Martine LaBerge, chair of the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson and executive director of the Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus, or CUBEInC, in Greenville, is one of the newest Fellows in the Biomedical Engineering Society, an honor recognizing her for exceptional achievements and experience in biomedical engineering.
LaBerge was elected Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society. She is among 165 Fellows in the society, which was founded in 1968 and now has more than 7,000 members. LaBerge said that she was honored.
“It represents years of dedication and is a result of recognizing bioengineering as a profession,” she said. “It shows that Clemson internationally is a major contributor to the field in education, research and economic development.
“I accept this award on behalf of the department and faculty. Nobody can do it by themselves. It’s a teamwork approach. My contribution is incremental in our mission.”
LaBerge has served as the major advisor of 70 Ph.D. and master’s students and has managed a research program of more than $14 million. Twenty new full-time tenure track positions were secured through her leadership.
She has brought to her department four endowed chairs, supervised the construction of two new buildings and developed CUBEInC. LaBerge also developed the South Carolina Translational Medical Technology Program. Additionally, she has received several honors and awards, including the South Carolina Governor’s Award for Scientific Awareness and the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) Spotlight Award.
She was inducted as Fellow, Biomaterials Science and Engineering by the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering.
LaBerge has served as president of the Society For Biomaterials and received its Inaugural Service Award. She is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and served as the secretary-treasurer of the institute’s Academic Council. She is a board member of the Clemson University Research Foundation and SCBIO.
LaBerge has also been of service to the Biomedical Engineering Society, including a three-year term as board director. She has served as chair of the society’s Membership Committee and chair of the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee. LaBerge is the current chair of the Council of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Departments.
Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, congratulated LaBerge on being elected Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society.
“Dr. LaBerge’s election shows the level of dedication, hard work and leadership that she brings to her department and the college,” he said. “She is a key to educating bioengineering students, supporting bioengineering faculty and accelerating economic development in bioengineering-related industries. This is a richly deserved honor.”
LaBerge said she wanted to share the department’s mission, which is printed on cards and given to students:
“The department’s mission is to educate and prepare students for professional careers in bioengineering for global competitiveness and to develop and disseminate bioengineering knowledge through research and engagement in economic development to advance health
innovation and biotechnology in alignment with Clemson’s land-grant mission.”
Paul Alongi
