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The 2013 ME Department Michael Korybalski Distinguished Lecture

09/17/2013

Dean Kamen

“Pushing Boundaries, Addressing World Challenges”

Dean Kamen
President and Founder
DEKA Research & Development

Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. From essential medical products, to the Segway® Human Transporter, iBOTTM mobility device and Luke prosthetic arm for wounded warriors, to working to bring clean water and energy to the developing nations, Kamen continually pushes boundaries to create products that have significantly improved countless lives.

Kamen holds more than 440 U.S. and foreign patents and has received many awards for his efforts. Notably, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 2000 and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May 2005. He has been a member of the National Academy of Engineering since 1997.

On October 18th, Kamen discussed his work at DEKA and how his education non-profit, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), teaches students ages 6-18 hands-on robotics programming and encourages them to continually question how they can contribute to the world.

Kamen’s talk attracted close to 400 audiences; he received a standing ovation after given an exceptionally inspiring speech.