Dean Alissa Park of the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has announced the appointment of Professor Dino Di Carlo as the new Chair of the Bioengineering department, effective July 1, 2024. Professor Di Carlo brings with him a wealth of expertise and a distinguished academic career that promises to further elevate UCLA’s leadership in the field of bioengineering.

Dr. Di Carlo, holds the Armond and Elena Hairapetian  Endowed Chair and serves as Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCLA.He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering and has made significant contributions to the field, developing microfluidic technologies that are incorporated into clinical diagnostics, such as the first rapid test to detect sepsis early, as well as other life science tools. He is an author on >190 peer-reviewed articles and an inventor on >70 issued patents in the U.S. and across the world. He has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed upon young scientists and engineers. He also has served in business leadership roles. He co-founded several companies in the life sciences industry and continues to serve on the board of directors of many of these companies, as well as a scientific advisor and mentor to startups. Professor Di Carlo earned his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley and joined the faculty at UCLA in 2008. 

In addition to his scholarly and professional achievements, Dr. Di Carlo is known for his leadership in interdisciplinary research and education. He has served as the Vice Chair of Graduate Student Affairs in the Bioengineering department since 2016. He has been actively involved in fostering collaborations across departments and institutions at UCLA – bridging engineering and medicine and, enhancing the impact of bioengineering on healthcare and biotechnology.

As Chair, Professor Di Carlo will oversee the department’s strategic initiatives, academic programs, and research endeavors. His leadership is expected to further strengthen UCLA’s position as a leader in bioengineering, driving groundbreaking discoveries and translating research into practical solutions that address global health challenges.

“I am honored and excited to take on this new role,” said Professor Di Carlo. “UCLA Bioengineering has a strong tradition of innovation, translation and collaboration with our clinical and industrial partners, and I look forward to working with our talented faculty, students, and staff to build upon our successes and create a future where bioengineering continues to make a profound impact on society.”

Please join us in congratulating Professor Dino Di Carlo on his appointment as Chair of the UCLA Bioengineering department. His leadership is sure to inspire and drive the department to new heights of achievement and excellence.

For more information, visit UCLA Bioengineering.