Jennifer Blain | Engineering | Best Researcher Award Published on 09/09/202509/09/2025 by Best Paper Awards Prof. Dr. Jennifer Blain | Engineering | Best Researcher Award Professor of Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University | United States Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen is a distinguished researcher in biomedical engineering with expertise in bio-MEMS, microfluidics, and point-of-care diagnostic systems. Her work focuses on developing innovative sensor technologies and low-cost medical devices that address critical healthcare challenges, including neural implants and hydrocephalus treatment. She has published extensively in leading journals and conferences such as IEEE Transactions, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and Scientific Reports, with her research widely cited and indexed in Scopus. Beyond research, she has demonstrated strong leadership by mentoring students, guiding interdisciplinary collaborations, and advancing teacher training initiatives to bridge education and innovation. As an active member of professional organizations including IEEE and ACM, Dr. Blain Christen continues to expand her impact globally, contributing to both technological advancement and community-driven healthcare solutions. Professional Profiles Google Scholar | Orcid Education Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen holds a strong academic background in engineering, specializing in biomedical applications of circuits, sensors, and microsystems. She pursued advanced studies that focused on integrating bio-MEMS and microfluidics into healthcare technologies, with a doctoral degree that positioned her at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Throughout her academic journey, she gained expertise in diagnostic device design, neural stimulation systems, and point-of-care applications. Her education emphasized both theoretical foundations and hands-on research, equipping her with the ability to translate engineering principles into real-world medical solutions. With continuous learning as a guiding principle, she has built an educational foundation that not only shaped her career as a researcher but also enabled her to mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers effectively. Experience Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen has built an extensive professional career that blends academic research, teaching, and leadership in biomedical engineering. She has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research projects involving medicine, engineering, and biotechnology, with a focus on advancing diagnostic devices and neural interface technologies. Her professional engagements include leading research teams, collaborating with global partners, and guiding students through innovative projects that merge scientific discovery with healthcare needs. She has also played a pivotal role in teacher training programs, ensuring knowledge dissemination across multiple levels of education. In addition, she actively participates in professional organizations, including IEEE and ACM, where she contributes to scientific dialogue and networking. Her professional experience demonstrates a commitment to bridging engineering and healthcare for transformative societal impact. Research Interest Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen’s research interests lie at the intersection of engineering and medicine, with a particular focus on biomedical circuits, microsystems, and point-of-care diagnostic technologies. She is deeply engaged in the design and development of microfluidic systems, neural implants, and low-cost healthcare devices that improve patient outcomes and accessibility. Her work also explores the integration of sensors, electronic circuits, and bio-MEMS to create innovative diagnostic tools with applications in neurological disorders, infectious disease detection, and resource-limited settings. She is motivated by the goal of delivering affordable, efficient, and scalable healthcare technologies that can address global challenges. Her research interests reflect a strong vision of advancing personalized medicine and providing sustainable solutions through engineering innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Awards and Honors Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen has been recognized with numerous awards and honors that reflect her dedication to research excellence and academic leadership. These accolades highlight her innovative contributions to biomedical device development and her impact on the broader scientific community. Her recognition spans achievements in research publications, collaborative projects, and mentorship, underscoring her ability to translate engineering knowledge into meaningful healthcare advancements. She has also received acknowledgment from professional organizations and conferences where her work has been showcased for its originality, quality, and potential for global impact. These awards stand as a testament to her sustained contributions, professional excellence, and role as a thought leader in biomedical engineering. They further reinforce her status as a deserving recipient of prestigious research recognitions. Research Skills Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen possesses a diverse range of research skills that strengthen her ability to innovate in biomedical engineering. Her expertise spans microfabrication, circuit design, and microfluidics, enabling the development of advanced point-of-care diagnostic platforms. She is adept in biosensor integration, neural interface technologies, and device prototyping, allowing her to transform concepts into functional healthcare solutions. She demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, applying them to design experiments, interpret data, and optimize system performance. Equally proficient in interdisciplinary collaboration, she brings together engineering, biology, and medicine to address complex challenges. Her skills also extend to mentoring, project management, and scientific communication, reflecting a holistic research capacity. Collectively, these skills highlight her as a versatile researcher capable of driving impactful