Geoffrey Ling

American neurologist and medical innovator

Geoffrey S. F. Ling is an American neurologist and a prominent figure in the field of medical research and innovation. He is known for his work in neuroscience, traumatic brain injury, and the development of advanced prosthetics.

Early life and education

Geoffrey Ling was born in the United States. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. He then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine, obtaining his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Ling furthered his education by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in pharmacology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Career

Military service

Dr. Geoffrey Ling at DARPA

Geoffrey Ling served as a United States Army colonel and was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq as a neurologist. During his military service, he focused on treating soldiers with traumatic brain injuries and other neurological conditions. His experiences in the field significantly influenced his later work in medical research and innovation.

DARPA and prosthetics development

Ling is perhaps best known for his role at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he served as the founding director of the Biological Technologies Office. At DARPA, he led the development of the Revolutionizing Prosthetics program, which aimed to create advanced prosthetic limbs for amputees. This program resulted in the development of the DEKA Arm System, a highly advanced prosthetic arm that offers users a greater range of motion and control.

Geoffrey Ling demonstrating an artificial arm

Academic and research contributions

In addition to his work at DARPA, Ling has held academic positions at several institutions, including the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. His research has focused on neurotrauma, particularly traumatic brain injury, and he has published extensively on these topics.

Entrepreneurship

After his tenure at DARPA, Ling co-founded several companies focused on medical technology and innovation. These ventures aim to translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions for patients, particularly in the areas of brain health and prosthetics.

Awards and recognition

Geoffrey Ling has received numerous awards for his contributions to medicine and military service. His work has been recognized by various professional organizations, and he is considered a leading expert in the field of neurotrauma and prosthetics development.

Related pages

• Neuroscience
• Traumatic brain injury
• Prosthetics
• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency