Project Awards

MTRAC and Kickstart awards are part of the University of Michigan MTRAC for Life Sciences Innovation Hub, a statewide program that supports translational research projects in life sciences with high commercial potential.

Kickstart early-stage funding awards offer funding in the $21,250-$42,500K range, with proposals due on February 1 and August 1.

MTRAC mid-stage funding awards are given once a year in January and offer funding in the $100K-$250K range, with proposals due in September.

We invite you to browse our portfolio of successful projects and faculty innovators.

Following is a list of Kickstart and MTRAC awardees.

2021 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 Novel PKM2 Activators for Photoreceptor Neuroprotection: Identifying a Clinical Candidate Therapeutic
Kelsey Boersma, M.P.H.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital		 mobileM.A.T. General Movement Assessment Application IT Diagnostic
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D.
U-M Chemical Engineering
 Bile Salt-Based Composite Microparticles as an Effective Treatment for Submental Fat Reduction Therapeutic
Jianping Fu, Ph.D.
U-M Mechanical Engineering
 EmbryoTOX: A Novel Human Embryo Toxicity Testing Platform Research Tool
Sonali Kurup, Ph.D.
Ferris State University- Pharmaceutical Studies		 Small Molecule EGFR/AURK Inhibitors for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Therapeutic
Jun Hee Lee, Ph.D.
U-M Molecular & Integrative Physiology
 Next Generation Spatial Transcriptomics Research Tool
Mats Ljungman, Ph.D.
U-M Radiation Oncology
 Universal Cancer Targeting Using Precision CRISPR Technology Therapeutic
Nishaki Mehta, M.D.
William Beaumont Hospital		 PressRite Medical Device
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
U-M Ophthalmology
Prediction of Cancer Recurrences with Biomarkers
 Diagnostic
Benjamin Viglianti, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M Radiology
 First In Human Testing of FNP-59, a Non-Invasive Imaging Agent to Diagnose Primary Aldosteronism Diagnostic
Arthur Weber, Ph.D.
MSU – Physiology
 Variable Inductor Passive Contact Lens-Based IOP Sensor Medical Device
William Weitzel, M.D.
U-M Internal Medicine, Nephrology		 Vascular Ultrasound Diagnostic Tool IT Diagnostic

2020 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Dawen Cai, B.S., Ph.D.
U-M – Cell & Developmental Biology		 SELAC-SEQ-A Core Instrument for Selective Single-Cell Sequencing Towards Precision Cancer Therapies Research Tool
Marilia Cascalho M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Transplant Surgery
Jeffrey Platt, M.D.
U-M Microbiology/Immunology		 C3d Immunotherapies to Treat Multiple Myeloma and Related Conditions Therapeutic
John Charpie, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Pediatric Cardiology		 Ultrasound Detectable Endotracheal Tube Medical Device
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D., M.S.E.
U-M – Chemical Engineering		 Poly-Aspirin Particles for the Treatment of ALI-ARDS Therapeutic
John Farris, Ph.D.
Grand Valley State University – Biomedical Engineering
Eric VanMiddendorp, MSE
Spectrum Health – Biomedical Engineering		 Water Management System Medical Device
David Fox, M.D.
U-M – Rheumatology		 Evidence for Targeting NIK Cell CD6 as a Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Therapeutic
Shinichi Fukuhara, M.D.
U-M – Cardiac Surgery		 Aortic Septotomy Device to Create Optimized Landing Zones During Endovascular Aortic Repair for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection Medical Device
David Markovitz, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease
Jane Manfredi, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D. DACVS-LA, DACVSMR
Michigan State – Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation		 A New Agent for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Therapeutic
Ruthann Nichols, Ph.D.
U-M – Biological Chemistry		 Developing a Novel Therapeutic to Treat Heart Failure; Targeting Contractile Performance Therapeutic
Yannis M. Paulus, M.D., FACS
U-M – Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 KalEYEdoscope Home Monitoring for Macular Degeneration Medical Device
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
U-M – Ophthalmology		 Prediction of Cancer Recurrences Using Biomarkers Diagnostic
Karthik Ramani, M.D.
U-M – Nephrology		 Investigator-Initiated Study to Determine the Effect of a Novel Method to Reduce Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections Using Nitric Oxide Donor Based Anti-Microbial Balloon Inflation Fluid for Urinary Catheters Medical Device
Marlene Seltzer, M.D.
Beaumont – Obstetrics & Gynecology
John Farris, Ph.D.
Grand Valley State University – Engineering		 Labor Assist Device Medical Device
Lonnie Shea, Ph.D.
U-M Biomedical Engineering		 An Implantable Engineered Metastatic Niche for Early Detection of Cancer Recurrence Diagnostic
David Sherman, Ph.D.
U-M – Medicinal Chemistry, Microbiology/Immunology		 Cryptophycins as Next Generation Warheads in Antibody Drug Conjugates Therapeutic
Hom-Lay Wang, DDS
U-M – Dentistry		 Bone Inductive Membrane for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation Medical Device

