Chris Giardina, a BME MD/PhD candidate, has been awarded his first ever US patent for technology relating to cataract surgery. “I’m really proud to be a part of this department,” Chris said when asked about his achievement. “I consider both [Dr. Nancy Allbritton and Dr. Fran Ligler]’s successes with innovation as major motivating factors which helped me get through a long (and difficult) patent defense process.” Dedication to students’ success has long been a core tenet of BME, and we are extremely pleased to have provided the support needed for the completion of this project. Congratulations, Chris!