Faculty Directory

Fischell, Robert E.

Fischell, Robert E.

Professor of Practice
Fischell Department of Bioengineering
Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices
Mechanical Engineering
Website(s):

Celebrating Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Engineers

The impact made by APIDA engineers—at the Clark School, and on our country and world—improves our community and field in numerous and significant ways.

Four BIOE Terps Awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Two seniors and two alumni were selected for this prestigious fellowship.

Bill Bentley Awarded AIMBE's Professional Impact Award in Mentoring

Bentley was nominated for this award by AIMBE Fellow and Fischell Department of Bioengineering Chair (BIOE) John Fisher

Sahil Shah Receives NSF CAREER Award

Research Focuses on Brain-Machine Interfaces

Creating the “Internet of Life”

UMD researchers publish new findings in their research to connect biological and electronic systems.

Catherine K. Kuo Named President-Elect of TERMIS Americas Chapter

Kuo is a long-time member of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society.

Xiaoming He Elected to European Academy of Sciences and Arts

BIOE Professor Shawn He was elected to the EASA, recognized for the value of his research, innovation, and impact on a global scale.

Six Clark School Faculty Receive 2024 DURIP Awards

DURIP awards support university research in technical areas of interest to the Department of Defense.

Wang Develops New Battery Technology That Could Lead to Safer, High-Energy Electric Vehicles

Researchers Develop Way to Prevent Damage That Plagues Next-Generation Lithium Batteries

Alumnus Receives National Medal of Technology and Innovation

Biden recognizes Jeong H. Kim for advances in broadband optical systems, data communications, wireless.

A 6-Step Roadmap to Diversify Faculty Hiring in STEM

Two BIOE professors help author a roadmap to diversifying faculty hiring in STEM.

24 Teams Present at BIOE Capstone Competition Including First BCE Students

On May 8, 2023, 24 teams presented novel designs at the BIOE Capstone Design Competition.

Strategic Planning: Developing Our Vision For Our Future

Through our strategic planning process, we will sharpen our focus, communicate our “why,” and develop a clear vision for 2030.

Two UMD Bioengineering Majors Named 2023 Goldwater Scholars

UMD’s 49 scholarships in the past 15 years rank No. 1 in the nation.

Maryland Engineers Wachsman, Zhao elected Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors

Eric Wachsman and Ji-Cheng “JC” Zhao have been named to the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) Class of 2022 Fellows, joining the ranks of some of the nation’s most prestigious and creative academic inventors.

Dropping an anchor for better GI tract disease treatment

UMD's new spring actuator, microneedle innovations bring therapeutic ingestible capsules for GI tract diseases closer to reality.

Cancer in the Crosshairs

UMD bioengineers aim to shape the future of cancer vaccine technology by tuning the body’s immune response.

The Future of Biohybrid Devices

Fischell Institute researchers awarded $1.5M NSF grant to bridge gap between electronics, biology

Jewell Named Associate Editor of Regenerative Medicine

Bioengineering Professor named to Nature Portfolio Journal editorial board.

Developing a Therapeutic to Treat Injured Tendons

Prof. Kuo is leading an effort to develop first-of-kind therapeutics to repair injured or weakened tendons.

UMD Bioengineers Awarded $1M Moore Foundation Grant to Advance Bioelectronic Technology


Researchers use redox to drive two-way communication between electronics and biological systems.

Bioengineering Ph.D. Student Named to Aviation Week’s 20 Twenties

Caitlyn Singam among 20 STEM graduate students worldwide honored for contributions to the aerospace industry.

Ghodssi named to new Clark School research and innovation position

He will lead Clark School research, partnership and outreach activities in Southern Maryland.

Combating Metastatic Cancer Through Blood Draw

University of Maryland bioengineers develop a new technique to efficiently capture, gently release, and effectively scale up circulating tumor cells, a leading culprit in cancer spread.

Jewell Leads Team in Advancing Multiple Sclerosis Research

Bioengineering professor awarded $2.8 million NIH R01 grant for advanced autoimmune therapies.

Jewell Named Controlled Release Society Fellow

BIOE Professor recognized for outstanding contributions to the field of delivery science and technology.

