Rena Bizios

Rena Bizios is the Lutcher Brown Endowed Distinguished University Chair Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio's Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. Her distinguished career spans decades in advancing biomaterials science and engineering education.

Education

• B.S. Chemical Engineering, Cum Laude, University of Massachusetts
• M.S. Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology
• Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dr. Bizios' research focuses on cellular interactions with biomaterials to develop innovative medical devices and regenerative therapies. Her pioneering work in biomaterials surface modification and tissue engineering has established foundational principles for biocompatibility assessment and cellular response prediction, significantly influencing regenerative medicine applications. She integrates engineering principles with biological sciences to create solutions for clinical challenges in wound healing, orthopedics, and cardiovascular implants.

Scientific Awards and Honors

• National Academy of Medicine (2015)
• Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (2016)
• International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering (2019)
• National Academy of Inventors (2019)
• Academy of Athens, Greece (2020)
• National Academy of Engineering (2022)
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2022)
• Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (1999)
• International Fellow, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (2000)
• Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society (2005)
• Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2010)
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010)
• Outstanding Alumna in Engineering Award, Society of Women Engineers (1985)
• Rensselaer Alumni Association Teaching Award (1997)
• Clemson Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Literature, Society for Biomaterials (1998)
• Distinguished Scientist Award, Houston Society for Engineering in Medicine and Biology (2009)
• Women’s Initiatives Mentorship Excellence Award, The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2010)
• Founders Award, Society for Biomaterials (2014)
• Theo C. Pilkington Outstanding Educator Award, Biomedical Engineering Division, American Society for Engineering Education (2014)
• Amber Award, The UTSA Ambassadors (2014)
• AIMBE Excellence in STEM Education Award, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2018)
• Excellence in Biomaterials Science Award, The Surfaces in Biomaterials Foundation (2019)
• Distinguished Alumna in Chemical Engineering Award, College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts (2020)
• Innovation in Healthcare and Bioscience Award, BioMed SA (2020)
• William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement, Sigma Xi (2022)
• Margaret H. Rousseau Pioneer Award for Lifetime Achievement by a Woman Chemical Engineer, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2022)

Dr. Bizios has demonstrated exceptional leadership through mentorship recognized by the Women's Initiatives Mentorship Excellence Award and the AIMBE Excellence in STEM Education Award. Her service includes extensive involvement with the Society for Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering Society, and American Institute of Chemical Engineers, where she has shaped educational standards and promoted diversity in engineering. While specific grant details are not provided in the source text, her academy memberships and major awards reflect sustained funding and impact in biomaterials research.