On May 9th, 2016, Albert P. Pisano, Dean of the Jacobs School of Engineering, Professor, and Walter J. Zable Chair University of California San Diego, gave the 2016 Korybalski lecture titled “Engineering as a Force for the Public Good.” Watch the lecture below.
In his presentation, a vision of engineering as a force for the public good was shared. This vision starts with a unique view of how engineering fits into a major research university, and then considers a myriad of ways that engineers make a difference in the world. This difference arises from a number of contributions starting with the technology engineers develop and following through to the innovation and entrepreneurial efforts that derive from engineering.
A self-described technology polymath, Albert P. Pisano’s research is driven by a passion for developing, mastering and advancing technologies to solve problems. He is a co-inventor listed on more than 20 patents in Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and has co- authored more than 300 archival publications. He is the co-founder of ten start-up companies in the areas of transdermal drug delivery, transvascular drug delivery, sensorized catheters, MEMS manufacturing equipment, MEMS RF devices and MEMS motion sensors. In 2008, he was named one of the 100 Notable People by Medical Development and Diagnostic Industry Magazine and in 2001 was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to the design, fabrication, commercialization, and educational aspects of MEMS. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and an awardee of the Thomas Egleston Medal for Distinguished Engineering Achievement by notable alumni of Columbia University.
Pisano’s lecture was a part of the annual lectureship endowed by U-M ME alum Michael Korybalski, chair of the ME External Advisory Board and former chief executive officer of Mechanical Dynamics. The lectureship was created as a means to bring high profile, inspiring speakers to the U-M community to help promote the impact of engineers on large societal problems, including energy and environment, health and quality of life, national security and disaster prevention.