Ed Sander, University of Iowa associate professor of biomedical engineering and director of graduate studies, has received the Robert and Virginia Wheeler Faculty Fellowship in Engineering.  

The fellowship was established in 2003 from the estate of Robert Wheeler, and his wife Virginia. Robert Wheeler earned a bachelor’s, master’s and PhD in civil engineering at the University of Iowa between 1948 and 1958, followed by a lengthy academic career spanning several institutions.  

Under the appointment Sander hopes to advance research in understanding the role fat tissues play in wound healing and how they can be exploited to reduce scarring and regenerate tissue.  

The three-year appointment begins July 1. The fellowship recognizes his exceptional teaching contributions and growing status as an authority in his field.  

Sander, who joined UI (University of Iowa) in 2011, has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, received grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, including an NSF CAREER award and a Carver Charitable Trust Early Career Award.  

Sander also directs the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates in Computational Bioengineering at UI. As the director of graduate studies, he has implemented major changes to the graduate curriculum and increased recruiting efforts to attract a diverse and talented pool of graduate students. Sander has been recognized for his teaching and mentoring efforts with a College of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award and an Iowa Center for Undergraduate Research Distinguished Mentor Award.  

The award also recognizes Sander’s growing stature in his field. Sander serves as associate editor of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering and has been guest editor for several publications, including the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. The rise in professional organizations brings visibility and prestige for the College of Engineering.