2019 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Michael Burns, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Anesthesiology		 Automated Medical Billing Tools Health IT
John Charpie M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Pediatric Cardiology		 Ultrasound Detectable Endotracheal Tube Medical Device
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D., M.S.E.
U-M – Chemical Engineering		 Development of Degradable Microparticles for Treatment of ALI/ARDS Therapeutic
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D., M.S.E.
U-M – Chemical Engineering		 Development of Bile Salt-Based Composite Microparticles for Treatment of Obesity Therapeutic
David Fox, M.D.
U-M – Rheumatology		 Attenuation of Checkpoint Inhibitor Autoimmune Toxicity by Anti-CD6 Therapeutic
Salim Hayek, M.D.
U-M – Cardiology		 Using a “SuPAR” Biomarker to Guide the Management of Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease Diagnostic
Scott Hummel, M.D., M.S.
U-M – Cardiology		 An Innovation to Improve Cardiovascular Care and Risk Reduction Health IT
Hitinder Gurm, M.D.
U-M – Interventional Cardiology
Albert Shih, M.S., Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Harmonic Balloon Angioplasty – Plaque-Buster – Improved Treatment for Coronary and Peripheral Artery Calcification Medical Device
Xuefei Huang, M.A., Ph.D.
Michigan State – Chemistry/Biomedical Engineering		 A Novel Vaccine Strategy to Target Breast Cancer Based on Proprietary Mutant Backteriophage QBeta-MUC1 Conjugate Designed to Maximize Immunogenicity While Minimizing Non-Specific Effects Therapeutic
Qiao Li, Ph.D.
U-M – Surgery
Max Wicha, M.D.
U-M – Oncology
James Moon, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy
Alfred Chang, M.D.
U-M – Surgery
Anna Schwendeman, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy		 Application of Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Peptides-Vaccine With Novel Delivery Technology Against CSCs Therapeutic
Karen Liby, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Pharmacology
Edmund Ellsworth, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Pharmacology		 Novel Rexinoids (Retinoid X Receptor Agonists) for Oncology Therapeutic
Karen Liby, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Pharmacology		 Novel Nrf2 Inhibitors Therapeutic
Mats Ljungman, Ph.D.
U-M – Radiation Oncology		 Using CRISPR Technology to Target Chromosome Rearrangement Junctions in Cancer Therapeutic
David Markovitz, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease		 Mutation Independent Targeting of EGFR in Lung Cancer Therapeutic
Erik Martinez-Hackert, Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Biochemistry		 Novel Treatment for Preventing Muscle Atrophy and Fatty Infiltration After Rotator Cuff Injury Therapeutic
Mark Newman, M.S., Ph.D.
U-M – School of Information
John Hollingsworth, M.D.
U-M – Urology
Michael Englesbe, M.D.
U-M – Surgery		 Surgical Asset Tracker – Smart Asset Removal Health IT
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
U-M – Radiation Oncology		 Development of DGD1202 for EGFR-TKE Resistant Lung Cancers Therapeutic
Yannis Paulus, M.D. FACS
U-M – Ophthalmology
U-M – Biomedical Engineering
Xueding Wang, Ph.D.
U-M – Radiology
U-M – Biomedical Engineering		 Novel Laser and Ultrasound to Treat Pigmentation Medical Device
William Roberts, M.D.
U-M – Urology		 Suction Cone Medical Device
Luis Savastano, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Neurosurgery
Albert Shih, M.S., Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Vortex Catheter Technology: Production Engineering Medical Device
Ariella Shikanov, Ph.D.
U-M – Biomedical Engineering		 Restoration of Ovarian Endocrine Function in Adolescent Girls With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Therapeutic
Eric VanMiddendorp, M.S.E.
Spectrum Health Innovations		 Patient Auto Slider Medical Device
Eric VanMiddendorp, M.S.E.
Spectrum Health Innovations		 Dynamic Tension Shoulder Brace Medical Device
Thomas Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology		 Microsystems Confocal Endomicroscope for Instantaneous Histology Medical Device
Arthur Weber, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Physiology		 Variable Inductor-Based Passive IOP Sensor Medical Device

