The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) announced that Umut Gurkan, Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Savio L-Y. Woo Translational Biomechanics Medal. This accolade recognizes Gurkan's groundbreaking contributions to the field of biomechanics and bioengineering, particularly his work in translating scientific discoveries into practical, life-saving diagnostic tools for underserved populations.

"Receiving this medal is not just an honor but a call to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in medical technology to serve humanity," said Gurkan upon receiving the news of his award.

Gurkan's pioneering work focuses on microfluidics, point-of-care diagnostics and the study of red blood cells, significantly impacting the diagnosis and management of sickle cell disease (SCD) worldwide. His invention, known commercially as Gazelle by Hemex Health, has revolutionized the approach to screening of SCD by providing an affordable, accurate and easy-to-use diagnostic device that can be deployed in resource-limited settings.

"Dr. Gurkan has translated meritorious bioengineering science to clinical practice, directly addressing the challenges of early and preventable death from sickle cell anemia,” Mehmet Toner, Helen Andrus Benedict Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, a previous winner of the Woo medal and a nominator, said. “His dedication to ensuring these advances reach global at-risk populations is truly commendable."

The Gazelle device, born from Gurkan’s research, has been deployed in over 44 countries, screening more than 1.5 million babies and children for SCD and other hemoglobin disorders. This technology has become a cornerstone for newborn screening programs in Africa and India, significantly reducing mortality rates by enabling early detection and intervention.

"The invention and commercialization of Gazelle have been transformative, especially in low and middle-income countries,” Isaac Odame, professor at the University of Toronto, medical director of the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network and a key supporter of the nomination, said. “It's a game-changer for universal screening, opening the door to timely and lifesaving interventions for sickle cell disease."

Patti White, CEO of Hemex Health, who has closely collaborated with Gurkan, emphasized that the introduction of this technology took a practical approach. Gurkan focused on “manufacturability, affordability, and real-world user needs”, making Gazelle not just an “innovative product” but a “global health solution.”

Gurkan's work extends beyond the laboratory. He has been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of mechanical engineers and bioengineers, with several of his students and mentees securing positions as faculty in other universities, continuing the cycle of innovation and education.

The Savio L-Y. Woo Medal, named after the pioneering biomechanical engineer Savio L-Y. Woo, is awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in translating biomechanical and bioengineering research to practical applications that enhance human health and quality of life.

Steve Fening, associate vice president for research at CWRU, emphasized Gurkan's alignment with the award's ethos, "Over my career, I've seen few embody the spirit of Savio Woo like Umut Gurkan does. His work has placed CWRU on the global stage in health innovation."

The ceremony to honor Gurkan will be held during the ASME's SB3C Summer Biomechanics Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference in June, where Gurkan will also deliver a keynote address on his journey from research to real-world impact.

Gurkan has given back to the ASME community by serving as the co-chair of the Society-Wide Micro and Nano Technology Forum in the 2014 ASME Congress and as the publications chair of the ASME SB3C Summer Biomechanics Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference in 2016. He is a member of the ASME Bioengineering Division Biotransport Committee. He delivered the opening plenary talk at the 2024 ASME SB3C Summer Bioengineering Conference, titled: “Innovation without Borders: Uniting Ideas, Technologies, and Communities.”

"Umut's work exemplifies what the Woo Medal stands for—translating complex engineering into tangible benefits for humanity,” Zhenpeng Qin, Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, said. “His leadership in creating multiple startups based on his research is a testament to his vision and impact."

About ASME: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) promotes the art, science & practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe.