Privileges & Pathways Through an Academic Career in Biomechanics: Appreciation for the 2022 ASME HR Lissner Medal

Let me begin by sharing my deepest appreciation to the ASME for honoring me with the HR Lissner Medal and to the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering for this opportunity to share my personal path through biomechanics. ASME has been an academic home for me since my days as a doctoral student where my PhD advisors, Van C. Mow and W. Michael Lai, first supported my presenting on original research in the poster sessions and student competition of the Winter Annual Meetings. ASME meetings were where I met so many career advisors including Bob Nerem, Shu Chien, Savio Woo, Sheldon Weinbaum, Mort Friedman, Steve Goldstein, and Larry Taber who shared insights and tips to support me in navigating the bio-engineering discipline. Each of these mentors and advisors previously received the HR Lissner Medal and to be added to this community brings me the greatest sense of belonging. As I hope to convey here and as I did in my 2022 talk, I very much share this honor with numerous talented trainees that have led and motivated much of the directions in my own research program. For more than 30 years, I benefited from this collective of individuals who provided energy, innovation, talent and shared wisdom that brings me to where I stand now and is a testament to the importance of mentoring in the community of Lissner Medalists and ASME.