Biomedical engineering professor Silvia Salinas Blemker, widely regarded as a leader in her field, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, recognizing her ability to turn research into tools that make a tangible difference. Her work zeroes in on muscle health, offering tools to help athletes bounce back, patients recover and researchers dive deeper into understanding muscle diseases.
At the core of Blemker’s contributions is her development of advanced techniques quantify and understand muscle using a combination of imaging and advanced modeling and data science techniques. For example, she pioneered the development of a technology to transform MRIs into 3D analyses of musculature. This technology provides healthcare providers with a detailed understanding of an individual’s muscle health, supporting personalized injury management, performance optimization and even surgical planning.
One of Blemker’s key patented methods is “Image-based Identification of Muscle Abnormalities.” Developed at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, this technology uses advanced imaging and analytics to provide a detailed look at muscle health. Think of it like a body scan that gives you the inside view of each of your muscles — suddenly, the sources for imbalances, asymmetries, and strength deficits become clear. It’s already being used to support professional athletes recovering from injuries, patients’ neuromuscular disease, and more.
“If you can see someone’s muscle health more clearly, you can treat it more effectively by targeting the problematic areas in a personalized fashion,” Blemker said.
Blemker didn’t just invent the technology — she helped launch it into the world. In 2013, she co-founded Springbok Analytics, Inc., where the AI-driven imaging tool has been commercialized for use in elite sports and the life sciences. Springbok now employs a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and developers, working to help athletes optimize performance and researchers study conditions like facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
The company’s work has caught the attention of major organizations like the NFL and NBA, which use the technology to monitor and enhance athlete recovery. At the same time, Springbok is advancing research into muscle disease biomarkers, aiming to improve diagnostics and accelerate drug development.
Jennifer L. West, Dean of UVA’s School of Engineering, highlighted Blemker’s impact: “Silvia’s work exemplifies what’s special about UVA Engineering — innovations that start with deep technical expertise and go on to improve lives. Her ability to turn research into practical applications is inspiring.”
Springbok Analytics is also boosting the Charlottesville area’s growing Biohub. By creating high-skill jobs and fostering innovation, the company is contributing to the region’s reputation as a center for biotech and medical research. Its collaborations with local institutions and global partners alike highlight how UVA research can support economic growth while solving real-world challenges.
Blemker’s other achievements include being inducted as a Fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) in 2019. In 2021 she was elected Fellow of the American Society of Biomechanics. She also received the Hartwell Foundation Biomedical Research Award and recently won the American Society of Biomechanics Goel Award for Translational Biomechanics.