Gilda Barabino

{{jpg-image} Gilda Barabino is an esteemed biomedical engineer and academic leader known for her significant contributions to tissue engineering, sickle cell disease research, and diversity in engineering education. She has held several prominent positions in academia and professional societies, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in the STEM fields.

Early Life and Education

Gilda Barabino was born in Louisiana, where she developed an early interest in science and mathematics. She pursued her undergraduate degree in chemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically black college known for its strong pre-med program. After completing her bachelor's degree, Barabino went on to earn a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Rice University, focusing on sickle cell disease. Her doctoral work laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to biomedical research and education.

Career

Barabino's career spans several prestigious academic and administrative roles. She started as a faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University, where she developed a research program in sickle cell disease. Her work has been instrumental in understanding the biomechanical and biochemical pathways involved in this genetic disorder. Later, Barabino served as the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, where she furthered her research in tissue engineering and sickle cell disease. Her leadership in this role was marked by efforts to improve graduate education and increase diversity among students and faculty. In 2013, Barabino became the Dean of the Grove School of Engineering at The City College of New York, where she has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in engineering. Under her leadership, the school has seen significant growth in research funding, academic programs, and initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented students in engineering.

Research and Impact

Barabino's research has made significant contributions to the fields of tissue engineering and sickle cell disease. Her work on the biomechanics of sickle cell blood cells has provided insights into the disease's progression and potential therapeutic approaches. Additionally, her research in tissue engineering focuses on creating biomimetic environments for studying disease mechanisms and tissue regeneration. Beyond her scientific contributions, Barabino is a leading voice in promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM. She has developed programs and policies to support underrepresented minorities and women in engineering and science, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation.

Professional Service

Barabino has been actively involved in several professional societies, including the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), where she served as President. She has also been a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), contributing to national discussions on engineering education and diversity.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Gilda Barabino has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to engineering and science. These include the AIMBE Fellow Award, the Biomedical Engineering Society Diversity Award, and election to the National Academy of Engineering.

Conclusion

Gilda Barabino's career is a testament to the impact of combining scientific excellence with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM. Her work in biomedical engineering and as an academic leader continues to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists.

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