NEW YORK, July 1, 2008 -- Dr. Scott L. Delp, a resident of Stanford, Calif., and Charles Lee Powell professor of bioengineering and mechanical engineering at Stanford University, has been honored by ASME. He was recognized for developing the world’s most widely used musculoskeletal simulation software, improving surgeries used to treat movement disorders and inventing core technology used in image-guided surgery systems; and for mentoring young scholars and serving as the founding chairman of Stanford University’s department of bioengineering. He received the Society’s Van C. Mow Medal.
The medal, established in 2004, recognizes significant contributions to the field of bioengineering through research, education, professional development, leadership in the development of the profession, as a mentor to young bioengineers, and service to the bioengineering community. It was presented to Delp during the Summer Bioengineering Conference, held on Marcos Island, Fla., June 25 through 29.
Delp joined the faculty at Stanford University in 1999 as an associate professor in the department of mechanical engineering. He served as chairman of the biomechanical engineering division in the mechanical engineering department (2000-02) and in 2002 became the founding chairman of the bioengineering department.
Among his previous experience, Delp was assistant/associate professor at Northwestern University in Evanston and Chicago, Ill. (1991-96) and worked in Hewlett Packard’s graphics workstation division (Fort Collins, Colo.) prior to pursuing graduate studies at Stanford University.
Delp’s work draws on computational mechanics, biomedical imaging and neuromuscular biology to improve treatments for individuals with physical disabilities. He led the development of a software system that enables modeling and simulation of complex human and animal movements; this software is now used at hundreds of research centers around the world. Computer models that he and his colleagues developed have helped provide a scientific basis to better treat movement disorders resulting from osteoarthritis, cerebral palsy and stroke.
He is one of the pioneers of computer-assisted surgery, inventing and patenting core technology used in orthopaedic surgical navigation. This surgical navigation technology holds great promise for improving the accuracy and outcomes of joint replacement and other orthopaedic procedures.
An exceptional mentor and teacher, Delp’s past doctoral students occupy faculty and leadership positions at leading universities and research institutions, and have been recognized with numerous honors and awards.
Delp has published over 200 scientific articles and conference papers. He serves on the editorial boards of four international scientific journals and is currently a reviewer for eight publications.
An ASME member, Delp has served as ad hoc session organizer and session chair for various Summer Bioengineering Conferences.
Delp graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, in 1983. He earned his master’s degree and his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Stanford University in 1986 and 1990, respectively.
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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