The University of Florida Research Foundation has named Dr. Jon Dobson, professor in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, a University of Florida Research Foundation Professor for 2017-2020.

The recognition went to just 34 UF faculty campus-wide who were deemed to have “a distinguished current record of research and a strong research agenda that is likely to lead to continuing distinction in their fields.”

Dobson’s research focuses on biomedical applications of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles. His group has developed novel technologies for 1) magnetic targeting and remote activation of cell signaling pathways for cell engineering and stem cell therapy; 2) magnetic nanoparticle-based gene transfection delivery; and 3) magnetic targeting of modified cell carriers for cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. In addition, he has also led a multi-national research program developing novel imaging and characterization techniques to quantify, characterize and map iron compounds related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Dobson also received the UF Term Professorship in 2017. This recognition is for excellence in teaching, research and service recommended by their college deans based on nominations from their department chairs and reviewed by the College Honors and Awards Committee.

Dobson will be recognized by the UF Office of Research at an event this fall.