Kainerstorfer inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the induction of Jana Kainerstorfer, professor of biomedical engineering, to its College of Fellows.

Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers, comprised of the top two percent of engineers in these fields. College membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medicine research, practice, or education and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering or developing/implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.

Kainerstorfer was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows “for impactful contributions to translational near-infrared and diffuse correlation spectroscopy and leadership within the biomedical optics community.”

"Becoming an AIMBE Fellow is the highest honor in biomedical engineering,” said Keith Cook, department head and professor of biomedical engineering. “It indicates that one is a leader in the field. We’re excited to see Jana being honored for both her research and outstanding service to optics and photonics professional societies, as well as CMU biomedical engineering.”

A formal induction ceremony was held during the AIMBE Annual Event at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia on April 13, 2026. Kainerstorfer was inducted along with 175 colleagues who make up the AIMBE College of Fellows Class of 2026.

We’re excited to see Jana being honored for both her research and outstanding service to optics and photonics professional societies, as well as CMU biomedical engineering.

Keith Cook, Department head and professor , Biomedical Engineering

While most AIMBE Fellows hail from the United States, the College of Fellows has inducted Fellows representing more than 35 countries. AIMBE Fellows are employed in academia, industry, clinical practice, and government.

AIMBE Fellows are among the most distinguished medical and biological engineers including four Nobel Prize laureates and 27 Presidential Medal of Science and/or Technology and Innovation awardees. Additionally, 248 Fellows have been inducted to the National Academy of Engineering, 120 inducted to the National Academy of Medicine, and 56 inducted to the National Academy of Sciences.