Marcela Bilek is internationally known for contributions to the science and technology of plasma processes for surface engineering of materials, particularly utilizing energetic ions to control intrinsic stress and microstructure and to create a versatile new technology platform for the fabrication of advanced biointerfaces. Her work has enabled new capabilities in a range of settings including: magnetic storage devices; solid fuel plasma thrusters; implantable biomedical devices; in-vitro cell culture systems; diagnostics; stem cell and gene therapy; and nanomedicine.