Dr. Baowei Fei, a distinguished bioengineer at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), an honor that represents the top 2 percent of individuals in medical and biological engineering.

Dr. Baowei Fei

“It is my honor being part of one of Texas’ fastest growing bioengineering departments,” said Fei, the Cecil H. and Ida Green Chair in Systems Biology Science in the Department of Bioengineering. “This kind of national recognition reflects well on the entire Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. I am so grateful for all the support.”

Fei, who also is a professor in the Department of Radiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, was elected for his transformative research in medical imaging and impact on cancer care. His work in quantitative imaging and image-guided intervention allows physicians to more precisely pinpoint cancer cells for earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to better patient care and survival rates.

The College of Fellows comprises more than 2,000 outstanding medical and biological engineers in academia, industry and government, including engineering and medical school chairs, research directors, professors, innovators and successful entrepreneurs.

“Dr. Baowei Fei’s election as a fellow in AIMBE is driven by his distinctive and impactful research toward cancer treatment,” said Dr. Joseph J. Pancrazio, vice president for research at UT Dallas and professor of bioengineering, who was inducted as an AIMBE fellow in 2011. “The reputation of UTD’s bioengineering department has been growing substantially over the last several years, and Dr. Fei is a shining example of the clinical impact that can be achieved at the intersection of engineering, computer science and biomedicine.”

“Dr. Baowei Fei’s election as a fellow in AIMBE is driven by his distinctive and impactful research toward cancer treatment. The reputation of UTD’s bioengineering department has been growing substantially over the last several years, and Dr. Fei is a shining example of the clinical impact that can be achieved at the intersection of engineering, computer science and biomedicine.”

Dr. Joseph J. Pancrazio, vice president for research at UT Dallas

Fei’s work benefits medicine specifically in the areas of cancers of the prostate, head and neck, and heart disease. His group developed a technology system called molecular imaging directed, 3D ultrasound-guided biopsy, which improved upon 2D systems by allowing for earlier detection of potentially cancerous cells in the prostate. The technology is compatible with Fei’s larger goal: to support personalized precision medicine and customization of health care to the individual patient.

“Precision medicine is the tailoring of medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. The approach relies on our understanding of how a person’s unique molecular and genetic profile makes them susceptible to certain diseases,” Fei said.

Imaging technology is considered a leading advancement in personalized medicine.

“By quantifying the size and activity of cellular, molecular and metabolic happenings, we can better distinguish tissue that is normal from malignancy in an accurate, precise and consistent manner. With new imaging technology, we can then detect cancer early, before the disease progresses. It can also improve quality of life, lower health care costs and save lives,” he said.

Dr. Poras T. Balsara, interim dean of the Jonsson School, said Fei’s reputation for collegiality matches his research prowess.

“His courteousness and humility in his daily interactions and eagerness to mentor junior faculty members and students will enable him to find success and stand out even in the most competitive environments,” Balsara said.

Fei was formally inducted during a ceremony at AIMBE’s annual meeting in March in Washington, D.C. He joined UT Dallas in April 2018.

About AIMBE Fellows

Since the inception of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), more than 2,000 individuals have been inducted to AIMBE’s College of Fellows. The College of Fellows consists of clinicians, industry professionals, academics and scientists who have distinguished themselves through their contributions in research, industrial practice and/or education. They include:

  • Two Nobel Prize recipients.
  • 10 Presidential Medal of Science recipients.
  • Nine Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation recipients.
  • 158 members of the National Academy of Engineering.
  • 72 members of the National Academy of Medicine.
  • 31 members of the National Academy of Sciences.