2018 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Edward Castillo, Ph.D.
Beaumont – Radiation Oncology		 Detecting Pulmonary Embolism from Non-Contrast Computed Tomography Diagnostic
Kemp Cease, M.D., M.B.A.
U-M Department of Internal Medicine		 A Nanoparticle Vaccine for S. Aureus Therapeutic
Alexis Donneys, M.D., M.S.
U-M – Plastic Surgery		 Smart Software for the Microscopic Video Surveillance System Research Tool
Aloke Dutta, Ph.D.
Wayne State University – Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences		 Novel Neuroprotective Agents Against Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutic
James Douglas Engel, Ph.D.
U-M Department of Cell and Developmental Biology		 Refining Small Molecule Inhibitors of LSD1 to Treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Beta-thalassaemia Therapeutic
Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S.
U-M – Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 Oculomics: Data-driven Drug Development Health IT
Kurshid Ghani, M.B., B.Ch.
U-M – Urology		 UroSuction Scope: Ureteroscope that Reduces Pressure Build-up During Kidney Stone Removal Medical Device
Hitinder S. Gurm, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine		 Harmonic Balloon Angioplasty – Plaque-Buster Medical Device
Mike Holinstat, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacology		 Analogs of ML355 for Inhibition of 12-LOX In Vivo Resulting in Prevention of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis Therapeutic
Joseph Holoshitz, M.D.
U-M – Rheumatology		 Preclinical Studies of a Small Bone Damage-Preventive Lead HL840 Therapeutic
Loay Kabbani, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Vascular Surgery Fellowship, Department of Vascular Surgery
Mohammad Mehrmohammadi, Ph.D.
Wayne State University – Biomedical/Electrical and Computer Engineering
Nicole Kennedy, M.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Department of Vascular Surgery		 Photoacoustic Imaging for Guidance of Endovenous Laser Ablation Procedures Medical Device
Jennifer Kaiser, R.N.
Spectrum Health – Nursing		 Female External Urinary Collection Device (“uCol”) Medical Device
Karen Libey, Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology		 New Rexinoids for Lung Cancer Therapeutic
Jennifer Meddings, M.D.
U-M – Department of Internal Medicine		 Female Foley Facilitator (F3) Study Medical Device
Yoshihisa Morita, M.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Anesthesiology		 Newly Designed Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Cover to Improve Image Quality Medical Device
Mohammadreza Nasiriavanaki, Ph.D.
Wayne State University – Department of Biomedical Engineering & School of Medicine		 SMART-OCT to Assist the Diagnosis of Melanoma Diagnostic
Dan Orringer, M.D.
U-M – Neurosurgery		 Automated Brain Tumor Diagnosis Using Convolutional Neural Networks Diagnostic
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
U-M – Ophthalmology		 Improving Ocular Cancer Therapy with Semiconducting Nanoparticles Therapeutic
Jeff Sakamoto, Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Customer Validation and Regulatory Pathway of Nerve Guidance Scaffold Technology Medical Device
Kamal Sarabandi, M.S., Ph.D.
University of Michigan – Electrical Engineering		 Wireless Hip Stability Test Device Medical Device
Erik Shapiro, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Radiology		 Affinity Magnetic Particles for Imaging Cells by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnostic
Susan Shore, Ph.D.
U-M – Otolaryngology		 Reversing Synchronized Circuitry to Treat Tinnitus in Humans Medical Device
Kathleen Sienko, Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 SubQ Assist: Commercialization of a Task-Shifting Device for the Insertion of Subcutaneous Contraceptive Implants Medical Device
Matthew Sims, M.D., Ph.D.
Beaumont – Infectious Disease Research		 Validation of a Biomarker Panel to Predict the Risk of Developing Recurrent MRSA Skin Infections Diagnostic
Jason Spence, Ph.D.
Lonnie Shea, Ph.D.
U-M Department of Internal Medicine
U-M Department of Biomedical Engineering		 Human Lung Organoid: Pre-Clinical Drug Screening Platform Research Tool
Benjamin Viglianti, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Radiology		 Development of a Fluorinated NP-59 Analogue for Adrenal Imaging Diagnostic
Christopher Waters, Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics		 Eradicating Biofilms in Diabetic Chronic Wounds Therapeutic
Yoke Khin Yap, Ph.D.
Michigan Tech – Physics		 Synthesis and Characterization of High-Brightness Red Fluorophores Research Tool
David Zopf, M.D.
U-M – Otolaryngology		 FerroForm: Magnetic, 3D Printed Ear Splint to Treat Congenital Ear Deformity Medical Device