innovations. Publication Top Notes Title: Design, fabrication, and testing of a hybrid CMOS/PDMS microsystem for cell culture and incubationYear: 2007Citation: 104 Title: Eccrine sweat as a biofluid for profiling immune biomarkersYear: 2018Citation: 87 Title: Application of flexible OLED display technology for electro-optical stimulation and/or silencing of neural activityYear: 2014Citation: 81 Title: A compact, low-cost, quantitative and multiplexed fluorescence detection platform for point-of-care applicationsYear: 2018Citation: 60 Title: Seamless integration of CMOS and microfluidics using flip chip bondingYear: 2013Citation: 60 Title: Application of flexible OLED display technology to point-of-care medical diagnostic testingYear: 2016Citation: 58 Title: Application of flat panel OLED display technology for the point-of-care detection of circulating cancer biomarkersYear: 2016Citation: 50 Title: Experimental and simulated cycling of ISFET electric fields for drift resetYear: 2013Citation: 44 Title: Application of flexible flat panel display technology to wearable biomedical devicesYear: 2015Citation: 37 Title: Biosensing platform on a flexible substrateYear: 2015Citation: 34 Title: Real-time feedback control of pH within microfluidics using integrated sensing and actuationYear: 2014Citation: 34 Title: Energy-efficient image recognition system for marine lifeYear: 2020Citation: 29 Title: Demonstration of spike timing dependent plasticity in CBRAM devices with silicon neuronsYear: 2016Citation: 25 Title: A self-powered single-axis maximum power direction tracking system with an on-chip sensorYear: 2015Citation: 22 Title: Fully differential current-mode MEMS dual-axis optical inclination sensorYear: 2013Citation: 22 Title: Optogenetic neurostimulation of auricular vagus using flexible OLED display technology to treat chronic inflammatory disease and mental health disordersYear: 2016Citation: 21 Title: Integrated high-resolution untethered flexible neural implantYear: 2020Citation: 20 Title: System and method for ion-selective, field effect transistor on flexible substrateYear: 2019Citation: 19 Title: Pulse width modulation circuit for ISFET drift resetYear: 2013Citation: 18 Title: On-chip sensor for light direction detectionYear: 2013 Conclusion In conclusion, Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen is a highly accomplished researcher and leader whose contributions to biomedical circuits, microfluidics, and point-of-care diagnostics have significantly advanced healthcare innovation. Her strong educational foundation, coupled with extensive professional experience and interdisciplinary research, positions her as a global authority in biomedical engineering. She has combined her technical expertise with visionary thinking to create low-cost, accessible healthcare solutions that address pressing medical needs. With numerous publications, awards, and active involvement in professional organizations, she continues to influence both academic and professional communities. Her dedication to mentoring and knowledge sharing further underscores her commitment to shaping future innovators. Dr. Blain Christen’s impactful career demonstrates excellence, leadership, and an enduring drive to bridge engineering and medicine for societal benefit.
Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen is a distinguished researcher in biomedical engineering with expertise in bio-MEMS, microfluidics, and point-of-care diagnostic systems. Her work focuses on developing innovative sensor technologies and low-cost medical devices that address critical healthcare challenges, including neural implants and hydrocephalus treatment. She has published extensively in leading journals and conferences such as IEEE Transactions, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and Scientific Reports, with her research widely cited and indexed in Scopus. Beyond research, she has demonstrated strong leadership by mentoring students, guiding interdisciplinary collaborations, and advancing teacher training initiatives to bridge education and innovation. As an active member of professional organizations including IEEE and ACM, Dr. Blain Christen continues to expand her impact globally, contributing to both technological advancement and community-driven healthcare solutions. Professional Profiles Google Scholar | Orcid Education Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen holds a strong academic background in engineering, specializing in biomedical applications of circuits, sensors, and microsystems. She pursued advanced studies that focused on integrating bio-MEMS and microfluidics into healthcare technologies, with a doctoral degree that positioned her at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Throughout her academic journey, she gained expertise in diagnostic device design, neural stimulation systems, and point-of-care applications. Her education emphasized both theoretical foundations and hands-on research, equipping her with the ability to translate engineering principles into real-world medical solutions. With continuous learning as a guiding principle, she has built an educational foundation that not only shaped her career as a researcher but also enabled her to mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers effectively. Experience Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen has built an extensive professional career that blends academic research, teaching, and leadership in biomedical engineering. She has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research projects involving medicine, engineering, and biotechnology, with a focus on advancing diagnostic devices and neural interface technologies. Her professional engagements include leading research teams, collaborating with global partners, and guiding students through innovative projects that merge scientific discovery with healthcare needs. She has also played a pivotal role in teacher training programs, ensuring knowledge dissemination across multiple levels of education. In addition, she actively participates in professional organizations, including IEEE and ACM, where she contributes to scientific dialogue and networking. Her professional experience demonstrates a commitment to bridging engineering