Project Awards

MTRAC and MKickstart 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 Budget Startup
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D.
U-M Chemical Engineering
 Bile Salt-Based Composite Microparticles as an Effective Treatment for Submental Fat Reduction
Jianping Fu, Ph.D.
U-M Mechanical Engineering
 EmbryoTOX: A Novel Human Embryo Toxicity Testing Platform
Jun Hee Lee, Ph.D.
U-M Molecular & Integrative Physiology
 Next Generation Spatial Transcriptomics
Mats Ljungman, Ph.D.
U-M Radiation Oncology
 Universal Cancer Targeting Using Precision CRISPR Technology
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
U-M Ophthalmology
Prediction of Cancer Recurrences with Biomarkers
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
Arthur Weber, Ph.D.
MSU – Physiology
 Variable Inductor Passive Contact Lens-Based IOP Sensor

2020 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
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
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
John Charpie, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Pediatric Cardiology		 Ultrasound Detectable Endotracheal Tube
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D., M.S.E.
U-M – Chemical Engineering		 Poly-Aspirin Particles for the Treatment of ALI-ARDS
John Farris, Ph.D.
Grand Valley State University – Biomedical Engineering		 Water Management System
David Fox, M.D.
U-M – Rheumatology		 Evidence for Targeting NIK Cell CD6 as a Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
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
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
Ruthann Nichols, Ph.D.
U-M – Biological Chemistry		 Developing a Novel Therapeutic to Treat Heart Failure; Targeting Contractile Performance
Yannis M. Paulus, M.D., FACS
U-M – Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 KalEYEdoscope Home Monitoring for Macular Degeneration
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
U-M – Ophthalmology		 Prediction of Cancer Recurrences Using Biomarkers
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
Marlene Seltzer, M.D.
Beaumont – Obstetrics & Gynecology
John Farris, Ph.D.
Grand Valley State University – Engineering		 Labor Assist Device
Lonnie Shea, Ph.D.
U-M Biomedical Engineering		 An Implantable Engineered Metastatic Niche for Early Detection of Cancer Recurrence
David Sherman, Ph.D.
U-M – Medicinal Chemistry, Microbiology/Immunology		 Cryptophycins as Next Generation Warheads in Antibody Drug Conjugates
Hom-Lay Wang, DDS
U-M – Dentistry		 Bone Inductive Membrane for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

2019 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
Michael Burns, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Anesthesiology		 Automated Medical Billing Tools
John Charpie M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Pediatric Cardiology		 Ultrasound Detectable Endotracheal Tube
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D., M.S.E.
U-M – Chemical Engineering		 Development of Degradable Microparticles for Treatment of ALI/ARDS
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D., M.S.E.
U-M – Chemical Engineering		 Development of Bile Salt-Based Composite Microparticles for Treatment of Obesity
David Fox, M.D.
U-M – Rheumatology		 Attenuation of Checkpoint Inhibitor Autoimmune Toxicity by Anti-CD6
Salim Hayek, M.D.
U-M – Cardiology		 Using a “SuPAR” Biomarker to Guide the Management of Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease
Scott Hummel, M.D., M.S.
U-M – Cardiology		 An Innovation to Improve Cardiovascular Care and Risk Reduction
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
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
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
Karen Liby, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Pharmacology
Edmund Ellsworth, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Pharmacology		 Novel Rexinoids (Retinoid X Receptor Agonists) for Oncology
Karen Liby, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Pharmacology		 Novel Nrf2 Inhibitors
Mats Ljungman, Ph.D.
U-M – Radiation Oncology		 Using CRISPR Technology to Target Chromosome Rearrangement Junctions in Cancer
David Markovitz, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease		 Mutation Independent Targeting of EGFR in Lung Cancer
Erik Martinez-Hackert, Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Biochemistry		 Novel Treatment for Preventing Muscle Atrophy and Fatty Infiltration After Rotator Cuff Injury
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
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
U-M – Radiation Oncology		 Development of DGD1202 for EGFR-TKE Resistant Lung Cancers
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
William Roberts, M.D.
U-M – Urology		 Suction Cone
Luis Savastano, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Neurosurgery
Albert Shih, M.S., Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Vortex Catheter Technology: Production Engineering
Ariella Shikanov, Ph.D.
U-M – Biomedical Engineering		 Restoration of Ovarian Endocrine Function in Adolescent Girls With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Eric Van Middendorp, M.S.E.
Spectrum Health Innovations		 Patient Auto Slider
Eric Van Middendorp, M.S.E.
Spectrum Health Innovations		 Dynamic Tension Shoulder Brace
Thomas Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology		 Microsystems Confocal Endomicroscope for Instantaneous Histology
Arthur Weber, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Physiology		 Variable Inductor-Based Passive IOP Sensor

