Abstracts

Cory Berkland

Abstract:

Academia faces many challenges developing research innovations that benefit the public. This presentation begins by outlining some of the key dilemmas faced by faculty and the university administration when attempting to engage with the private sector. Next, blind spots in academic-industry translation will be discussed, including differing expectations, market dynamics, and regulatory hurdles. Case studies exemplify pitfalls that can be encountered during investor due diligence, the importance of expert technical risk assessment, and common pitfalls for startups as well as academic/industry deals. Lastly, mechanisms to overcome challenges are proposed to instigate a discussion. Drawing on insights from industry collaborations, major translational efforts at university centers, and academic startup companies, the presentation advocates for a balanced approach to innovation, aligning academic research with market needs to drive impactful biomedical advancements.

David Westenberg

Abstract:

The path to health care professions varies greatly yet many students interested in such careers are not aware of the diversity of options. The common perception is that students must get a specific degree such as biology or chemistry and are not aware that medical schools are more interested in the student’s preparation than their degree. At Missouri S&T students in wide variety of degree programs apply for and gain admission to schools of health care professions. The hands-on learning, problem solving skills, and collaborative learning that is a hallmark of the S&T education carries great weight in the admissions process. This presentation will share data and stories about the varied paths Missouri S&T students have followed to successfully gain admission to schools of health care professions.

Daniel Forciniti

Abstract:

The Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department in collaboration with the Material Science and Engineering department started a biomedical engineering B.S. degree in Fall 2024. The planning for the degree started two years prior the starting date. The program has two tracks: 1) Materials and 2) Biomanufacturing. Compared to other biomedical programs in the nation, it is unique in that it does not offer the three traditionally strong tracks in biomedical engineering: prosthetics, sensors, and imaging. The lack of these tracks has been brought to the attention of the institution in a recent external review of the program. After describing the status of the program and enrollment so far, I will briefly highlight some of the topics covered in the curricula. The remainder of the time will be used to describe the biomanufacturing track, which does not necessarily require the presence of a medical school on campus. This track has been built based upon a biochemical engineering emphasis program that is well established and has been taught since the nineties. A new vaccine manufacturing course will be explored in more detail. This unique class combines in-person discussions with synchronous online laboratory experiences.

Jee-Ching Wang

Abstract:

Encompassing several rapidly growing specialty areas, Bioengineering is one of the fastest-growing sectors of employment and also lately one that has received substantial increases in R&D investments from various stakeholders. Inspired in part by the recent demands and breakthroughs in pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology industries, increasing numbers of students have become interested in bioengineering graduate research and career pathways. In 2022, the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology led a campus effort that was joined by faculty partners from nine different departments to establish a Bioengineering PhD program. It was approved and started in Fall 2024 with three new PhD students. This talk will present an overview of the objectives, curricular design, and unique features of this new Bioengineering PhD program.

Stephen Roberts

Abstract:

A growing need in medicine is the training of patient-centered physicians with engineering backgrounds and a mindset of innovation and creativity to advance medical technologies and improve patient outcomes. Missouri S&T is a significant source of such physicians, with approximately one half of its students who matriculate to medical school being graduates of an engineering degree program. Some universities now embed engineering content within the medical degree program curriculum or offer special pre-enrollment programs that infuse medical technology and innovation within an undergraduate engineering program and offer early conditional admission to medical school. Missouri S&T and the University of Missouri School of Medicine are developing a joint program called the Missouri Medical Engineering Pathway Program. The MMEPP enriches undergraduate engineering education with co-curricular experiences in clinical settings and medical research laboratories and offers conditional early admission to the MU SoM, which will introduce a new medical technology and innovation emphasis track within its MD program curriculum.

Fateme Fayyazbakhsh

Abstract:

Bioactive materials are designed to interact beneficially with biological systems and play a pivotal role in disease prevention, tissue regeneration, and therapeutic intervention. These materials not only promote cellular response and restore tissue function but also target, stimulate, and modulate biological environments for enhanced healing. In parallel, biofabrication technologies, including nanomaterial synthesis, 3D and 4D bioprinting, microfluidics, and electrospinning, enable the construction of spatially organized, functional, and clinically relevant biomimetic platforms. Missouri S&T has developed a strong track record in this space through interdisciplinary research spanning engineering, materials science, and life sciences. Ongoing efforts in our labs ranging from bioactive scaffolds and multifunctional healing systems for applications such as bone and skin regeneration, infectious disease prevention, cancer therapy, drug delivery systems, and point-of-care diagnostics, using smart and stimuli-responsive materials. This talk will also highlight exemplary work by Missouri S&T faculty across diverse domains. Research includes bioactive glass, nanodiamonds, 2D nanomaterials, wearable diagnostics, smart drug delivery systems, antidote platforms, dendrimer-based gene therapies, peptide delivery for intracellular transport, and responsive transdermal delivery systems. Strategic materials such as novel polypeptides, smart hydrogels, MXenes, and advanced glass formulations are being integrated with additive manufacturing and microfluidic platforms for inner-ear drug delivery, bone adhesives, hemostats, scarless wound healing, cancer treatment, and wearable biosensors. Driven by a strong culture of intellectual property protection, Missouri S&T fosters interdisciplinary research that spans fundamental discovery through translational research and commercialization, advancing innovation across engineering, materials science, and life sciences.

