Carl Nelson, professor of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, one of the highest honors in the medical and biological engineering community.
The 168 members of the Class of 2026 were formally inducted at AIMBE’s annual meeting April 11-13 in Washington, D.C.
Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows represents the top two percent of medical and biological engineers nationwide, recognizing individuals whose achievements have advanced the frontiers of healthcare, technology, and engineering education. Fellows are selected for leadership in emerging technologies and innovative approaches that strengthen the field.
Nelson’s inclusion highlights the growing impact of Nebraska Engineering faculty whose work bridges fundamental engineering and real-world clinical applications.
Internationally recognized for his work in robotics, surgical innovation, and human-robot interaction, Nelson has a broad range of research in the biomedical field, spanning image-guided surgical systems, medical device development, and robotic platforms designed to improve precision and patient outcomes.
One ongoing project involves the development of a robot for guiding ultrasound probes. This research is expected to have an impact on telehealth and rural medicine, for example in geographic areas of Nebraska where specialized diagnostic skills such as identification of pediatric heart conditions are in shorter supply.
At Nebraska, Nelson has played a key role in expanding interdisciplinary research, mentoring graduate students, and strengthening the university’s leadership in biomedical engineering. He is also associate dean of undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering, where he provides leadership related to student services and curriculum development.
The AIMBE College of Fellows includes some of the world’s most accomplished engineers and scientists, including Nobel Prize laureates and recipients of the Presidential Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation. Hundreds of AIMBE Fellows have also been inducted into the National Academies of Engineering, Medicine, and Sciences.