Deadline Extended: Fischell Institute/IBBR Travel Fellowship

This fellowship is available to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working with IBBR/REFI mentors.

NCC-PDI Now Accepting Pediatric Medical Device Pitches

Annual “Make Your Medical Device Pitch for Kids!” competition to award up to $150,000 in FDA-sponsored grants.

Maryland Engineering Graduate Programs: Top 10 Public, Four Years in a Row

Maryland Engineering earns a top spot in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings among over 200 colleges.

Now Accepting 2022 Young Investigator Fellowship Proposals

Deadline for Fischell Institute faculty affiliates to submit young investigator proposals is April 15, 2022.

Fischell Institute Invites New Faculty

The Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices invites new faculty affiliations.

Fischell Institute Featured in Baltimore Sun Cover Story

The Baltimore Sun highlighted ongoing efforts to perfect mask design, research.

Engineering Faculty Selected for New MPower Seed Grant Funding

Four projects jointly led by Maryland Engineering and UMB researchers awarded to advance collaborative research in areas of high importance.

UMD Bioengineers Take New Approach to Engineering Heart Tissue

Professor Shawn He and a team of researchers aim to improve how cardiac muscle tissue is engineered.

Fischell Institute to Test Face Coverings for Children

Fischell Institute testing aims to advance understanding of fit, efficacy of face coverings for children.

Nuclear Energy Pioneer José Reyes Inducted Into IHOF

NuScale co-founder recognized for work in developing Small Modular Reactors (SMR).

Ming Lin, Vincent Njar elected Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors

The pair join nine other NAI Fellows with ties to the Clark School and the University of Maryland.

Maryland Engineering's Chris Jewell Appointed MPower Professor

Bioengineering professor one of eight UMD/UMB professors to receive UMD Strategic Partnership appointment.

Bentley Granted SBE Award for Excellence in Biochemical Engineering

Fischell Institute director and BIOE professor William E. Bentley to be honored by AIChE.

Jewell Named BMES Fellow

BIOE Minta Martin Professor of Engineering Chris Jewell was named to the 2021 BMES Class of Fellows.

Improving Access to Cervical Cancer Diagnostic and Therapeutics Tech

Jenna Mueller is working to improve access for patients in the US and low-and middle income countries.

Three Engineers Among 2021-2022 Distinguished Scholar-Teachers

Abshire, Fisher and Hu honored for outstanding success in scholarly accomplishment and excellence in teaching.

Convocation to Shine Spotlight on Faculty, Staff Accomplishments

Six Clark School faculty and staff will be honored at UMD's 38th annual Convocation on Sept. 15, 2021.

Working to Advance Biobanking

Researchers hope to improve how cells, tissues, and organs are banked for transplantation and other applications.

BIOE Alum's Company Releases Bleeding Management Tech Nationwide

BIOE alum, advisory Board member Matt Dowling is the founder of Medcura, Inc., which commercialized Rapid-Seal

Young Investigator Fellowship Supports "Third Lung" Research

Project members are developing the "Third Lung," a transformative technology for extra-pulmonary respiration.

University of Maryland Engineers Have 3D Printed a Soft Robotic Hand That Can Play Nintendo

Achievement opens the door for new advances in soft robotics.

NCC-PDI to Host Pediatric Device Innovators Forum

This free, virtual event will take place on Thursday, July 22, 2021.

Alum develops bioelectric effect toothbrush

Young Wook Kim's TROMATZ toothbrush improves mouth and gum health.

Scarcelli Named Fischell Institute Young Investigator Fellow

The new program aims to foster collaboration between faculty on UMD's Baltimore and College Park campuses.

Jewell Lab Explores Techniques to Tailor MS Therapy Design

Prof. Chris Jewell and his lab are investigating how the biophysical properties of nanomaterials used in immunotherapies shape treatment outcomes.

Student Researchers Recognized with Wylie Dissertation Fellowships

Fourteen Clark School students pursuing their Ph.D.s in engineering have been awarded Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowships by the University of Maryland Graduate School.

