Walter Lee Murfee, Ph.D., professor and associate chair for undergraduate studies in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida, has been elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. The honor places Murfee among the top 2% of medical and biological engineers recognized for pioneering contributions to advancing microvascular research through tissue engineering and biomechanics, as well as for his leadership and impact on biomedical engineering education.
Murfee leads the Microvascular Dynamics Laboratory, which focuses on microvascular network growth, studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of microcirculation. His work has profound implications for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His lab integrates tissue engineering, biomechanics, and physiology to develop therapeutic strategies aimed at manipulating the microvasculature for disease treatment.
His research spans three core areas:
- Biomimetic Model Development – Creating models to mimic physiological processes for studying vascular development and disease.
- Basic Science Discovery – Investigating the dynamics of microvascular network growth and dysfunction.
- Cell Therapy Testing – Exploring therapeutic applications to restore vascular function in compromised tissues.
Murfee’s work bridges research silos, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to advance the understanding of microvascular remodeling. His novel tissue culture model for observing cell migration and function during microvascular growth exemplifies this, helping to address the gap between in vitro and in vivo experimentation. His discoveries have reshaped understanding of vascular dynamics, including how lymphatic vessels can transform into blood vessels and how pericytes detach and become other cell types.
Over 20 years, Murfee has collaborated on more than 80 publications across 23 universities, with over 120 conference presentations. His ongoing projects explore lymphatic-blood vessel connections, stem cell fate, and immune-cancer-vascular cell interactions.
In addition to his research, Murfee has had a lasting impact on engineering education. A four-time recipient of his departmental teaching award, he empowers students through active learning and critical thinking. His innovative approaches have improved curricula at both the University of Florida and Tulane University. As Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies, he has reshaped the senior design experience and created more than 20 summer opportunities for students, including a summer internship program that connects students with biomedical engineering research.
Murfee’s contributions to biomedical engineering research, education, and leadership are a testament to his influence on the field. His election to the AIMBE College of Fellows underscores his role in shaping the future of bioengineering and healthcare.