2017 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Sean Ahlquist, M.Arch.
U-M – Assistant Professor of Architecture, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning		 Kinesthetic Environment for Sensory Regulation, Engaged Learning, and Social Interaction Medical Device
John Anagli, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Research Department		 Selective Calpain Inhibitor-based Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury  Therapeutic
Jimo Borjigin, Ph.D.
U-M – Physiology		 Electrocardiomatrix (ECM): A New Method for Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmias  Health IT
Benjamin Buller, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Neurology		 Commercialization of a Wide-Ranging Exosome Platform for Treatment of Stroke  Therapeutic
Mark Burns, M.S., Ph.D.
Chandu Vermuri, M.D., FACS
U-M – Mechanical Engineering
U-M – Vascular Surgery
U-M – Emergency Medicine
U-M – Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Microfluidic Device for the Measurement of Viscosity, Coagulation, and Red Blood Cell Deformability in Blood Diagnostic
Karim Essani, Ph.D.
Western Michigan University – Professor, Department of Biological Sciences		 Oncolytic Tanapox Virus Recombinants for the Potential Immuno-virotherapy of Human Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapeutic
Xudong Fan, Ph.D.
U-M – Biomedical Engineering
U-M – Emergency Medicine
U-M – Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Micro Gas Chromatography and Breathomics for Acute Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Acute Lung Injury  Diagnostic
Craig Friedrich, Ph.D.
Michigan Technological University – Engineering
Erin Baker, Ph.D.
Beaumont – Orthopaedic Surgery		 Antibacterial Orthopaedic Implant Commercialization  Medical Device
James Geiger, M.D.
U-M – Professor, Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Section		 Nutritional Dashboard: An Innovative Approach to Family-Focused Education Health IT
James Geiger, M.D.
U-M – Professor, Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Section		 Home Ventilator – Continuous CO2 Monitoring Medical Device
Michael Holinstat, Ph.D.
U-M – Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology		 Analogs of ML355 for Inhibition of 12-LOX In Vivo Resulting in Prevention of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis Therapeutic
Michael Lanham, M.D.
U-M – Obstetrics & Gynecology		 OnTrack-Development and Evaluation of Software Medication Management Service for Infertility Patients  Health IT
Scott Larsen, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy
Rick Neubig, M.D., Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Pharmacology		 Development of a Highly Potent Inhibitor of the Rho/MRTF/SRF Pathway as A Novel Oral Therapeutic for Scleroderma  Therapeutic
David Markovitz, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine		 A Molecularly-Modified Lectin for the Treatment of Cancer Therapeutic
Sophia Merajver, M.D., Ph.D.
Matthew Soellner, Ph.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine		 Dual c-Src/p38 Inhibitor for Triple Negative Breast Cancer  Therapeutic
James Moon Ph.D.
Anna Schwendeman, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy		 A Novel Nano-Vaccine Technology for Cancer Immunotherapy  Therapeutic
Ruthann Nichols, Ph.D.
U-M – Department of Biological Sciences		 Novel Agent to Improve Cardiac Performance Therapeutic
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
U-M – Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology		 EGFR Dimer Disruptor for TKI Resistant Cancers Therapeutic
Cyrus Piraka, M.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Section Chief, Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy		 Novel Device for Polyp Removal in the GI Tract  Medical Device
Gus Rosania, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy		 Drug Repurposing for Gouty Arthritis Therapeutic
Lonnie Shea, Ph.D.
U-M – William and Valerie Hall Department Chair & Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering		 An Implanted Biomaterial Scaffold for Early Detection of Metastasis Diagnostic
Muneesh Tewari, M.D., Ph.D.
Nils Walter, Ph.D.
U-M – Hematology/Oncology
U-M – LSA/Chemistry		 A High-Specificity, Direct Single Molecule Counting Technology to Enable Cell-Free DNA-Based Liquid Biopsy for Oncology  Diagnostic
Ebenezer Tubman, Ph.D.
Michigan Tech – Biological Sciences		 Immunization with Phage-Virus-like Particles Displaying Zika Virus B-cell Epitopes to Assess Zika Virus Protection in Mice Therapeutic
Eric VanMiddendorp, M.S.E.
Spectrum Health Innovations – Biomedical Engineering		 Patient Auto-Slider Medical Device
James Varani, Ph.D.
U-M – Pathology		 Novel, Non-Irritating Retinoids for the Treatment of Acne  Therapeutic

