Institute Honors Richard A. Nazarian.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Richard A. Nazarian, MS, has been elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering in Washington, D.C.

He was nominated and elected by The College of Fellows for outstanding achievements in medical and biological engineering. A formal induction ceremony will be held during the Institute's Annual Event in Washington, D.C. on March 2 to induct the 98 new members.

The College of Fellows leads the way in technological advancement, advocating for public policies that facilitate further progress and preparing young scientists and engineers to build on that progress in the decades to come. Over the years, AIMBE Fellows have helped to revolutionize medicine, engineering and related fields that enhance and extend the lives of people all over the world. Counting several Nobel Prize winners among them, their work also helps protect the environment, leads to new national security safeguards and contributes to a better society in many other ways.

With Fellows in every U.S. state - and in nations around the world - the College includes the heads of engineering and medical schools at major universities, along with some of the most respected professors and researchers at those institutions. Within academia, AIMBE Fellows are regularly recognized for their contributions in both teaching and research. Fellows are members of the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences. AIMBE Fellows also can be found outside the field of engineering, working in clinical settings, and in government and industry.

Rich Nazarian has worked in the medical device development field for over 20 years. He began as an engineer leading product development efforts for implantable artificial heart electronic systems, cardiopulmonary bypass systems, laser imaging systems, and other medical and industrial devices for 3M Company. In 1996 he founded Minnetronix, a medical device design and manufacturing company, with Jon Pierce and Dirk Smith. Since then he has worked as its President and CEO, and has continued to be a leader in the development of new and innovative medical devices. These include diverse instruments ranging from cancer treatment systems to heart-lung machines, nerve growth stimulators, and ventricular assist devices.

AIMBE (www.aimbe.org) was founded in 1991 to establish a clear and comprehensive identity for the field of medical and biological engineering - which is the bridge between the principles of engineering science and practice, and the problems and issues of biological and medical science and practice. Representing over 75,000 bioengineers, AIMBE serves and coordinates a broad constituency of medical and biological scientists and practitioners, scientific and engineering societies, academic departments and industries. AIMBE membership includes 1,000 peer-reviewed Fellows, 18 scientific and professional societies through its Council of Societies, 88 universities through its Academic Council and 9 industrial corporations through its Industrial Council.