Active 1988 - 2019; Emeritus 2019; Recalled 2019 - 2023
Dr. Shu Chien was recruited to UC San Diego in 1988 by the late Professors Y.C. Fung and Ben Zweifach. Dr. Chien was attracted to UCSD by the excellent potential for it to develop into a top university, even though it was not quite there at that time. He served as Founding Chair of the Department of Bioengineering from 1994-1999 and 2002-2005, and as the Founding Director of the Institute of Engineering in Medicine (IEM) from 2008-2019.
His research focused on how the forces of blood flow impact the cardiovascular system. His studies are leading to new understanding about the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis and hypertension, and to the development of therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Chien feels his greatest contributions during his time at UCSD were in fact founding the Department of Bioengineering and the Institute of Engineering in Medicine. He secured the Development Award from the Whitaker Foundation to establish the Bioengineering department and the Leadership Award for the construction of the Powell-Focht Bioengineering Hall. Dr. Chien played a major role in establishing UCSD's bioengineering program as one of the top programs in the country, fostering interactions of faculty and students between the Jacobs School and Health Sciences, and in creating the UC Systemwide Bioengineering Institute of California.
Advice he has for current faculty who want to make the most out of their experience at UCSD is to leverage the outstanding strengths of faculty and students through collaborative research and dedicated teaching. Be creative, innovative, collaborative, and inspiring. Words of wisdom for current students are to be dedicated to learning, especially active learning, beyond classrooms and textbooks. Prepare for life-long learning. Pursue teamwork. Learn to collaborate with others as team members and as leaders.
His most memorable experiences while teaching at UCSD are the addition of new developments in scientific fields to bioengineering education, including cell and molecular biology in 1980s and systems biology in 1990s; Incorporation of laboratory exercise to students' first bioengineering course (Introduction to Bioengineering) in 2010s; Seeing students he trained become successful leaders in the field and watching their many outstanding accomplishments; and the generous endowment by Dr. Gene Lay that led to the naming of Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering.
After retirement he was recalled for a part-time appointment. He still spends most of his time doing research in collaboration with colleagues, still teaches from time to time, and attends committee meetings. In 2011, he was conferred the National Medal of Science by President Obama, which Dr. Chien has shared is his most prized possession. In 2022, the Department of Bioengineering was renamed the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, through a generous endowment by his mentee Dr. Gene Lay. Furthermore, a collaboratory in the engineering building Franklin Antonio Hall, was named the Shu and Kuang-Chung Chien and Peter Farrell Collaboratory in his honor. Dr. Chien's career at UCSD the last 35 years has proven a legacy of leadership and important contributions through his research within the bioengineering field. He notes, "I appreciate this great pleasure and privilege every day and every moment. My wonderful career at UCSD has helped me to have a wonderful life in La Jolla with my wife KC, who has made superb contributions and provided marvelous support for my career."