2016 U-M MEDICAL SCHOOL PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 CryoAnesthesia – Rapid anesthesia for intraocular injections Medical Device
Michele Carney, M.D.
Emergency Medicine		 Positioning Device for Seated Neonatal Lumbar Puncture Procedure Medical Device
Marilia Cascalho, M.D.
Surgery
Jeffrey Platt, M.D.
Microbiology & Immunology		 C3D Cellular and Acellular Vaccines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer Therapeutic
Edward Castillo, M.A., Ph.D.
Beaumont Health, Radiation Oncology		 A Novel Method for Detecting Pulmonary Embolism from Non-Contrast 4DCT Diagnostic
Bill Chey, M.D.
James Ashton-Miller, M.S.M.E.
Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology		 Digital Manometry: A disposible, point-of-service diagnostic device for patients with fecal incontinence Medical Device
Gabriel Corfas, Ph.D.
U-M – Otolaryngology		 Development of Small Molecule Positive Modulators of Ligand-Induced Ret Signaling as Treatment for Small Fiber Peripheral Neuropathy Therapeutic
Tim Cornell, M.D.
Pediatrics – Intensive Care
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Development of a Near-Real Time Microfluidic Assay Device Reader for Identification of Targetable Cytokines in High-Risk Septic Patients Diagnostic
Rodney Daniels, M.D.
Pediatrics – Critical Care
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Redox POC Platform for Evaluation and Treatment of Sepsis, Septic Shock, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Diagnostic
Bogdan Epureanu, M.S., Ph.D.
Mechanical Engineering
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Therapeutic Vibration Device Medical Device
Kate Fitzgerald, M.D.
Psychiatry		 Automated brain “read-outs” for diagnosing anxiety and depression in preschoolers Health IT
Jim Geiger, M.D.
Saja Al-Duhaili, Ph.D.
Surgery – Pediatrics		 BUDDY Button – Low-Profile Gastrostomy Device Medical Device
Michael Holinstat, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacology		 Analogs of OxyProtect (12-HETrE) for inhibition of platelet function and thrombosis Therapeutic
Wenjun Ju, M.S., Ph.D.
Nephrology
Raymond Trievel, Ph.D.
Biochemistry		 New drug development for chronic kidney disease Therapeutic
Helen Kales, M.D.
Psychiatry		 WeCareAdvisor: A Novel Web-Based Tool to Assess and Manage Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia Health IT
Tyson Kim, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Smartphone-based Retinal Imaging for Screening of Eye Disease Health IT
Michael Lanham, M.D.
Obstetrics & Gynecology		 OnTrack Health IT
Dan Lawrence, Ph.D.
Internal Medicine – Cardiology		 Develop a Preclinical Data Package for a Small Molecule Inhibitor of PAI-1 Therapeutic  
Yongqing Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Surgery		 Targeting Peptidylarginine Deiminase: A Novel Approach to Treatment of Septic Shock Therapeutic
David Markovitz, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Infectious Disease		 Treatment of influenza with a New Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agent Therapeutic  
Sofia Merajver, M.D., Ph.D.
Public Health		 Targeting RhoC to prevent metastasis Therapeutic
Kayvan Najarian, Ph.D.
Kenn Oldham, Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Mechanical Engineering
Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Dynamic Arterial Morphology Analysis for Prediction of Intradialytic Hypotension Diagnostic  
Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska, Ph.D.
Pathology		 Development of MCL-1 inhibitors as a targeted therapy to circumvent drug resistance in human multiple myeloma Therapeutic
Brent Nowak, Ph.D.
Grand Valley State University – applied Medical Device Institute (aDMI)
John Farris, Ph.D.
Grand Valley State University – Biomedical Engineering
Brent Mulder, Ph.D.
Spectrum Health Innovations		 uCol – A Novel Female Urinary Collection Device For Reducing CAUTIs Medical Device
Dipankar Ray, Ph.D.
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
Christopher Whitehead, Ph.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Therapeutic Targeting of mutant KRAS Therapeutic
Bruce Richardson, M.D., Ph.D.
Internal Medicine – Rheumatology		 Anti-KIR Antibodies in the Treatment of Lupus Therapeutic
Jeff Sakamoto, Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Scaleable Manufacturing of Nerve Guidance Scaffold Technology Medical Device
Joshua Stein, M.D., M.S.
Ophthamology & Visual Sciences		 Monitoring Patients with Glaucoma Using a Novel Personalized Forecasting Tool Health IT
Shuichi Takayama, Ph.D.
Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science & Engineering
Jason Knight, M.D.
Rheumatology		 Bioengineered NETs Diagnostic for Lupus Flares Diagnostic
Ashootosh Tripathi, Ph.D.
Life Sciences Institute		 Ribosome Engineering for Improved Production of Novel Antibiotics against Uropathogenic E. coli Therapeutic
James Varani, Ph.D.
Pathology		 New Leads for Promyelocytic Leukemia Therapeutic
J Scott VanEpps M.D., Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Chiroplasmonic Nanorod-PCR (NR-PCR) for rapid bacterial identification and antibiotic resistance testing in sepsis Diagnostic
Chao-Yie Yang, Ph.D.
U-M – Hematology, Oncology		 Development of in vivo chemical inhibitors to target the ST2/IL-33 axis for treating graft-versus-host disease Therapeutic
Suzanna Zick, N.D., M.P.H.
Public Health		 Development and Feasibility of an Acupressure Application Tailored by Breast Cancer Health IT

