2025 Women in Engineering & Geoscience Champion Award Recipient

Dr. Elena Di Martino, P.Eng., is a beacon of advocacy and innovation in biomedical engineering. She is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion while making groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular research. As former chair of the biomedical engineering department’s EDI+ Committee and director of Solutions for Health Research at the Schulich School of Engineering, she empowers underrepresented groups, particularly women, to thrive in engineering and beyond.

Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by women in STEM, Di Martino has committed her career to creating inclusive environments that foster diverse talent. She has attracted exceptional women scientists to her lab, and her mentorship has inspired many to pursue leadership roles in academia and industry.

She explains, “The most rewarding aspect of my career so far has been this opportunity to mentor young researchers, guiding them as they strive to achieve their goals.”

Di Martino has opened a new path into engineering by co-leading a course where students without high school physics credits can take a summer bioengineering course that teaches basic physics concepts using examples and applications taken from biology. She also co-developed the biomedical engineering undergraduate program, integrating leadership training and experiential learning to prepare students for impactful careers.

Di Martino’s advocacy extends to the broader community. She organized Women in Engineering Day activities, engaged with high school students through Equality in Engineering events, and championed diversity-focused programs, such as the Biomedical Engineering Industry Day. Her participation in Drexel University’s Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering, and Science Program has further enhanced her ability to effect systemic change.

While driving equity, Di Martino has also established herself as a leader in cardiovascular mechanics research. Her work has led to significant advances in understanding tissue remodelling and developing personalized therapies for cardiovascular diseases. She co-founded ViTAA Medical Solutions, an AI-powered health-tech startup, to improve surgical planning for aortic aneurysms. This innovation is set to reduce patient mortality rates by 50 per cent.

With more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous leadership roles, and transformative contributions to EDI and cardiovascular science, Di Martino is a role model whose impact resonates far beyond her field.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

• First Place at the 4th Annual Innovations in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapies Competition, Frank J. Veith International Society (2024)
• Fostering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Engineering Award, Schulich School of Engineering (2023)
• Teaching and Learning for Curriculum Development Award, University of Calgary (2022)
• Member, APEGA (2019)
• Peak Scholar in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Knowledge Engagement (2017)