and healthcare for transformative societal impact. Research Interest Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen’s research interests lie at the intersection of engineering and medicine, with a particular focus on biomedical circuits, microsystems, and point-of-care diagnostic technologies. She is deeply engaged in the design and development of microfluidic systems, neural implants, and low-cost healthcare devices that improve patient outcomes and accessibility. Her work also explores the integration of sensors, electronic circuits, and bio-MEMS to create innovative diagnostic tools with applications in neurological disorders, infectious disease detection, and resource-limited settings. She is motivated by the goal of delivering affordable, efficient, and scalable healthcare technologies that can address global challenges. Her research interests reflect a strong vision of advancing personalized medicine and providing sustainable solutions through engineering innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Awards and Honors Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen has been recognized with numerous awards and honors that reflect her dedication to research excellence and academic leadership. These accolades highlight her innovative contributions to biomedical device development and her impact on the broader scientific community. Her recognition spans achievements in research publications, collaborative projects, and mentorship, underscoring her ability to translate engineering knowledge into meaningful healthcare advancements. She has also received acknowledgment from professional organizations and conferences where her work has been showcased for its originality, quality, and potential for global impact. These awards stand as a testament to her sustained contributions, professional excellence, and role as a thought leader in biomedical engineering. They further reinforce her status as a deserving recipient of prestigious research recognitions. Research Skills Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen possesses a diverse range of research skills that strengthen her ability to innovate in biomedical engineering. Her expertise spans microfabrication, circuit design, and microfluidics, enabling the development of advanced point-of-care diagnostic platforms. She is adept in biosensor integration, neural interface technologies, and device prototyping, allowing her to transform concepts into functional healthcare solutions. She demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, applying them to design experiments, interpret data, and optimize system performance. Equally proficient in interdisciplinary collaboration, she brings together engineering, biology, and medicine to address complex challenges. Her skills also extend to mentoring, project management, and scientific communication, reflecting a holistic research capacity. Collectively, these skills highlight her as a versatile researcher capable of driving impactful innovations. Publication Top Notes Title: Design, fabrication, and testing of a hybrid CMOS/PDMS microsystem for cell culture and incubationYear: 2007Citation: 104 Title: Eccrine sweat as a biofluid for profiling immune biomarkersYear: 2018Citation: 87 Title: Application of flexible OLED display technology for electro-optical stimulation and/or silencing of neural activityYear: 2014Citation: 81 Title: A compact, low-cost, quantitative and multiplexed fluorescence detection platform for point-of-care applicationsYear: 2018Citation: 60 Title: Seamless integration of CMOS and microfluidics using flip chip bondingYear: 2013Citation: 60 Title: Application of flexible OLED display technology to point-of-care medical diagnostic testingYear: 2016Citation: 58 Title: Application of flat panel OLED display technology for the point-of-care detection of circulating cancer biomarkersYear: 2016Citation: 50 Title: Experimental and simulated cycling of ISFET electric fields for drift resetYear: 2013Citation: 44 Title: Application of flexible flat panel display technology to wearable biomedical devicesYear: 2015Citation: 37 Title: Biosensing platform on a flexible substrateYear: 2015Citation: 34 Title: Real-time feedback control of pH within microfluidics using integrated sensing and actuationYear: 2014Citation: 34 Title: Energy-efficient image recognition system for marine lifeYear: 2020Citation: 29 Title: Demonstration of spike timing dependent plasticity in CBRAM devices with silicon neuronsYear: 2016Citation: 25 Title: A self-powered single-axis maximum power direction tracking system with an on-chip sensorYear: 2015Citation: 22 Title: Fully differential current-mode MEMS dual-axis optical inclination sensorYear: 2013Citation: 22 Title: Optogenetic neurostimulation of auricular vagus using flexible OLED display technology to treat chronic inflammatory disease and mental health disordersYear: 2016Citation: 21 Title: Integrated high-resolution untethered flexible neural implantYear: 2020Citation: 20 Title: System and method for ion-selective, field effect transistor on flexible substrateYear: 2019Citation: 19 Title: Pulse width modulation circuit for ISFET drift resetYear: 2013Citation: 18 Title: On-chip sensor for light direction detectionYear: 2013 Conclusion In conclusion, Dr. Jennifer M. Blain Christen is a highly accomplished researcher and leader whose contributions to biomedical circuits, microfluidics, and point-of-care diagnostics have significantly advanced healthcare innovation. Her strong educational foundation, coupled with extensive professional experience and interdisciplinary research, positions her as a global authority in biomedical engineering. She has combined her technical expertise with visionary thinking to create low-cost, accessible healthcare solutions that address pressing medical needs. With numerous publications, awards, and active involvement in professional organizations, she continues to influence both academic and professional communities. Her dedication to mentoring and knowledge sharing further underscores her commitment to shaping future innovators. Dr. Blain Christen’s impactful career demonstrates excellence, leadership, and an enduring drive to bridge engineering and medicine for societal benefit.