NEW YORK, June 30, 2008 -- Noshir A. Langrana, Ph.D., P.E., a resident of Windsor, N.J., and chair and professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, was honored by ASME for significant contributions to the growth of bioengineering and to the mission of ASME’s Bioengineering Division; and for work on spinal biomechanics, particularly the design and development of an artificial disc. He received ASME’s H.R. Lissner Medal.
The medal, established in 1977, is presented for outstanding accomplishments in the area of bioengineering. The award was presented to Langrana during the Summer Bioengineering Conference, which was held on Marcos Island, Fla., June 25 through 29.
Langrana joined Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in 1976. Initially an assistant professor in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering, he served as associate professor (1982-87), professor (1987-2005), undergraduate director of the mechanical and aerospace engineering program (1989-98) and the first Mary W. Raisler distinguished teaching chair professor (2001-04); since 2005 he is professor II. In the department of biomedical engineering Langrana served as professor (2001-05) and is now professor II and department chair. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor in the department of orthopedics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, where he previously served as adjunct associate professor (1985-95).
Langrana is internationally recognized for his work on spinal biomechanics, particularly on an artificial disc. His group’s spinal disc prosthesis studies demonstrated that it is possible to design and develop a functional artificial disc prosthesis that can provide stability and motion within the spinal structure. Their comprehensive and thorough biomechanical investigations on a spinal implant has resulted in a large body of new knowledge on polymeric material design, animal spine model properties, similarities and differences to the human spine, analysis of the spine disc and motion segment.
He has published eight book chapters, four edited conference proceedings, more than 75 archival journal articles and over 200 articles in conference proceedings. Langrana is associate editor of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine’s publication SPINE since 1993; and associate editor of the North American Spine Society’s The Spine Journal (TSJ) and ASME’s Journal of Biomechanical Engineering since July 2000 and January 2006, respectively. He holds six patents with one pending.
An ASME Fellow, Langrana has been active in both the Bioengineering Division (BED) and the Design Engineering Division (DED). As a member of the BED since 1984, he has served on award and conference committees, as editor and on the BED executive board, including the position of chair (2000-01). He is conference chair for the 2009 Summer Bioengineering Conference. His DED activities include service as chair of the Design Theory and Methodology Committee (1990-92, 1992-94).
Langrana received his bachelor’s degree, with honors, at the University of Bombay, India, in 1968. He earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Cornell University, Ithaca, in 1971 and 1975, respectively. He is a registered professional engineer in New Jersey.
Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.
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