Wesley E. Bolch, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Wesley E. Bolch is an internationally recognized leader in biomedical engineering whose career has focused on making the use of radiation in medicine safer, smarter and more precise. A University of Florida alumnus at every degree level, Bolch has spent decades advancing how scientists and clinicians measure, model, and manage radiation exposure – work that has reshaped medical imaging, cancer therapy and public health worldwide.
Bolch directs UF’s Advanced Laboratory for Radiation Dosimetry Studies (ALRADS), where his research team develops highly detailed digital models of the human body to better understand how radiation interacts with organs and tissues. These “computational phantoms” allow researchers and clinicians to estimate radiation dose with remarkable accuracy for patients of different ages, sizes, and medical conditions. His work has been especially influential in pediatric imaging, helping physicians balance diagnostic benefits with long-term safety.
Bolch has authored more than 300 peer‑reviewed journal articles and dozens of book chapters and technical reports that serve as international references. His research has been widely cited and adopted by professional organizations and regulatory bodies. Through these roles, he has helped shape global standards for radiation protection in medicine.
Bolch’s impact extends well beyond research. He is a deeply committed educator and mentor, having guided dozens of doctoral and master’s students. He has also held major administrative roles at UF, including associate dean for academic affairs in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, where he helped strengthen graduate education, faculty development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Reflecting on his work’s purpose, Bolch writes, “Our mission is to advance patient safety and precision in radiation medicine through innovation in computational modeling and dosimetry.”
Department chair Cherie Stabler highlighted both Bolch’s scientific reach and service to the university, describing him as “an internationally respected scholar whose pioneering work in radiation dosimetry has set global standards, while his teaching and mentoring have profoundly shaped biomedical engineering at UF.”