Tulane lands one of largest federal awards for cancer imaging innovation
“This advancement will save lives,” Tulane President Michael A. Fitts declared. Quincy Brown, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, is leading a groundbreaking research effort to develop MAGIC-SCAN — an advanced, machine-learning-assisted imaging system that helps surgeons detect and remove even the smallest traces of cancer during operations. The technology aims to be one of the world’s fastest high-resolution tissue scanners, creating real-time, 3D maps of tumors to guide surgery more precisely. In his remarks, Brown spoke about the emotional and clinical challenges of cancer treatment and the urgent need for tools that can instantly verify whether all cancerous tissue has been removed — a need MAGIC-SCAN is designed to meet. Brown is collaborating with computer science professor Brian Summa and teams from several partner institutions. Their work is part of the bipartisan Cancer Moonshot initiative, a national effort to accelerate cancer research and improve outcomes. During a visit to Tulane in August 2024, then-President Joe Biden announced up to $22.9 million in federal support for the lifesaving project.
Renowned scholar appointed to new faculty chair named for Tulane President
Ibrahim Demir, an acclaimed researcher in data science and environmental engineering, was named the Michael A. Fitts Presidential Chair in Environmental Informatics and Artificial Intelligence. Demir will serve on the faculty of the Department of River-Coastal Science and Engineering within the School of Science and Engineering and will be a core member of the ByWater Institute.
World-renowned Tulane physicist wins prestigious Benjamin Franklin Medal
John Perdew, a professor in the School of Science and Engineering and one of the world’s most cited physicists, was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics from the Franklin Institute. The awards annually honor the greatest minds in science, engineering and industry, with past honorees including Frank Lloyd Wright, Marie Curie and Thomas Edison. Perdew received the award for developing a computational method widely used by researchers in his field of density functional theory.
Six researchers named National Academy of Inventors Senior Members
Six Tulane University researchers were named Senior Members by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a designation that recognizes rising stars who foster innovation within their communities and institutions while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors. NAI Senior Members are active faculty, scientists and administrators with success in patents, licensing and commercialization and have produced technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact to society.
Higher ed leader Amelia Manning named dean
In June, Amelia Manning was announced as new dean of the School of Professional Advancement. Amelia brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education to Tulane.
