This Engineers’ Week, we recognize Dr. Nicholas Sears, an outstanding instructional professor at Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine. He epitomizes ingenuity and dedication in engineering medicine, with expertise in 3D printing, device design, bioreactors, and robotics. Dr. Sears has made significant contributions to academia and research, leaving a lasting impact in both fields.
Dr. Sears is an instructional assistant professor in Texas A&M’s trailblazing Multidisciplinary Engineering department. He has had the privilege of helping establish and form the Engineering Medicine (EnMed) program for half a decade. This pioneering initiative merges engineering and medicine, promoting a new wave of professionals – physicianeers armed with the expertise to drive healthcare forward through innovative breakthroughs.
Dr. Sears’ contributions to the EnMed program are nothing short of groundbreaking. With a high commitment to excellence, he has played a role in crafting a curriculum that seamlessly integrates medical knowledge with cutting-edge engineering technology and design principles. This blended approach empowers students to tackle real-world challenges in healthcare with creativity and precision, setting the stage for innovative breakthroughs in medical device development.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Sears’ impact reverberates through his outstanding research endeavors. At the forefront of topics such as tissue engineering, biomanufacturing, microfluidics, and biodegradable polymers, he has spearheaded innovative projects that push the needle forward. Notably, his postdoctoral work on embolic foam devices has garnered widespread acclaim, culminating in FDA clearance through the spinoff company Shape Memory Medical. This remarkable achievement highlights Dr. Sears’ ability to translate cutting-edge research into tangible solutions that enhance patient care and safety.
Among his professional accolades, Dr. Sears remains grounded in his passion for innovation and exploration. A true polymath, he enjoys tinkering with home automation and indulging his fascination with astronomy. Dr. Sears showcases his curiosity and creativity by crafting custom home automation devices for his theater and workshop to building his very own telescope using 3D printing technology.
In the words of his favorite quote by Steve Jobs, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Dr. Sears exemplifies this ethos in every aspect of his career. His passion for innovation fuels his pursuit of excellence; as he continues to push the boundaries of possibility and shape the future of engineering, medicine, and innovation, Dr. Sears stands as a perfect example of what can be accomplished through passion, dedication, and a physicianeering spirit.
