Dean Kamen

Dean Kamen's first major innovation was the AutoSyringe®, a class of automatic, self-contained ambulatory infusion pumps designed to free patients from round-the-clock injections and, in some cases, from their hospital beds. The wearable device delivered precise doses of medication to diabetics and other patients with a variety of medical conditions. Using an AutoSyringe® to reliably dispense medication (such as insulin) gave patients greater freedom and control over their disease, dramatically improving their quality of life, while reducing complications and painful daily injections.

Born in Rockville Center, New York, Kamen's natural aptitude for inventing was obvious from childhood. By the time he was a young adult, he was already established as a serious independent inventor. Among his inventions in the medical field are a portable peritoneal dialysis machine and the IBOT, a sophisticated mobility aid capable of climbing stairs and raising the user to eye-level with a standing person.

Among Kamen's proudest accomplishments is founding FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989. The organization is dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use, and enjoy science and technology.