After serving as Interim Chair since the Fall of 2019, BME William R. Kenan Distinguished Professor Paul Dayton has been named Chair of the UNC/NC State Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering. “This appointment represents a strong affirmation of the outstanding job that he has done in this position during the last two years,” said Dr Louis Martin-Vega, dean of the College of Engineering at NC State, Dr Blossom Damania, vice dean for research at the UNC School of Medicine, and Dr Terry Rhodes, dean of the UNC College of Arts & Sciences.
Dayton, who is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, has focused his research interests on areas of biomedical ultrasound imaging, ultrasound mediated targeted therapies, and industrial ultrasound applications. In particular, his research involves developing new technologies for imaging blood flow, microvasculature, and molecular markers using ultrasound and microbubble contrast agents. Several of his contributions to the field include techniques to improve the sensitivity and consistency of ultrasound imaging through optimization of contrast agent size distribution; the demonstration of high-resolution, high-SNR ultra-broadband imaging; and techniques for real-time molecular imaging.
An outstanding scholar and researcher, Dayton was named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors in 2021 and a Fellow at the Institute in Electrical and Electronics Engineers in 2022. He is also the co-founder of three startup companies, two of which are now successfully based in the Research Triangle Park. He will continue to hold the William R. Kenan Distinguished Professorship in BME in addition to his leadership and administrative responsibilities as chair of BME. Our Warmest Congratulations to Paul Dayton on his appointment! To read the official announcement, please visit the UNC School of Medicine website here, or the College of Engineering website here.
