Jennifer Wayne, professor in the department of biomedical engineering and mathematics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The society states the award “honors the unusual dedicated voluntary service to the society marked by outstanding performance, demonstrated effective leadership, prolonged and committed service, devotion, enthusiasm and faithfulness.”
This is not the first time Dr. Wayne has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 2019, she became the first woman to receive the H.R. Lissner Medal for signification contributions in bioengineering. She became a fellow of the society in 2007. Throughout her career, she has served on multiple committees for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers including a year as vice chair of the Women’s Networking Group.
Dr. Wayne has been with Virginia Tech since 2019. Prior to her current appointment, she served as the associate chair of biomedical engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University where she led the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory.
“Having known Jennifer for over 35 years, since we met in Dr. Savio Woo’s laboratory in San Diego, California, as well as her passion and dedication to the ASME bioengineering division, I was surprised she hadn’t already received the Dedicated Service Award,” said Karen Ohland, past president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Dr. Wayne is an alumna of Virginia Tech where she earned her bachelor’s degree in engineering science and mechanics. She holds a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as a Ph.D. in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego.