Three Bioengineering Professors inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows
Steven Abramowitch, Aaron Batista, and Julie Phillippi honored in D.C. ceremony
Three Swanson School of Engineering professors were inducted into a prestigious class of fellows this week.
Steven Abramowitch, John A. Swanson professor of bioengineering and associate chair for undergraduate education, Aaron Batista, George M. and Eva M. Bevier professor of bioengineering, and Julie Phillippi, Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Bioengineering, were selected as members of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) 2026 College of Fellows.
Steven Abramowich
Abramowitch was elected for pioneering research integrating biomechanics and clinical translation to transform women's pelvic health, and for advancing diversity in bioengineering. Abramowitch studies pelvic floor biomechanics, focusing on how events like pregnancy, aging, and menopause affect soft tissue structure and function. His lab examines how these changes contribute to pelvic floor disorders and whether current treatments effectively address the underlying issues.
“I don’t think I ever set out to become an AIMBE fellow, but when your peers begin to recognize your work in this way, it’s incredibly validating.” Abramowitch said. “It’s a reminder that you’re part of a much larger community that values and supports this work.”
Aaron Batista
Batista was elected for his contributions to uncovering neural population principles that govern motor learning. His research focuses on brain-computer interfaces that restore autonomy and control for individuals with motor and speech impairments, while also advancing fundamental understanding to inform next-generation improvements. He’s also involved in the Simian Collective, a new group that promotes and advocates for nonhuman primate research in neuroscience.
“I’m tremendously proud of this honor.” Batista said.”I understand that AIMBE members are particularly involved in political advocacy on behalf of bioengineering and medical research, so it will be an honor for me to leverage my AIMBE membership to advocate for the importance of neuroscience and neural engineering research to improve brain health.”
Julie Phillippi
Phillippi is the UPMC Pellegrini Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Associate Professor with Tenure in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. She also serves as Vice Chair for Research, Director of Postdoctoral Research and Co-Program Director of the T32 research training program in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Phillipi leads a research team dedicated to understanding the vasa vasorum in cardiovascular pathologies. The goal of her work is to translate fundamental discoveries in microvascular cell and matrix pathophysiology into novel, minimally-invasive strategies for treating conditions addressed by cardiothoracic surgery.
“Being inducted as an AIMBE Fellow is an honor that upholds accountability in science advocacy.” Phillippi said. “The opportunities to serve alongside this esteemed group of peers is a privilege that I am deeply grateful for and a responsibility that I embrace.”
About AIMBE
Election to the College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers, comprised of the top two percent of engineers in these fields. College membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medicine research, practice, or education and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering or developing/implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.
AIMBE is the authoritative voice and advocate for the value of medical and biological engineering to society. AIMBE’s mission is to recognize excellence, advance public understanding, and accelerate medical and biological innovation. No other organization brings together academic, industry, government, and scientific societies to form a highly influential community advancing medical and biological engineering. AIMBE’s mission drives advocacy initiatives into action on Capitol Hill and beyond.