Blenner, Rooney and Epps accorded one of the highest distinctions for medical and biological engineers
University of Delaware College of Engineering faculty members Mark Blenner and Sarah Rooney have been named fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). UD Engineering Advisory Council member and alumna Jean “Jeannie” Epps is also among the new fellows. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows ranks among the highest professional honors in medical and biological engineering and is reserved for the top 2% of engineers in the field.
Blenner, Thomas and Kipp Gutshall Career Development Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, was nominated and elected by his peers “for outstanding contributions to synthetic biology applied to sustainable biomanufacturing.” The Blenner Lab focuses on engineering biology to solve problems in sustainability, human health, national defense and space exploration. His team develops synthetic biology innovations to enable efficient production and high performance. They are most recently focused on solving biological systems design problems that slow or prevent innovation from scaling up and making it to the market.
“AIMBE fellowship status not only acknowledges excellence in medical and biological engineering but requires a strong commitment to professional service and advocacy,” said Blenner. “I am honored to be recognized for both technical accomplishments and being an active ambassador for the field. Now more than ever, scientists and engineers need to engage effectively with the public and policy makers.”
Rooney, associate professor and associate chair of undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering, was recognized “for outstanding contributions to biomedical engineering education through innovative leadership, inclusive community building, and transformative professional society service.” As a teaching-focused faculty member, Rooney uses evidence-based methods to enhance learning in biomedical engineering. She also advances inclusive education and professional development in the field.
“This tremendous honor is a reflection of how the field has grown to embrace the contributions of teaching-focused faculty. I hope to use the AIMBE platform to help advocate for workforce development in biomedical engineering and, more generally, in the STEM disciplines,” she said.
Epps, who currently serves as director of materials science and testing in product development at Terumo Medical Corporation, was elected “for pioneering contributions to medical device design and innovation, along with biomedical engineering education and clinical partnership.” She received her doctorate in materials science and engineering from UD in 2003, served as an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University from 2013 to 2018, and was named to the college’s advisory council in 2025.
“My graduate work at UD introduced me to research that bridges fundamental science and clinical application, sparking a lasting passion for biomaterials and medical devices,” said Epps. “Within this supportive environment, I was challenged to look beyond the bench and leverage my drive to connect with people to solve complex problems.”
Blenner, Rooney and Epps were inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows Class of 2026 during a formal ceremony on April 13 at the AIMBE Annual Event in Arlington, Virginia.