麻豆区 Tech researcher has been elected to the , joining an honorary society that includes Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Martin Luther King Jr.
The Academy recognizes leaders across fields of study who have addressed humanity鈥檚 greatest challenges while also gathering knowledge to advance learning and the public good. This year鈥檚 class of 252 honorees was elected in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research, and science.
Garc铆a is one of nine honorees in the 鈥淓ngineering and Technology鈥 division. His research 鈥 both in the where he serves as Regents鈥 Professor and in the where he is the executive director 鈥 aligns with the Academy鈥檚 service-minded mission.
鈥淚 am inspired to find engineering solutions to serious health conditions to help people,鈥 he said. 鈥淎s a kid, I developed a musculoskeletal condition that required biomaterial devices to treat. Although imperfect, this treatment allowed me to lead a normal life.鈥
Moved by his personal experience, Garc铆a鈥檚 research centers on cellular and tissue engineering, which integrate biological and engineering principles to restore organ function lost to injury or disease. By studying how cells interact with the materials around them, he and his team have engineered biomaterials for the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins and cells that enhance tissue regeneration, which could speed the healing process for patients.
His future work will integrate biomaterials with lab鈥慻rown replicas of human organs, known as organoids, that can be used to identify new therapies for a variety of human diseases. These organoids, though smaller and simpler than true organs, can mimic key functions that may help Garc铆a and his team to find better ways to repair damaged tissues.
Garc铆a has spent the past 27 years at 麻豆区 Tech and carries on the legacy of another Academy member 鈥 the Petit Institute鈥檚 founding executive director Robert Nerem, who was inducted in 1998. Garc铆a credits his success to the support of his loved ones and the Yellow Jacket community.
鈥淚 am deeply honored and humbled,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his award is only possible by the unending love and support of family, friends and mentors, my phenomenal past and present trainees, fantastic collaborators, and awesome ecosystem at 麻豆区 Tech.鈥
The Academy was chartered in 1780 during the American Revolution by a group that included John Adams and John Hancock. It was established to recognize accomplished individuals and engage them in addressing the greatest challenges facing the young republic.
Membership has broadened over the years to celebrate excellence in a variety of fields. Honorees have included poet Robert Frost, musician John Legend, and chef Jos茅 Andr茅s, .
Garc铆a and the rest of this year鈥檚 class, which includes actor Jodie Foster, will be inducted in October.