2015 U-M MEDICAL SCHOOL PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Ashwin Belle, Ph.D.
Rodney Daniels, M.D.
Kayvan Najarian, Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Pediatrics
Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Advanced Hemodynamic Assessment and Monitoring Using Computer-Aided Analysis of ECG Signals Diagnostic
Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Cryoanesthesia Medical Device
Tiffany Braley, M.D., M.S.
Neurology		 Dimethyl fumarate: a novel therapeutic agent for obstructive sleep apnea Therapeutic
Mark Burns, M.S., Ph.D.
Chemical Engineering
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Droplet-based Microfluidic Rheometer for Real-time Viscosity Monitoring of Blood Coagulation Diagnostic
Brian Byrd, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 A Novel Biomarker of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation Diagnostic
Rodney Daniels, M.D.
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Point-of-Care (POC) Platform for Small Volume Analysis of Blood and Body Fluid Redux in Illness and Injury Diagnostic
Alexis Donneys, M.D., M.S.
Plastic Surgery		 Microscopic Video Surveillance Systems Research Tool
Xudong Fan, Ph.D.
Biomedical Engineering
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Micro Gas Chromatography and Breathomics for Acute Point-of-Care Diagnostics Diagnostic
Jianping Fu, M.S., Ph.D.
Mechanical Engineering
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Development of A Microscale Whole Blood Coagulation Assay Platform Diagnostic
James Geiger, M.D.
Saja Al-Dujaili, Ph.D.
M-PED
Surgery		 Low-Profile Gastrostomy Device Medical Device
Todd Herron, Ph.D.
Jose Jalife, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Cardiology		 Human Heart in a Dish: Novel In Vitro Cardiotoxicity Testing Platform Research Tool
John Hollingsworth, M.D.
Urology		 Stent Tracker Health IT
Michael Hortsch, Ph.D.
Cell and Developmental Biology		 SecondLook™ – A Template for Interactive E-Learning Tools Health IT
Mark Ilgen, Ph.D.
Xudong Fan, Ph.D.
Psychiatry
Biomedical Engineering		 Wearable Alcohol Monitoring Device Medical Device
Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.
Ophthalmology & Visual Services		 EyeAnalyze: Automated Identification and Quantification of Changes in Retinal Diseases Health IT
Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 Lacrimal Stent With Opening to Improve Draining Efficacy and Reduce Infection Medical Device
Lisa Larkin, Ph.D.
Molecular and Integrative Physiology		 Acellularization of Tissue Engineered Tendon Constructs for Rotator Cuff Repair Medical Device
Michelle Macy, M.D.
Emergency Medicine		 The Carseat Compass Health IT
David Markovitz, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 H84T BanLec Therapeutic
Melvin McInnis, M.D.
Psychiatry		 A Clinical Intervention Trial of Bipolar Disorder: Predicting Individual Outcomes for Rapid Intervention (PRIORI) Health IT
Kayvan Najarian, Ph.D.
Brahmajee Nallamothu, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Internal Medicine – Cardiology
Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Computer-Aided System for Automated Analysis of Coronary Angiograms Health IT
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
Theodore Lawrence, M.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Targeting erlotinib resistant EGFR for degradation in lung and colorectal cancers. Therapeutic
Marc Peters-Golden, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 Inhaled SOCS-containing liposomes for treatment of inflammatory lunch diseases Therapeutic
David Raffel, Ph.D.

