Christine Schmidt, a UF distinguished professor, was honored Sunday among some of the country's most notable engineers when she was formally inducted into the 2024 class of the National Academy of Engineering. The prestigious recognition celebrates her more than 25 years of improving lives through neural tissue engineering and wound healing.
The induction ceremony, which was held during the National Academy of Engineering's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., welcomed 114 newly elected members and 21 international members. Election to the NAE is among the highest professional distinctions bestowed on an engineer, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research and private industry and who have pioneered new and developing fields of technology.
Schmidt, the Pruitt Family Endowed Chair in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, focuses her research on creating novel materials and therapeutic systems aimed at wound healing and rebuilding peripheral and spinal nerves damaged by injuries.
Notably, her work forms the foundation for two products used today: the Avance Nerve Repair graft produced by Axogen and the VersaWrap graft from her startup company, Alafair Biosciences. Through her pioneering efforts, she has changed the landscape of nerve repair, benefiting tens of thousands of patients.
"Dr. Schmidt has forged a path toward nerve regeneration and wound healing that is already having a remarkable impact on injured soldiers, car accident victims and cancer patients," said Forrest Masters, Ph.D., interim dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. "We are proud to be her colleagues and congratulate her on this tremendous accomplishment."
In addition to recognizing her groundbreaking research, the NAE emphasized Schmidt's contributions to diversifying bioengineering, stating her work in that area has had a "significant impact on the scientific community."
"Dr. Schmidt's leadership in promoting inclusivity, engagement, and mentorship has resulted in more voices contributing to the field," said Cherie Stabler, Ph.D., professor and department chair in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering. "I am honored to congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition."
Schmidt came to UF from the University of Texas at Austin in 2013 to lead the Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering. She served as department chair for over 10 years before stepping down in 2023. Under her leadership, the department expanded interdisciplinary research and education, developed opportunities for translating engineering discoveries to biomedical applications, and launched initiatives that increased its impact and visibility across the country.
She said she was deeply honored and humbled to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering and shared credit with colleagues and students.
"This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of my incredible team, collaborators, and students, as well as the supportive environment at the University of Florida," she said. "It is a privilege to contribute to the advancement of biomedical engineering, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to push the boundaries of science and innovation."
