UT Arlington neural regeneration researcher named 2012 Tech Titan
Mario Romero-Ortega was honored for his work in developing better prosthetic arms that can allow injured military veterans and other amputees greater movement and may restore the sense of touch.
DALLAS -- The Metroplex Technology Business Council has named Mario Romero-Ortega, a UT Arlington bioengineering associate professor and expert in neural regeneration, a 2012 Tech Titan in the Technology Innovator category.
Mario Romero-Ortega, associate professor of bioengineering, has been named a 2012 Tech Titan.
The council is the largest technology trade association in Texas. It has about 300 member companies, representing about 250,000 employees. The Tech Titans awards are in their 12th year of recognizing outstanding technology companies and North Texas individuals who have made significant contributions to their industries during the past year.
“It is humbling to have our research recognized by the council,” said Romero-Ortega, who joined The University of Texas at Arlington in 2008 from UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Of course, this award distinguishes the work of many people, from administrators and colleagues to students who have contributed to this work.”
Romero-Ortega was honored for his work in developing better prosthetic arms that can allow injured military veterans and other amputees greater movement and may restore the sense of touch. The work is funded through a $2.2 million grant from DARPA, the research and development office for the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Our end goal is very ambitious, but we believe it can be achieved, if not for us, for our children and grandchildren,” Romero-Ortega said.
Ron Elsenbaumer, UT Arlington provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Romero-Ortega’s research has the potential to improve the lives of many amputees.
“Mario’s work holds the promise to help so many people,” Elsenbaumer said. “That’s what makes his research so compelling. To create an artificial limb that people can feel is amazing work.”
Charlie Vogt, chair of the MTBC’s Tech Titans steering committee, said that Tech Titans is the premier recognition of innovative technology companies and individuals who contribute to the vibrancy and success of the North Texas region.
“These pioneers are impacting tomorrow's technology today with their innovation, leadership and advocacy,” said Vogt, president and chief executive officer of GENBAND.
Romero-Ortega’s work is representative of the cutting edge research under way in the UT Arlington Department of Bioengineering. His work is representative of innovation being developed at The University of Texas at Arlington, a comprehensive research institution of nearly 33,500 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more.
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Herb Booth, hbooth@uta.edu, 817-272-7075
The University of Texas at Arlington, www.uta.edu
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