The Department of Medical Engineering at the °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ is proud to announce that two of its distinguished faculty members—Drs. Robert Frisina and Richard Heller—have been recognized by the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ (ASEMFL) for their outstanding contributions to science and innovation.
Professor Robert Frisina, an internationally recognized leader in auditory neuroscience and aging research, received the ASEMFL Research Accomplishment Award. This honor highlights his groundbreaking work in understanding age-related hearing loss and developing new strategies for treatments and prevention. His research has not only advanced the field of biomedical sciences but also has had real-world impact on improving the quality of life for aging populations.
Professor Richard Heller was awarded the ASEMFL Innovation Award, recognizing his pioneering research in electrogenetherapy—a method that uses electrical pulses to deliver genes and drugs directly into cells. His work has broad implications for cancer treatments and genetic medicine, and continues to influence the development of non-viral gene therapies.
These prestigious awards from ASEMFL underscore the strength and depth of research in the USF Medical Engineering department. Both Drs. Heller and Frisina exemplify our department’s commitment to translational, interdisciplinary science that addresses pressing healthcare challenges. Their recognition by one of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½â€™s leading scientific and research academies affirms USF’s growing impact in biomedical innovation at both the state and national levels.