August 31, 2009 | UW Bioengineering

Suzie H. Pun was named holder of the Robert F. Rushmer Term Professorship effective Sept. 16, according to an announcement by Matthew O’Donnell, Dean of the College of Engineering.

Pun is an assistant professor of Bioengineering who works on gene and drug delivery systems. She will hold the professorship through Sept. 15, 2012.

“Dr. Pun’s academic career shows brilliant promise, resulting in significant, new NIH funding, and a dynamic and productive lab group,” O’Donnell said. “She is an excellent role model, highly regarded by her colleagues, and has a strong publication record in respected international journals.

The professorship honors the founder of the UW Center for Bioengineering, which became the Department of Bioengineering. He was a pioneer in ultrasound and cardiology and a strong advocate of collaboration between physicians and engineers. Among his many accomplishments was the development of the transcutaneous ultrasonic flow monitor, used to measure and image blood vessels and noninvasively determine blood stream velocity. Rushmer died in July 2001.

Pun is the second holder of the professorship and was nominated by its first holder, Paul Yager, Chair of Bioengineering.