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Greatbach supports professorship
By CYNTHIA MACHAMER
Reporter Contributor
A $500,000 gift from Greatbatch Inc. to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will support scientific work through the Greatbatch Professorship in Power Sources Research in the departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
TAKEUCHI
Esther S. Takeuchi, often cited as the woman awarded the most U.S. patents—134—has been named to the professorship. Before joining the faculty of UB Engineering in September, Takeuchi had worked at Greatbatch Inc. for 22 years in a variety of positions in the area of research and development. Takeuchi’s most recent position was as chief scientist for the company.
The Greatbatch gift will support Takeuchi, one of just 100 women elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and her work in the areas of power and biomedical research.
Greatbatch Inc., located in Clarence, is a worldwide leader in the design, development and manufacture of critical components for implantable medical devices and other demanding applications.
Takeuchi is renowned for her work in developing tiny batteries that have helped make implantable cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators and other medical devices a life-saving reality for millions of patients.
“I am honored to be chosen as the Greatbatch Professor,” said Takeuchi. “I am eager to expand my research with other scientists at UB into areas including batteries for other medical devices, understanding the physiological benefits of electrical stimulation and some homeland-security applications, which require ever-smaller power sources.”
Takeuchi has received numerous awards, among them the Jacob F. Schoellkopf Award from the Western New York section of the American Chemical Society for creative research in batteries for medical applications; the Battery Division of the Electrochemical Society Technology Award for development of lithium/silver vanadium oxide batteries; Woman of Distinction from the American Association of University Women; and the Achievement in Healthcare Award from D’Youville College. Takeuchi is a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and a member of the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame.
Greatbatch Inc. is committed to investing in technology through the company’s direct research and development efforts, as well as through partnering with leading educational institutions such as UB, says Tom Hook, president and CEO. “We look forward to growing our partnership with UB during this program.”
“UB Engineering is grateful to Greatbatch Inc. for this generous gift,” said Harvey J. Stenger, dean of the school. “Partnerships with industry are vital to the continued growth of the school. The Greatbatch gift will enhance Dr. Takeuchi’s research and is an investment in the education of tomorrow’s engineers in Western New York, whose skills will be a great asset to the continued success of corporations such as Greatbatch.”