Four Clark School Faculty Receive CAREER Awards

Shelby Bensi, Gregg Duncan, Katrina Groth and Katharina Maisel are recipients of NSF CAREER grants.

He Lab Taps Machine Learning to Improve Cell-Based Medicine

Technology could one day be used to improve stem cell-based therapies as well as treatment options for diabetes and infertility.

Welcoming Applicants for Student Entrepreneurship Fellowship

Open to students graduating from engineering, pharmacy, STEM programs at UMD College Park and Baltimore

On A Mission to Bridge the Global Health Gap

BIOE Assistant Professor Jenna Mueller and her lab are working to improve access to surgery around the world.

The Internet of Bio-Nano Things

Researchers aim to bridge the gap between microelectronics and biological systems to create next-generation wearables.

Now Accepting Medical Device Pitches for NCC-PDI Competition

The National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation is accepting applications through April 19.

Standing with our Asian-American Community

The Clark School community stands united with our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders colleagues.

UMD-Led Research Could Point to New Targets for MS Treatments

Findings show that a novel immunotherapy strategy might one day be used to treat multiple sclerosis patients without leaving them immunocompromised.

Waging War on Metastatic Cancer

BIOE Professor Xiaoming He and his research team take a new approach to understand why cancers spread.

Jewell Named 2021 Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the University of Melbourne

BIOE professor will collaborate on vaccine technologies at Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity 

A New Focus on Light

UMD researchers develop technique to focus light beyond the diffraction limit - a breakthrough for optics

New MS Treatment Approach Taps Skin’s Immune Cells

BIOE postdoc Robert “Smitty” Oakes awarded $600K Veterans Affairs grant for multiple sclerosis research

UMD Launches Biocomputational Engineering Degree Program

New undergraduate degree merges biology, data science, and computer programming

Striking Up an Innovative Idea

Researchers’ Revamped Electronic Home Plate Adds Automation, Accuracy to Game.

Researchers Aim to Sterilize N95 Masks for Reuse

Researchers working around the clock to ease the impact of supply shortages on hospitals, care facilities

2020 Dean's Doctoral Student Research Awards

The competition recognizes distinguished graduate student researchers in order to help propel their careers and demonstrate the value of high-quality engineering research.

Rapidly evolving ‘smart marble’ sensors hold promise for monitoring pharmaceutical industry bioreactors and beyond

Size of the neutrally buoyant bPods has dropped from ‘baseball’ to ‘golf ball’ to ‘cherry’ in just three years.

Scarcelli Applies NSF CAREER Award to Study Embryonic Development

BIOE associate professor to develop imaging technology to study how biological cells grow into complex tissues.

Call for Pediatric Medical Device Pitches Focused on COVID-19

FDA grant and gift from entrepreneur provide $250K in awards

Aerosol Containment Chamber to Make COVID-19 Intubations Safer

Researchers aim to prevent disease spread during endotracheal intubation procedures for COVID-19 patients.

BIOE Capstone Class Virtually Presents 24 Novel Projects

BIOE seniors present Capstone projects and celebrate winners virtually.

UMD Researchers Tap CRISPR Technology to Connect Biology, Electronics

Potential application for complex electronics highlighted in Nature Communications

Researchers Design Mobile COVID-19 Testing Booths

Fischell Institute, Mechanical Engineering researchers designed a rapid deployment COVID-19 testing booth.

BIOE Students & Alumni Named NSF Graduate Research Fellows

Six members of the BIOE community receive the prestigious award this year.

Researchers Develop Rapid Deployment Mask

Fischell Institute designs DIY-style mask with better filtration than cloth masks.

Researchers Work to Develop Custom Conformal N95 Respirators

Researchers are working to address the critical supply of N95 respirators resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.

In Race With Virus, Researchers Speed Development of Medical Equipment

Bioengineers, Terrapin Works producing new respirator and ventilator designs.

NCC-PDI, MedTech Innovator Accepting Pitches for 2020 Competition

Applications are open now for the March 23 first round pitch event.

Institute Hosts AMBIC December Conference, Unveils New Research

AMBIC Industry Board members and other researchers convened to discuss new and ongoing projects.

