Dr. Dave Weldon Now An F.I.T. Professor

MELBOURNE, Florida—Florida Institute of Technology has announced the appointment of Dr. Dave Weldon as University Clinical Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering. In this new part-time role, the former U.S. Congressman and longtime Space Coast physician will help lead the expansion of the university’s educational efforts in this evolving field.

“We are excited that Dr. Weldon has agreed to put his considerable expertise to work for Florida Tech,” said Anthony J. Catanese, president and chief executive officer. “His medical background and his commitment to community leadership are great assets.”

Florida Tech began offering a new undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering this fall, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

“The quality of life for the future of humankind is inextricably linked to the important work going on in biomedical engineering,” said T. Dwayne McCay, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We want our Florida Tech students to have full access to great physicians who are leading the charge—and Dr. Weldon is perfect for that role.”

Biomedical engineering applies engineering and science methodologies to the analysis of biological and physiological problems and to the delivery of health care. Biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices.

“I worked in this field for several years as a researcher and found it abounds with multitudes of challenging and exciting problems to be solved,” said Fred Ham, dean, College of Engineering and Harris Professor. “This field closes the gap between engineering and medicine, and is an excellent fit with our existing curriculum. Our students graduating with a degree in biomedical engineering will be well positioned to work in a variety of areas where they can improve the quality of human health and life, and even go on to pursue an M.D. degree,” he added.

In pursuing the biomedical engineering degree at Florida Tech, students can take a biomedical engineering course as freshmen, Introduction to Biomedical Engineering. Later in their education they can participate in clinical research projects conducted by medical doctors and dentists, and are offered many co-op, internship and job opportunities.

“I am honored to join the faculty of the Biomedical Engineering Program,” Weldon said. “Florida Tech has a long standing reputation for excellence in science and engineering research and education. I am excited to be part of this new program.”

The program at Florida Tech is a pathway for students to gain admission to top medical and dental schools. It prepares graduates to pursue technical careers addressing challenges in the field and to effectively function and provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams.

Weldon is a partner with MIMA, a large multi-specialty medical group that is Brevard County’s largest independent physician group providing more than 120 board certified physicians in 26 different medical specialties. Weldon practices general internal medicine and works as a primary care provider, primarily for senior citizens. He has staff privileges at Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Community Hospital as well as Sea Pines Rehabilitation Hospital.

Weldon was elected seven times as U.S. Representative to the U.S. Congress, for District 15 representing most of Florida's Space Coast.  He recently ran in the 2012 Republican primary against U.S. Representative Connie Mack, IV (FL-14) for the Florida U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.

Weldon holds a B.S. from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and an M.D. from the State University of New York, Buffalo.