2018 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
Edward Castillo, Ph.D.
Beaumont – Radiation Oncology		 Detecting Pulmonary Embolism from Non-Contrast Computed Tomography
Kemp Cease, M.D., M.B.A.
U-M Department of Internal Medicine		 A Nanoparticle Vaccine for S. Aureus
Alexis Donneys, M.D., M.S.
U-M – Plastic Surgery		 Smart Software for the Microscopic Video Surveillance System
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
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
Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S.
U-M – Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 Oculomics: Data-driven Drug Development
Kurshid Ghani, M.B., B.Ch.
U-M – Urology		 UroSuction Scope: Ureteroscope that Reduces Pressure Build-up During Kidney Stone Removal
Hitinder S. Gurm, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine		 Harmonic Balloon Angioplasty – Plaque-Buster
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
Joseph Holoshitz, M.D.
U-M – Rheumatology		 Preclinical Studies of a Small Bone Damage-Preventive Lead HL840
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
Jennifer Kaiser, R.N.
Spectrum Health – Nursing		 Female External Urinary Collection Device (“uCol”)
Karen Libey, Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology		 New Rexinoids for Lung Cancer
Jennifer Meddings, M.D.
U-M – Department of Internal Medicine		 Female Foley Facilitator (F3) Study
Yoshihisa Morita, M.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Anesthesiology		 Newly Designed Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Cover to Improve Image Quality
Mohammadreza Nasiriavanaki, Ph.D.
Wayne State University – Department of Biomedical Engineering & School of Medicine		 SMART-OCT to Assist the Diagnosis of Melanoma
Dan Orringer, M.D.
U-M – Neurosurgery		 Automated Brain Tumor Diagnosis Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
U-M – Ophthalmology		 Improving Ocular Cancer Therapy with Semiconducting Nanoparticles
Jeff Sakamoto, Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Customer Validation and Regulatory Pathway of Nerve Guidance Scaffold Technology
Kamal Sarabandi, M.S., Ph.D.
University of Michigan – Electrical Engineering		 Wireless Hip Stability Test Device
Erik Shapiro, Ph.D.
Michigan State – Radiology		 Affinity Magnetic Particles for Imaging Cells by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Susan Shore, Ph.D.
U-M – Otolaryngology		 Reversing Synchronized Circuitry to Treat Tinnitus in Humans
Kathleen Sienko, Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 SubQ Assist: Commercialization of a Task-Shifting Device for the Insertion of Subcutaneous Contraceptive Implants
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
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
Benjamin Viglianti, M.D., Ph.D.
U-M – Radiology		 Development of a Fluorinated NP-59 Analogue for Adrenal Imaging
Christopher Waters, Ph.D.
Michigan State University – Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics		 Eradicating Biofilms in Diabetic Chronic Wounds
Yoke Khin Yap, Ph.D.
Michigan Tech – Physics		 Synthesis and Characterization of High-Brightness Red Fluorophores
David Zopf, M.D.
U-M – Otolaryngology		 FerroForm: Magnetic, 3D Printed Ear Splint to Treat Congenital Ear Deformity

