Special Memo: Blake Wilson Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Dear Pratt community,

I’m delighted to share the news that Blake Wilson has been named a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest marks of distinction in the engineering profession.

Blake, who earned his BSEE and PhD from Duke and holds faculty appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Surgery, was cited “for engineering development of the cochlear implant that bestows hearing to individuals with profound deafness”—a significant achievement not only engineering, but for hundreds of thousands of people with hearing loss worldwide.

When we think of success stories that have had a profound impact on human health, especially for children, the cochlear implant ranks at the top. Blake Wilson is a pioneer in engineering strategies for their success—indeed, their ability to recognize speech, the core of their function. I encourage you to read more about his contributions in the announcement posted on our website. As you’ll see, his work exemplifies Duke Engineering's deep strengths in neural engineering, and ability to apply fundamental engineering principles to medical devices that improve lives every day.

We at Pratt can be very proud of Blake Wilson, and the important contributions Duke Engineering is making to make our world a better place. Please join me in congratulating Blake as our newest member of the National Academy of Engineering!

 Ravi Bellamkonda

Vinik Dean of Engineering