Posted on July 15, 2024 by Katrina Kehoe

Dr. Abu-Lail announced as chair of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Department

Dr. Abu-Lail announced as chair of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Department

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design is proud to announce Dr. Nehal Abu-Lail's appointment as the new chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering (BECE). Abu-Lail, a leader in the higher education community, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. 

Abu-Lail's contributions to the fields of biomedical engineering and chemical engineering are widely recognized. The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) inducted her into its College of Fellows, a testament to her groundbreaking work in the cellular and molecular profiling of bacteria and chondrocytes. Her innovative research has significantly advanced our understanding of these areas, highlighting her dedication to scientific excellence and her impact on the broader scientific community. 

“Dr. Abu-Lail is committed to serving chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and engineering education at UTSA,” Klesse College Dean Eric Brey said. “She is dedicated to supporting our students, faculty, and staff. I am excited to work with her, and the department is in a great position under her leadership as chair.” 

In addition to her research accomplishments, Abu-Lail is a celebrated leader in academic administration. Her appointment as the BECE chair is a significant milestone for Klesse College, promising a new era of innovation, collaboration, and academic achievement. Abu-Lail's dedication to education and mentorship has also been recognized by the University of Texas System, where she was recently honored with a Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award. This accolade reflects her commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. 

“I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering,” Abu-Lail said. ”With excellent dedicated faculty and staff, I have no doubt that we will grow our program numbers and expenditures, provide quality education to all our students, and serve the scientific community and the public.” 

The UTSA community is excited to move forward under the direction of Abu-Lail in this role and looks forward to the transformative impact she will have on Klesse College. Her vision, experience, and leadership will support the department’s continued excellence in research, education, and community engagement.

— Katrina Kehoe

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ABOUT BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 
 
The Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design is home to diverse programs in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and engineering education. With 29 faculty members and over $5.2 million in annual research expenditures, it has been among the fastest-growing engineering programs in the nation over the past five years. The department offers B.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, M.S. degrees in Engineering Education, Biomedical Engineering, and Biomedical Technology Commercialization, and Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. The Biomedical Engineering program holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked engineering program at UTSA and has been instrumental in UTSA achieving R1 and NRUF status.