Honoring 25 Years of Dedication at WPI Biomedical Engineering

December 2025, by Victoria Yakes '27

WPI thrives because of individuals who not only perform their roles with excellence but also uplift the community through their mentorship and commitment. WPI's Biomedical Engineering Department is thrilled to honor Lisa Wall and Professor George Pins, two members of the biomedical engineering community who celebrated their 25-year service anniversaries in 2025. 

Lisa Wall is a long-time department Lab Manager. She is recognized for her reliability, technical knowledge, and ability to keep the complex, multi-track BME labs running smoothly. She ensures the well-ordered operation of the lab’s logistics, whether it is sourcing rubber gaskets and thousands of pipettes or procuring porcine cells, students can count on Lisa to get their projects running. But that is not her only mark on the WPI community; she is also known for her compassion and generosity towards students and faculty. Others recognized these attributes too, as she received the 2017 Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Staff Member, which demonstrates her impact on WPI’s academic mission and student success. When asked to share one of her favorite memories from WPI, she recalls the Undergraduate Research Project Showcase: 

“It’s so fun to watch the students who have worked on their project for a year present their final product and discuss it with such confidence and professionalism. You know that they’re going to do well in their careers.”

Lisa announced her retirement in January 2025. And, while the department celebrates her next chapter, her departure will be felt as she leaves behind a level of care that will be difficult to match. Her impact will continue to influence the countless students and faculty she supported throughout her career. 

Professor George Pins is a distinguished member of the BME faculty and is highly recognized for his contributions to biomaterial and regenerative medicine research. His work spans topics such as wound healing, skin and tendon repair, and the roles of biomaterial environments in driving tissue responses. Professor Pins is a dedicated educator who teaches a wide range of biomedical engineering courses, inspiring students to explore the interconnectedness of biology, engineering, and innovation. He is passionate about hands-on learning as he helps students develop biomaterial scaffolds and experimental platforms for their capstone design projects. 

Through his time at WPI, Professor Pins has not only advanced the scientific community but has also provided valuable research opportunities and resources for undergraduate and graduate students. His dedication to his craft, his willingness to guide students to their goals, and his passion for creating a culture of discovery within the department does not go unnoticed.

In addition to his impact as an educator and mentor, Professor Pins has earned national recognition for his research and advising. In 2022, he was elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, an honor reserved for leaders whose work has advanced engineering and medicine. His research in tissue engineering and biomimetic scaffold design has contributed to innovations in wound healing, muscle regeneration, and cardiac repair. Professor Pins is also widely respected for his dedication to student advising, having received the WPI Board of Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Academic Advising in 2004. Students consistently cite his approachability, commitment to their success, and ability to support both academic and personal growth, qualities that have shaped the experiences of countless undergraduate and graduate students throughout his time at WPI.

The WPI community extends its utmost respect and gratitude for the many hands and minds that work to provide such a valuable education. The impact of both honorees extends far beyond their titles; they have helped shape the culture, excellence, and spirit of the BME department for more to come.