Dr. Lance Black is a passionate and innovative leader who brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Senior Associate Dean of Innovation and Strategic Projects at Texas A&M’s School of Engineering Medicine (EnMed). With expertise in medical device development, digital health, and healthcare innovation, he has developed over 25 medical devices and contributed to more than 30 patents. His advancements in groundbreaking technologies for the medical market solidified his reputation as an innovation leader.
Black’s background goes beyond medical innovation. His expertise, which includes family and flight medicine, is further enriched by his service in the U.S. Air Force. While serving in Kyrgyzstan he was the chief medical officer, led rapid-response medical teams for F-22 pilots and was responsible for conducting high-stakes medical operations in challenging environments. His Air Force experience included rigorous centrifuge training, enduring 9 Gs, and the unique opportunity to ride in the backseat of fighter jets—experiences that enhanced his ability to handle high-pressure situations and think quickly.
Black earned a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering from Louisiana State University, a master’s in biomedical innovation and development from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He completed his medical degree from LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans. Prior to joining EnMed, he served as the associate director at the Texas Medical Center Innovation Institute and held a leadership position at the Global Center for Medical Innovation.
He is also the founder and former chief medical officer of XN Health. In his downtime, he enjoys science fiction novels, with favorites including Atlas Shrugged, Ready Player One, and Time’s Arrow.
Black’s playful side comes out in his love for his beagle, Jersey, who weighs an unusual 65 lbs—far exceeding the breed’s typical 25 lbs frame! To celebrate Jersey’s surprising DNA test results, confirming he is indeed 100% beagle, Black even hosted a “breed reveal” party.
As he joins the EnMed community, Black lives by his favorite quote from Ayn Rand: “Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swamps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all.”
