Professor Jonathan Rocheleau has been named the inaugural Percy Edward Hart Professor in Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering. He is one of seven faculty members from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering to receive Hart Professorships.
The Percy Edward Hart and Erwin Edward Hart Professorships were created by a landmark bequest from the estate of alumnus Erwin Edward Hart (CivE 4T0). The seven professors are all within the first 10 years of their careers and have demonstrated a high level of research excellence and exemplary graduate student mentorship.
Professor Rocheleau received his PhD from Western University and was a research assistant professor at Vanderbilt University before joining IBBME in 2008. His research focuses on new tools and techniques to study the biochemical mechanisms that underpin human cell function. These tools include organ-on-a-chip technology, advanced molecular imaging in living tissues, as well as the design of fluorescent molecular probes to measure the metabolic functioning of cells under the microscope. By gaining a better understanding of what goes wrong in diseases such as diabetes or cancer, Rocheleau’s work can help usher in more effective treatments. Rocheleau currently serves as the associate director of research in IBBME.
“Our inaugural Hart Professors exemplify the richness and diversity of research and education across our Faculty,” said Cristina Amon, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “They are addressing society’s most relevant challenges, from sustainable energy to human health, while nurturing the next generation of global engineering leaders.”
—With files from Tyler Irving, Engineering Strategic Communications