Chi Hwan Lee Receives Illinois Tech Alumni Professional Achievement Award

Chi Hwan Lee, a University Faculty Scholar and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University
Chi Hwan Lee, a University Faculty Scholar and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Alumni Professional Achievement Award from Illinois Institute of Technology.

The award recognizes alumni who have achieved exceptional professional success and made significant contributions in their fields.

An internationally recognized leader in wearable biomedical technologies, Lee's research spans engineering, materials science, and medicine to develop innovative healthcare solutions. His work focuses on soft bioelectronics for wearable health monitoring, smart contact lenses for ocular diagnostics, and flexible nanoneedle systems for intracellular sensing.

Lee's academic journey began through a dual-degree program between Ajou University and Illinois Tech. He earned master's and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford University before completing postdoctoral training in materials engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Since joining Purdue, Lee has established a globally recognized research program at the intersection of healthcare and engineering innovation. He has authored more than 110 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, holds more than 40 patents, including 13 issued patents, and has co-founded four startup companies dedicated to translating academic discoveries into technologies that improve patient care.

His achievements have earned numerous honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, the NIH Trailblazer Award, the Purdue College of Engineering Faculty Excellence Award for Research, and the Ajou University Outstanding Professional Award.

In addition to his research accomplishments, Lee is committed to mentoring the next generation of innovators and expanding opportunities for emerging scholars through international educational and research programs.

Lee will be recognized during Illinois Tech's Alumni Awards ceremony on October 17 as part of Homecoming and Family Weekend.

As a University Faculty Scholar and Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Lee embodies the persistent pursuit of innovation that defined Geddes' legacy, advancing technologies that have the potential to transform healthcare and improve lives around the world.