Dan Stoianovici

Dan Stoianovici is a Professor of Urology, Mechanical Engineering, and Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Urology Robotics Program (URobotics) and holds additional appointments as Professor of Oncology and Professor of Neurological Surgery. His academic career at Johns Hopkins began in 1997 following completion of his fellowship in urology research at the institution.

Dr. Stoianovici earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics from the National College Fratii Buzesti in Romania and completed his Ph.D. at Southern Methodist University. His educational background bridges mathematics, physics, and engineering, forming the foundation for his interdisciplinary work in medical robotics.

His research focuses on designing, manufacturing, and controlling robots for direct image-guided intervention (DIGI), with particular emphasis on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. He has pioneered numerous robotic systems including the Ball Worm transmission, PneuStep pneumatic stepper motor, and MrBot - a fully actuated MRI-stealth robot. His work bridges engineering innovation with clinical urological applications, developing technologies that enable precise biopsies and therapies through image-guided robotics.

An analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on MRI-compatible robotics, ultrasound-guided interventions, and precision needle placement systems. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, radiology, and urology departments, with particular emphasis on overcoming technical challenges in creating medical devices that function within imaging environments.

• Outstanding Paper Award, Engineering and Urology Society (2012, 2010)
• Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Award (2012, 2007)
• Best Paper Award, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics (2008)
• David H. Koch Award for Treatments and Cure of Recurrent Prostate Cancer (2006)
• Research Award, Prostate Cancer Foundation (2006)
• Technology Fellowship Award for Mentorship, Teaching, and Education (2005)

Dr. Stoianovici serves on editorial boards for multiple journals including Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies and Journal of Robotics. His URobotics Program, established in 1996, functions as an integrated, multi-disciplinary team collaborating with radiology departments and international research groups. The lab's unique combination of engineering expertise and clinical application, coupled with specialized manufacturing capabilities, enables rapid prototyping and development of advanced medical robotics solutions.