Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Wheeler, emeritus professor, in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering for receiving the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), one of the world’s largest professional societies in bioengineering. This award is given annually to an individual “For outstanding service and contributions to the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.” Scientific contributions and academic achievements are major criteria for the award, which represents the highest honor for the society to recognize one of its 10,000+ members each year.

Dr. Wheeler’s research interests lie in the application of electrical engineering methodologies to neuroscience. His work influenced the development of neural spike sorting technologies and demonstrated that microelectrode array recording from brain slices was possible and productive. His work aims at basic science understanding of the behavior of small populations of neurons, in hopes of creating a better insight into the functioning of the brain.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community to innovate for a better tomorrow through its highly-cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.

Former UF BME 2014-2015 Leadership Seminar Speaker, Dr. Maryellen L. Giger, also won an award. Dr. Maryellen L. Giger, A.N. Pritzker Professor of Radiology and the College vice-chair for basic science research, at the University of Chicago received the Academic Career Achievement Award from the IEEE EMBS, “For outstanding and pioneering contributions to computer-aided diagnosis.”

Each award recipient will receive a certificate, an honorarium and reimbursement for travel expenses associated with attending the EMBS Awards Presentation at the 38th Annual International Conference of the Society. The 2016 conference will be held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Aug. 16 – 20, 2016.

Congratulations, Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Giger!