Lehigh University has appointed Dr. Vinod Namboodiri as the inaugural Ellen and Vincent Forlenza ’75 Endowed Chair in Health Innovation and Technology. This prestigious position, housed in the College of Health, will support his research on assistive technology for people with disabilities and aging populations.
Namboodiri, a professor with joint appointments in the College of Health and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, will hold the position for five years. His work will focus on leveraging technology to enhance mobility, healthcare, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He also aims to establish an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to assistive technologies.
A strong advocate of translational research, Namboodiri emphasizes community-driven solutions that ensure real-world impact. His work has received significant funding from the National Science Foundation and other institutions.
“Dr. Namboodiri’s leadership will drive innovation in assistive technology, making a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” said Beth Dolan, Dean of the College of Health.
This appointment was made possible by a generous gift from Ellen and Vincent Forlenza ’75, marking the first endowed chair in the College of Health.