Accepting Applications for Student Entrepreneurship Fellowship

The Institute is accepting applications for the MPowering the State Student Entrepreneurship Fellowship.

UMD Researchers Develop Technique to Advance Cell-Based Systems

Autonomous coordination of cell subpopulations highlighted in Nature Communications.

Ghodssi Receives Senior Faculty Outstanding Research Award

The award recognizes exceptionally influential research accomplishments by Clark School faculty.

Scarcelli Receives Junior Faculty Outstanding Research Award

BIOE assistant professor recognized for optics research.

Taking Aim at Blood Infections

Researchers develop micro-scale device to analyze bacteria in human blood using single-cell Raman spectrometry

Making “Smart” Cells Smarter

UMD researchers developed a technique to drive teams of bacteria to work together autonomously.

Making “Smart” Cells Smarter

UMD researchers developed a technique to drive teams of bacteria to work together autonomously.

Jewell Named Presidential Early Career Award Recipient

BIOE associate professor and associate chair recognized for immune engineering research and STEM outreach.

Jewell Lab Awarded Two NIH R01 Bioengineering Research Grants

BIOE Associate Professor Christopher Jewell now backed by four active NIH R01 grants.

Examining Microbiology from New Heights

UMD senior working with Fischell Institute to further study of atmospheric microbiology

NCC-PDI awards $50K to Device Innovators

National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation hosts annual pitch competition at the University of Maryland

Clyne, Jewell Inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows

BIOE faculty awarded one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to a medical/biological engineer.

Study Outlines Targeted Treatment Option for Aggressive Breast Cancer

Research team explores nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategy for triple-negative breast cancer.

State and University Officials Celebrate Launch of Biomedical Device Institute

University of Maryland establishes Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices to propel advancements in human health.

FDA Awards $5 Million to Pediatric Device Consortium

National Capital Consortium co-led by Children's National and University of Maryland

Jewell Named AIChE 2018 NSEF Young Investigator, Owens Corning Recipient

BIOE associate professor recognized for research at interface of immunology and engineering.

Bridging the Gap between Microelectronics, Biological Systems

UMD researchers receive $1.5 M NSF grant to develop first-of-kind bioelectronics.

New Findings Demonstrate How the Food We Eat Affects Biochemical Signals in the Gut

Research collaboration sheds light on bacteria response to sugar metabolism

UMD Researchers Point to Future of Engineered Immune Tissues

Jewell Lab review article featured as Nature Materials cover story.

Gemstone Team Investigates New Techniques to Treat Burns

Gemstone Honors group explores biocompatible hydrogel fabrication for use at point of care.

UMD Celebrates Invention of Year Winners, Ventures, and Partnerships at 'Innovate Maryland'

An electric vehicle charger innovation takes home top honors for Invention of Year.

Fischell Institute Now Accepting Fellowship Applications

Clark School seniors encouraged to apply for Student Entrepreneurship Fellowship by Feb. 28.

New microsystems detect, treat bacterial biofilms that cause post-operative infections

'Flexible impedance sensor' can fit inside urinary catheters, monitor and treat biofilms.

Researchers Engineer Bacteria to Hunt Down Pathogens in the Gut

Nature Communications highlights University of Maryland alum’s latest efforts to program E.coli to combat infections.

Government, Industry, Academia Representatives Collaborate to Advance Medical Device Innovation in Maryland

Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, RTI International draw capacity crowd to March 7th event.

BIOE, IBBR Researchers Develop Electrogenetic Device for Activating Gene Expression via Electrodes

System holds promise for study of biological systems, biosensors and bio-hybrid devices.

Bentley Named Distinguished University Professor

Fischell Dept. of Bioengineering founding chair recognized with university's highest academic honor conferred upon faculty.

Four Clark School Professors Named Distinguished University Professor

In 2016, four of the 10 Distinguished University Professors named by the University of Maryland are Clark School professors.

White Named University of Maryland 2016 Faculty Advisor of the Year

BIOE associate chair and director of undergraduate studies honored during 21st Annual Undergraduate Studies Advising Conference.

