Two UC San Diego Bioengineers Named AIMBE Fellows

Aran, an associate professor in the Shu Chien - Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and in the Department of Medicine, was honored for developing biosensor technologies that bridge biology and electronics, enabling transformative advances in diagnostics, precision medicine, and real-time molecular monitoring. Aran pioneered the CRISPR-chip, the first electronic biosensor that uses CRISPR systems for genetic detection. As the cofounder of several biotechnology companies, Aran’s long-term goal is to translate these sensors into diagnostic and therapeutic tools that advance precision medicine. In addition to her research and translational work, Aran is actively engaged on national and global platforms advancing science and policy dialogues, and was recently elected as a committee member of American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Taylor, a teaching professor in the Shu Chien - Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, was recognized for championing program-level approaches to fostering inclusion in biomedical engineering curricula. Taylor seeks to prepare students to engage in Universal Design, considering accessibility in their design work, and makes experiential learning a cornerstone of bioengineering education, from introductory through capstone courses.