 

 18F-Hydroxyphenethylguanidine for PET Quantification of Cardiac Sympathetic Nerve Density in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing ICD Implantation Therapeutic
Jonathan Rubin, M.D., Ph.D.
Radiology
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Real-Time Ultrasound Measurement of Local Lung Ventilation Diagnostic
Michael Sabel, M.D.
Surgery		 Development and Implementation of Clinical Companion Mobile Technologies in Health Care Health IT
Robert U. Simpson, Ph.D.
UM – Pharmacology
Peter Higgins, M.D., Ph.D.
UM – Gastroenterology		 CARD-024 for Intestinal Fibrosis Therapeutic
Jess Thoene, M.D.
UM – Pediatrics		 Demonstration of Delivery of Human Cystinosin Into Animal Cornea Via Microvesicles Therapeutic
James Varani, Ph.D.
Pathology		 New Leads for Promyelocytic Leukemia Therapeutic
Nils Walter, Ph.D.
Muneesh Tewari, M.D., Ph.D.
Chemistry
Internal Medicine		 A New Technology for Single Molecule Counting of Nucleic Acid Biomarkers Diagnostic
Christopher Whitehead, Ph.D.
Judy Leopold, Ph.D.
Radiology		 EGFR and PI3K inhibitors: Design and Discovery of Dual Lipid and Receptor Kinase Inhibitors Therapeutic  
Matt Young, Ph.D.
Nicholas Donato, M.D., Ph.D.
Internal Medicine – Nuclear Medicine		 Targeting deubiquitinases with small molecule inhibitors: A novel approach in cancer pathway and oncotarget inactivation Therapeutic

