University Professor Molly Shoichet (ChemE, IBBME) has been elected as a Foreign Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE). She is one of two U of T professors and one of four Canadians inducted to the academy this year.
Founded in 1964, the NAE provides engineering leadership in service to the United States and globally. Members of the NAE rank among the world’s most accomplished engineers.
An internationally recognized expert in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Shoichet holds the Canada Research Chair in Tissue Engineering. Her research focuses on using stem cells, biocompatible polymers and lab-grown tissues to develop new treatments for cancer, blindness, stroke and other degenerative conditions. Her research has resulted more than 400 papers, 32 patents and three spin-off companies.
Shoichet is the only person to be elected a fellow of Canada’s three national academies: the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and an International Fellow of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. In 2015 she was named the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science North American laureate and listed as one of Chatelaine Magazine’s Women of the Year.
In 2014, Shoichet was appointed senior advisor on science and engineering engagement to U of T President Meric Gertler. Among her many science outreach activities, she founded the groundbreaking initiative Research2Reality, which uses digital media to engage and educate the public on the cutting-edge research performed in Canada. Shoichet received the 2015 Fleming Medal and Citation from the Royal Canadian Institute in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the public understanding of science.
“Professor Shoichet and Professor Hinton are both exceptional researchers, working across disciplines to develop innovative solutions with global impact. They are also dedicated educators and inspiring ambassadors for science and engineering” said Cristina Amon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “On behalf of the Faculty, I congratulate them on this richly deserved honour.”