Peter B. Lillehoj, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, has been elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). ASME is the largest professional organization for mechanical engineers in the US with over 70,000 members.
Fellow aspirants are nominated by ASME Fellows and members. Fellow status is awarded by the ASME Committee of Past Presidents to nominees who have made exceptional engineering contributions.
Lillehoj was recognized for his work in developing novel microfluidic technologies and biological microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS)—miniaturized devices that integrate biology with micro- and nanotechnology for medical diagnostics and global health applications. He has pioneered several innovative platforms, including mobile phone-enabled biosensors, embroidered wearable sensors, and interstitial fluid-based diagnostics. His research has led to improvements in the diagnosis and prognosis of infectious and neglected tropical diseases and expanded the use of interstitial fluid for diagnostic testing.
Lillehoj has received several prestigious awards for his contributions, including an NSF CAREER Award, IEEE New Innovator in NANOMED Award, Wellcome Trust Innovator Award, two Grand Challenges Explorations grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Withrow Distinguished Junior Scholar Award.
"I am deeply honored to be elected as a Fellow of ASME,” said Lillehoj, who also holds a Shankle Chair in Mechanical Engineering at Rice. “I am very thankful to my current and past lab members as well as outstanding collaborators with whom I've had the privilege of working throughout my career."