BioE Capstone 2016: New Projects Focus on Improved Healthcare for Underserved Communities, Pediatric Patients, and More

Affordable RT-PCR for clinical diagnostics, fear mitigation device for pediatric MRIs tie for first place.

Fischell Receives National Medal of Technology and Innovation

UMD Alum, BioE Professor of Practice to Receive White House Honor

University of Maryland Faculty, Alumni Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows

Inductees recognized for prolific spirit of innovation.

BioE Researchers Develop Nano-guided Cell Networks as Conveyors of Molecular Communication

BioE Professor and Founding Chair William Bentley’s research group publishes Nature Communications paper.

Fisher Named Chair of the Fischell Department of Bioengineering

Dr. John P. Fisher to succeed Dr. William E. Bentley as department chair, effective Jan. 4, 2016.

Sensing Drugged Driving: Fischell Researchers Receive SBIR for Roadside Drug Test

Diagnostic anSERS Inc. awarded $150,000 NSF grant to develop paper-based test to identify drivers under the influence of illegal drugs.

A New Era in Human Health Innovation

A. James Clark Hall made possible in part by the generosity of two benefactors.

University of Maryland Breaks Ground for A. James Clark Hall

New building to serve as hub for human health innovation in the state of Maryland

Hu, Leite Named Outstanding Engineer and Scientist of the Year (VIDEO)

Materials Science professors receive awards from the Md. Academy of Sciences and Md. Science Center.

BioE Capstone 2014: New Projects Focus on Cardiological Health, Surgical Tools and More

Students' inventions range from diagnostic devices to accident prevention products.

Regulatory Science Competition Winners Present Concepts to FDA

UMD and UR competition winners present competition concepts to the FDA.

UMD and JHU Students Host Research Fair

University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University bioengineering students joined forces to host the second annual research event.

Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program Awards $4.1 Million to 15 Maryland Industry/Academic Teams to Develop Technology Products

Green technologies, oyster farming, Chesapeake Bay-saving and medical inventions dominate the funding round.

Six graduate students participating in UMD-Trento research exchange

The program is part of a broad partnership between Maryland and Trento, Italy.

White, Kofinas, and Chung Honored at Commencement

Bioengineering faculty and staff receive awards at December 22 ceremony.

Fischell Department of Bioengineering to Host 7th Fischell Festival

Annual event invites everyone to learn more about biomedical engineering.

M-CERSI Day Highlights Regulatory Science

Second annual showcase event held by University of Maryland's Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation.

Bentley Elected ACS Fellow

BioE chair recognized for research and service.

Seven Clark School Students Win NSF Research Fellowships

Students awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowship for excellence in engineering.

Maryland Exchange with Italian University Boosts Research on Artificial Cells

Bioengineering grad student part of international effort to use messages sent by synthetic cells to guide natural cell activity.

Diagnostic anSERS Takes 3rd and UMD Prize at Cupid's Cup Finals

Startup wins $10,000, plans to scale up manufacturing.

Diagnostic anSERS Heads to Cupid's Cup Finals

Printed sensors team to vie for $70,000 in April.

Rubloff Co-Authors Major DoE Report on Emerging Energy Technologies

Publication focuses on opportunities in mesoscale science.

Diagnostic anSERS Pitches Dingman...and Wins!

BioE startup company wins funding for paper-based sensor product.

Choi Named 2012 Fischell Fellow

Bioengineering graduate student studies imaging, simulations.

Tackling Head Injuries

Bioengineering team has created device that could prevent concussions.

FDA Leaders, Industry Call for Major Strides in Regulatory Science at UM CERSI Day

Over 150 government, industry, academic representatives attend new center's showcase event.

UM $75K Business Plan Competition Winners Announced

Clark School teams win alumni category, Warren Citrin Social Impact Award.

Trento Funds Collaborative International Projects

Partnership will support joint research in solar power, cell-based systems and ultra low-power systems.

Preventing Costly, Life-Threatening Catheter Infections

Deutsch Foundation-sponsored Clark School research offers multi-pronged attack on major medical problem.

