September 13, 2005 —
Michael C. K. Khoo, professor and chair of the biomedical
engineering department and holder of the Dwight C. and Hildegard E.
Baum Chair, has been elected a Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering
Society (BMES) in the organization's inaugural class of fellows.
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Michael Khoo
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Khoo was elected for his “contributions to the understanding
and mathematical modeling of cardiorespiratory control mechanisms and
complex dynamics during sleep, and to the advancement of biomedical
engineering education."
“My reaction was total surprise,” said Khoo, “especially to be selected
along with others who are outstanding leaders in the field.”
Khoo studies sleep apnea, a disorder that affects an
estimated 18 million Americans. The condition involves the
dynamic interaction of three major physiological control systems —
respiratory, cardiovascular and sleep regulation.
“In a
series of recent studies, we developed a computer-controlled ventilator
system that delivers a sequence of breaths with randomly modulated
volumes,” Khoo said. “We subjected normal and sleep apnea volunteers to
this test protocol during wakefulness and different sleep states, at
the same time recording measurements of respiration, heart rate and
blood pressure.”
Khoo and his students then apply mathematical modeling and
control engineering techniques to these measurements to better
understand how the sleep disorder has altered the interaction.
Khoo’s election will be formally recognized during the September 28,
2005 BMES Annual Fall Meeting in Baltimore. The title is awarded
to BMES Society members who demonstrate exceptional achievements and
experience in the field of biomedical engineering.
