judges from universities and various industries selected the winners from a pool of more than 500 nominations to represent the brightest minds from throughout the world in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology and computing.
Kent, who teaches in the Department of Emergency Medicine, is researching the concept of "smart" seatbelts and airbags, which receive information during a crash, such as speed and the age, position, weight and size of the passenger, to customize the response of the safety equipment.
Peirce developed computer models that may be able to accelerate the creation of breakthrough medical treatments dealing with tissue growth and repair. Through these models, she has been able to study the process of embryo formation and birth defects. The models also have helped Peirce to study blood vessel growth and formation, and her research in this area could lead to treatments for chronic heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
"I'm hoping that it will kind of get my work out there in the public eye, help me find collaborators who might be interested in working with me and help me recruit students," said Peirce."The next step is to write a grant and get some of my work funded."
Both Kent and Peirce will be honored with the other winners at a conference Sept. 29-30 at MIT, where the Innovator of the Year will be announced.
The winners of this award come from 17 states for a total of 77 U.S. winners.Fourteen foreign countries also are represented, including Israel, South Korea and Australia.
"We certainly have increased our international exposure in the last three years," said Kristen Collins, a spokesperson for "Technology Review."
In the four short years that the magazine has produced its list, this recognition has become one of the most sought-after awards for young innovators and draws international attention as its winners go on to lead the newest wave of technology.
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