UAlbany Faculty Inducted to American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering College of Fellows

Three women smile for a photo, standing against a backdrop printed with the name “AIMBE” in purple, with a collection of science-related words in very faint print. To their left is a pull-up poster that says “AIMBE American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering”. The woman on the left is wearing a black blazer and slacks. The woman in the center is wearing an orange top with black cardigan. The woman on the right is wearing black square rimmed glasses and a polka dot blouse under a black blazer.
From left: Professor Melinda Larsen, Dean Michele Grimm, Professor Yubing Xie. (Photo provided)

By Erin Frick 

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 3, 2025) — University at Albany’s Melinda Larsen, Williams-Raycheff Professor and chair of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Yubing Xie, professor of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and associate dean of the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE), are among the newest members of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. This designation recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medicine research, practice or education, and is one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers.

Larsen, with expertise in salivary gland development biology and regenerative engineering, and Xie, with expertise in stem cell technology and tissue engineering, have collaborated on multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 projects supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for more than six years. In the process, they have trained multiple graduate and undergraduate students together with CNSE Professor Susan Sharfstein, many of whom are women or are under-resourced in science and engineering. 

Larsen and Xie were inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows at a ceremony held in Arlington, Virginia earlier this week. They join CNSE Dean Michele Grimm, who has been a member of the AIMBE College of Fellows since 2018.

“AIMBE recognizes approximately the top 2% of biomedical engineers in the U.S. based on their past accomplishments,” said Grimm. “But election as a Fellow is not simply an honorific to note on a CV; it brings an expectation that Fellows will remain engaged with the public along with elected and appointed leaders. That engagement and subsequent advocacy focuses on the message that support for biomedical research and education — including medical and biological engineering — is key to continuing the identification, development and implementation of new solutions that improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of individuals across the U.S. and the globe. 

“I am excited that Drs. Larsen and Xie have joined me as Fellows in AIMBE. This is a testament to the impact of their work and a great reflection on UAlbany.”

Meet the AIMBE Fellows

Melinda Larsen 

Melinda Larsen’s research investigates the cellular processes underlying tissue formation and repair, with the goal to advance regenerative medicine strategies. Larsen was inducted for her work on translating understanding of the salivary gland microenvironment into bioengineered solutions to reverse pathologies leading to hyposalivation disorders.

Three women smile for a photo. They are standing against a purple-lit backdrop printed with the name “AIMBE” (in purple) as well as a collection of science-related words in very faint print. The woman at left is wearing rimless glasses, a tan blazer and a black dress. The woman in the center is wearing a gray blazer and black slacks and is holding a certificate. The woman at right is wearing a red blazer and glasses with black circular rims.
From left: Jessica Zhang, chair, AIMBE College of Fellows; Professor Melinda Larsen; Lola Eniola-Adefeso, AIMBE president. (Photo courtesy of AIMBE)

“This award is a tremendous honor, especially as I have not been trained as an engineer,” said Larsen, who is also part of the RNA Institute. “This award should not just be to me, but to all of the engineers that I have collaborated with over the years, primarily CNSE’s James Castracane, Yubing Xie and Susan Sharfstein, as well as Danielle Benoit, who is now at the University of Oregon, and all of the graduate students who have worked with us on our joint projects over the years. I'm happy that Dr. Xie and I were inducted together in the same ceremony.”

“Dr. Larsen’s innovative research program strongly embodies our mission to conduct research for the common good,” said Jeanette Altarriba, professor of psychology and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Selection as a Fellow underscores what we in the College have known for quite some time — that Dr. Larsen is a pioneering scientist and a shining example of the level of rigor and sustained research efforts that characterize our many departments and propels our institution to ever higher levels of achievement.”

Yubing Xie

Yubing Xie's research interfaces between stem cell biology and nanotechnology. Her lab focuses on understanding stem cell behaviors and developing stem cell-based platforms for disease modeling, tissue regeneration, therapeutic screening and drug development. Xie was inducted for her work addressing critical challenges in fibrotic tissue regeneration, her service to the biomedical profession and for inspiring women and under-resourced students. 

Three women smile for a photo. They are standing against a purple-lit backdrop printed with the name “AIMBE” (in purple) as well as a collection of science-related words in very faint print. The woman at left is wearing rimless glasses, a tan blazer and a black dress. The woman in the center is wearing a black blazer and black square rimmed glasses and is holding a certificate. The woman at right is wearing a red blazer and glasses with black circular rims.
From left: Jessica Zhang, chair, AIMBE College of Fellows; Professor Yubing Xie; Lola Eniola-Adefeso, AIMBE president. (Photo courtesy of AIMBE)

“It is my great pleasure and honor to be inducted to AIMBE College of Fellows together with my long-term collaborator, friend and role model, Professor Larsen,” said Xie. “First, I would like to express my gratitude to Dean Grimm. Without her nomination and steadfast support, I would not have become an elected AIMBE Fellow. I also extend heartfelt thanks to my students and collaborators for their outstanding contributions and dedication, and to my family for their unwavering support. Becoming an AIMBE Fellow is a significant milestone that empowers me to conduct more impactful work on research, education and public engagement.”

“Professor Xie has been working across the boundaries of nanotechnology, engineering, biology and physiology to advance our ability to create tissue structures in the lab that can be used to understand disease processes and, eventually, treat these diseases or injuries,” said Grimm. “Not only has she collaborated within the broad scope of the Department of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, but she has also developed important collaborations with basic science and clinical researchers to expand the lens through which these challenges are tackled, and solutions are translated, towards use in patients. 

“Dr. Xie exemplifies the mission of the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering — science in service to society — and we are very proud of her past and future contributions.”