Pablo Sobrado

Abstract:

Research in the Sobrado Laboratory centers on the characterization of unique flavoenzymes involved in pathogenesis and natural product biosynthesis. Our objectives include elucidating the chemical mechanisms and structures of novel flavoenzymes, as well as identifying inhibitors targeting those critical to the pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus and various pathogenic bacteria.

In this seminar, I will highlight several of our ongoing research projects and outline our approaches to drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on antifungal agents. I will also present a few vignettes related to drug delivery at Missouri S&T.

Seung-Jong “Jay” Park

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing traditional approaches to biomedical research and healthcare delivery, driving unprecedented advancements across multiple applications. In this presentation, we will explore how state-of-the-art AI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs), diffusion models, and Agentic AI, are transforming core areas within biomedical and health sciences. Specifically, we will examine the role of AI in accelerating drug discovery, streamlining complex review and literature analysis, and enhancing AI-based diagnosis on biomedical data. Through detailed case studies and real-world examples, we will demonstrate how LLMs facilitate knowledge extraction and synthesis from extensive biomedical literature, how diffusion-based generative models are optimizing the molecular design process, and how AI agents effectively manage and automate complex healthcare workflows. This talk aims to provide insights into the current impacts, emerging collaboration opportunities, and future potential of AI-driven innovation in biomedical and health science areas, highlighting both the transformative power and critical considerations necessary for responsible integration into clinical practice.

Shenda Baker

Abstract:

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, biopharmaceutical and biomedical engineering industries face an increasing need for adaptable, innovative solutions and a highly skilled workforce. These industries require continuous innovation to stay competitive. They also need highly competent and self-motivated personnel that understand and continue to adapt to the latest technologies and methodologies. Given the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, tailored data-driven development and advanced analytics is also increasingly critical. In addition, academics will need to understand and collaborate with facility in the restrictive regulatory environment with understanding of reimbursement systems, to ensure that research can be quickly translated into viable real-world applications.

Academia plays a crucial role in meeting these needs by driving groundbreaking research that forms the backbone of new therapies and technologies. However, industry has pressures of accelerated timelines, a strict regulatory environment and the need for nimbleness in a rapidly evolving and competitive marketplace. This talk will briefly share my experiences from my transition from academia to industry, and provide some perspective on how to think about the changing needs of industry through focused research initiatives, robust training programs, and the cultivation of an environment rewards industry collaborations, talent development, and successful technology transfer.

Aaron Willard

Abstract:

The global pandemic exposed and highlighted the vulnerability of many supply chains. The most concerning is perhaps healthcare and the overreliance the U.S. and American patients have on pharmaceuticals sourced outside the country. However, there is a growing interest in reshoring the manufacturing of essential medicines back to the U.S. While this movement is encouraging, understanding the challenges and opportunities will identify critical priorities that must be addressed. Leading this effort will take innovative approaches to leverage existing strengths and investments with the long-term in mind.

Steven Jung

Abstract:

Commercialization of new medical technologies continues to be far more difficult than developing technologies themselves. Academia is excellent at writing grants and getting billions in funding annually with the focus to create new ideas, publish papers, and patent ideas. Much of this work has great promise to advance society, yet many of these ideas often are either left on the shelf or are underutilized more often than they are put into practice. This talk is a story about developing platforms of novel biomedical glass technologies and then moving them from academia to the commercial setting where they have been utilized to make positive impacts on society and help to increase not only the patient lifespan, but also the quality of life of those who have received these new product technologies.

Ty Harmon

Abstract:

Drones have improved rural healthcare access in Africa for the past decade by delivering medication, vaccines and blood products to rural communities. In the United States, the Rail and Electric industry has pioneered Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations with the FAA. These two trends led to the creation of Valkyrie UAS Solutions providing improved healthcare access.

With long-range drones capable of traveling up to 100 miles on one charge at 80 mph and carrying loads up to 12 pounds to deliver health care to the doorstep of rural communities. The 1st Rural Healthcare Drone Hub will be launched in Rolla, MO in 2025 supporting improved healthcare access from Springfield, MO to St. Louis, MO.