June 3, 2008
Christine E. Schmidt, biomedical engineering professor, received the first Chairmen’s Distinguished Life Sciences Award, along with $25,000, from the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for her work with nerve grafting. Her cadaver nerve implanting method which overcomes a patient’s natural rejection of transplants has been successful in all 100-plus patients receiving the implants in more than 50-plus hospitals in the United States. Schmidt’s other research on nerve regeneration using advanced biomaterials was also highlighted in the award announcement. This prestigious national award is given to a scientist or engineer who is making or has recently made a significant and positive contribution toward development of a “cutting edge” innovation in the field of life sciences.
About the Cockrell School of Engineering:
The Cockrell School ranks among the top ten engineering programs in the United States and aspires to move into the top five. With the nation's fourth highest number of faculty members elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the Cockrell School's more than 7,000 students work with many of the world's finest engineering educators and researchers. This environment prepares graduates to become engineering leaders and innovators working for the betterment of society.