2014 U-M MEDICAL SCHOOL PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Vertical
Ulysses Balis, M.D.
Peter Higgins, M.D., Ph.D.
Pathology
Internal Medicine		 Health IT solution for automated safety monitoring for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (on thiopurine) Therapeutic
Omer Berenfeld, Ph.D.
Hakan Oral, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Cardiology		 Novel real-time intracardiac mapping system to guide ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation Health IT
Mark Cohen, M.D.
Anna Schwendeman, Ph.D.
Surgery – Endocrine
Medicinal Chemistry		 SRB-1 targeted withanolide nanoconjugates for improved targeted therapy of endocrine cancers Therapeutic
Matthew DiMagno, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 An Electronic Alert Instrument Shortens Hospital Length of Stay in Acute Pancreatitis Health IT
Kojo Elinitoba-Johnson, M.D.
Megan Lim, M.D., Ph.D.
Pathology		 Clinical Genomic Sequence Analysis Software: Automated variant identification from complex genetic datasets Health IT  
Todd Herron, Ph.D.
Jose Jalife, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 3D Human Cardiac Tissue for Predicting Oncology Induced Cardiotoxicity Research Tool
Joseph Holoshitz, M.D.
Henry Mosberg, Ph.D.
Internal Medicine		 Medicinal Optimization of a Shared Epitope Antagonistic Lead Peptidomimetic Compound Therapeutic
Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.
Matthew Johnson Robertson, Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Automated Measurement of Changes in Retinal, Retinal Pigment Epithelial, or Chroidal Disease Health IT
Jerome Kalifa, MD. PhD
Internal Med/Cardiology		 “Smart Ablation” Medical Device
Donna Livant, Ph.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Evaluation of PhScN as a Potent Systemic Therapy Combined with Herceptin and/or Radiation for Breast Cancer Therapeutic
William Meurer, M.D.
Albert Shih, Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care
Mechanical Engineering		 Brain-Cooling Devices for Stroke Medical Device
Shahzad Mian, M.D.
Nikos Chronis, Ph.D.
Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Mechanical Engineering		 Real-time, continuous measurement of intraocular pressure for better ongoing monitoring and management of glaucoma patients Medical Device
Kayvan Najarian, Ph.D.
Kenn Oldham, Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care
Mechanical Engineering		 A Portable Real-Time Monitoring System for Detection of Cardiovascular Events Diagnostic
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
Theodore Lawrence, M.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Targeting EGFR-dimerization and EGFR-Hsp90 interaction for drug-resistant lung and colorectal cancers Therapeutic
Dan Orringer, M.D.
Neurosurgery		 Taking the Guesswork Out of Brain Surgery Medical Device
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Nanoparticle Therapy in Cancer Therapeutic
David Raffel, Ph.D.
Radiology		 Clinical Translation of 18F-Hydroxphenethylguanidines for Quantifying Cardiac Nerve Density Diagnostic
Dipankar Ray, Ph.D.
Oncology		 Therapeutic Targeting of Mutant KRAS Therapeutic
Albert Shih, Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care
Mechanical Engineering		 Airway Support Device Medical Device
Mohamad Tiba, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Dynamic Response Impedance Volume Evaluation (DRIVE) Diagnostic
Hector Valdivia, M.D., Ph.D.
Internal Medicine		 Anti-arrhythmic Drugs Based on Natural Peptides Therapeutic
Thomas Wang, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology		 Fluorescent-labeled peptide for targeting early detection of colorectal cancer Diagnostic
Chris Whitehead, Ph.D.
Judy Leopold, Ph.D.
Radiology		 Dual Inhibitor of Receptor Tyrosine and Lipid Kinases Therapeutic

QUESTIONS?

Have questions about the MTRAC for Life Sciences Innovation Hub? Contact Bradley Martin, Ph.D., Director, Fast Forward Medical Innovation, at bradmart@umich.edu or 734-936-8577.

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