Bacteria Programmed to Re-Create UMD Logo

Feat part of larger body of Clark School research into preventing infections.

FDA Awards UM a New Center for Regulatory Science

Center will pilot ways universities can help improve how drugs and medical devices are evaluated.

Professors Recognized for Exemplary Scholarship, Research

Bentley, Payne receive USM Regents' Awards for nano-bio device work.

Fischell Shows Students How to Succeed in Biomedical Device Design

Inventor discusses new technology, entrepreneurship, personal philosophy.

Engineers Re-Tool for Growing BioE Market

New flexible master's program offers working professionals entrance to high-demand discipline.

BioE Hosts Teachers in NSF-Sponsored Program

Summer workshop will improve K-12 engineering, math education.

2010 Fischell Festival Recap, Video Now Online

Watch surgery and learn about entrepreneurship, senior design projects, and research.

UM $75K Biz Plan Competition Winners Announced

Speech software from Clark School's Espy-Wilson wins top prize, Citrin Award.

Fischell to Speak Thursday

Biomedical device inventor, Clark School benefactor to deliver entrepreneurial lecture.

Fischell Festival Video Now Online

See seminars, lectures, surgery, design projects, and more!

And $75K in Prizes Goes to…

High-capacity battery, Third World micro-power grids, other business plan winners.

Bioengineering Holds 3rd Annual Fischell Festival

Guests see endoscopic cardiothoracic procedure; 2009 Fischell Fellow announced.

Sweet Named 2009 Fischell Fellow

BioE grad student developing oral chemotherapy drug delivery system.

Fischell, Alumni to Be Honored

Gala to recognize bioengineering benefactor, Chan-Mo Park and Anh Duong.

"Nano-Velcro" Wins at Bioscience Day

New biomaterial designed to stop bleeding.

UM $50K Business Plan Competition Winners Announced

Six winners were selected from eight finalist teams.

Ghodssi Named Herbert Rabin Distinguished Professor

Reza Ghodssi is recognized for sustained and influential scientific and scholarly work.

Alumnus, Inventor, Benefactor...Opera Singer?

Fischell to appear in Pirates of Penzance.

Dandin Named 2008 Fischell Fellow

BioE grad student to develop fast, portable biosensor.

New Bioengineering Wing Unveiled

$7.6M, 7,400-square-foot addition to Kim Building serves as new department home.

New Advance in Biochip Research

Microfactories for drug research are one step closer to reality.

You're Invited: Fischell Festival April 10-11

Event to highlight advances in medical imaging, new bioengineering wing.

Company to Utilize Kofinas's, Janiak's Technology

Link Plus BioTech, Inc. also names Kofinas CTO.

Deutsch Named Professor of the Practice

RWD Technologies founder recognized for career, support of USM.

Greer Receives NSF Funding for Ethics Courses

Program expands training for students, faculty in engineering and sciences.

Bentley Named Fischell Distinguished Professor

Professorship, part of Fischell endowment, recognizes scientific and scholarly work.

You're Invited: May 3 Fischell Festival

Event to highlight how engineers can improve life for millions of people.

Fischell Addresses Freshman in "Dialogue"

Bioengineering benefactor lectures on "Engineering for Humanity, Fun and Profit."

Prestigious NAE Induction for Griffin, Baecher

Michael Griffin and Gregory Baecher receive National Academy of Engineering honor.

Kim Building to Expand for Bioengineering

Kim Building addition will house the new Fischell bioengineering program.

Improving Life for Millions of People

Clark School benefactor Robert E. Fischell and his family have donated $31 million to establish a bioengineering department and create an institute for biomedical devices.

Clark School Accomplishments in Fall 2002

A list of Clark school accomplishments for Fall 2002, with an introduction by Dean Nariman Farvardin.

Clark School Accomplishments Spring 2002

A list of Clark school accomplishments for Spring 2002

Dr. Robert E. Fischell to be twentieth inductee to the Innovation Hall of Fame.

Dr. Robert E. Fischell, a prolific inventor with nearly 200 U.S. and international patents in his name, will be the twentieth inductee to the Innovation Hall of Fame.

National Academy of Engineering (NAE)