ORWH’s Pearls of Wisdom series features Bruce J. Tromberg, Ph.D., Director of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). In this video clip, Dr. Tromberg discusses the characteristics to look for in a mentor.   

As Director of NIBIB, Dr. Tromberg oversees a portfolio of research programs focused on developing, translating, and commercializing engineering, physical science, and computational technologies in biology and medicine. In addition, he leads the NIBIB’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx Tech) program to increase SARS-COV-2 testing capacity and performance.

Prior to joining NIH in January 2019, Dr. Tromberg was a professor of biomedical engineering and surgery at the University of California, Irvine. He also served as director of the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic (BLIMC) (2003-2018) and the Laser Microbeam and Medical Program (LAMMP), an NIH National Biomedical Technology Center at the BLIMC (1997-2018). He has co-authored more than 450 publications and holds 24 patents in new technology development as well as bench-to-bedside clinical translation, validation, and commercialization of devices. Dr. Tromberg has trained more than 80 students and fellows and has served on numerous advisory boards in academia, industry, government, and private foundations.

The Pearls of Wisdom online series of short videos aims to inspire, motivate, and inform women at the beginning or middle stages of their biomedical careers. Produced and funded by ORWH, it features prominent scientists and physicians at NIH and beyond—many from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups—sharing words of wisdom, perspectives, and advice to current and future women scientists. The video series is located on the NIH “Women in Science” website, which describes the history of the NIH Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers and provides information on supported programs, grants, career development resources, NIH diversity resources, and career flexibility initiatives.