2017 STATEWIDE PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
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
John Anagli, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Research Department		 Selective Calpain Inhibitor-based Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury  $49,971
Jimo Borjigin, Ph.D.
U-M – Physiology		 Electrocardiomatrix (ECM): A New Method for Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmias  $126,100
Benjamin Buller, Ph.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Neurology		 Commercialization of a Wide-Ranging Exosome Platform for Treatment of Stroke  $231,408
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 $150,567
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
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  $138,000
Craig Friedrich, Ph.D.
Michigan Technological University – Engineering
Erin Baker, Ph.D.
Beaumont – Orthopaedic Surgery		 Antibacterial Orthopaedic Implant Commercialization  $183,672
James Geiger, M.D.
U-M – Professor, Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Section		 Nutritional Dashboard: An Innovative Approach to Family-Focused Education
James Geiger, M.D.
U-M – Professor, Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Section		 Home Ventilator – Continuous CO2 Monitoring $42,450
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
Michael Lanham, M.D.
U-M – Obstetrics & Gynecology		 OnTrack-Development and Evaluation of Software Medication Management Service for Infertility Patients  $232,712
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  $231,560
David Markovitz, M.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine		 A Molecularly-Modified Lectin for the Treatment of Cancer
Sophia Merajver, M.D., Ph.D.
Matthew Soellner, Ph.D.
U-M – Internal Medicine		 Dual c-Src/p38 Inhibitor for Triple Negative Breast Cancer  $200,000
James Moon Ph.D.
Anna Schwendeman, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy		 A Novel Nano-Vaccine Technology for Cancer Immunotherapy  $264,277
Ruthann Nichols, Ph.D.
U-M – Department of Biological Sciences		 Novel Agent to Improve Cardiac Performance $50,000
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
U-M – Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology		 EGFR Dimer Disruptor for TKI Resistant Cancers
Cyrus Piraka, M.D.
Henry Ford Health System – Section Chief, Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy		 Novel Device for Polyp Removal in the GI Tract  $29,412
Gus Rosania, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacy		 Drug Repurposing for Gouty Arthritis $50,000
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
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  $200,000
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
Eric Van Middendorp, M.S.E.
Spectrum Health Innovations – Biomedical Engineering		 Patient Auto-Slider
James Varani, Ph.D.
U-M – Pathology		 Novel, Non-Irritating Retinoids for the Treatment of Acne  $137,971

2016 U-M MEDICAL SCHOOL PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 CryoAnesthesia – Rapid anesthesia for intraocular injections $224,661
Michele Carney, M.D.
Emergency Medicine		 Positioning Device for Seated Neonatal Lumbar Puncture Procedure $25,000
Marilia Cascalho, M.D.
Surgery
Jeffrey Platt, M.D.
Microbiology & Immunology		 C3D Cellular and Acellular Vaccines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer $49,950
Edward Castillo, M.A., Ph.D.
Beaumont Health, Radiation Oncology		 A Novel Method for Detecting Pulmonary Embolism from Non-Contrast 4DCT $50,922
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 $104,802
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 $50,847
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 $193,962  
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 $155,434
Bogdan Epureanu, M.S., Ph.D.
Mechanical Engineering
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Therapeutic Vibration Device $25,000
Kate Fitzgerald, M.D.
Psychiatry		 Automated brain “read-outs” for diagnosing anxiety and depression in preschoolers $35,000
Jim Geiger, M.D.
Saja Al-Duhaili, Ph.D.
Surgery – Pediatrics		 BUDDY Button – Low-Profile Gastrostomy Device $150,000
Michael Holinstat, Ph.D.
U-M – Pharmacology		 Analogs of OxyProtect (12-HETrE) for inhibition of platelet function and thrombosis $50,000
Wenjun Ju, M.S., Ph.D.
Nephrology
Raymond Trievel, Ph.D.
Biochemistry		 New drug development for chronic kidney disease $50,000
Helen Kales, M.D.
Psychiatry		 WeCareAdvisor: A Novel Web-Based Tool to Assess and Manage Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia $208,457
Tyson Kim, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Smartphone-based Retinal Imaging for Screening of Eye Disease $132,847
Michael Lanham, M.D.
Obstetrics & Gynecology		 OnTrack $50,000
Dan Lawrence, Ph.D.
Internal Medicine – Cardiology		 Develop a Preclinical Data Package for a Small Molecule Inhibitor of PAI-1 $200,407
Yongqing Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Surgery		 Targeting Peptidylarginine Deiminase: A Novel Approach to Treatment of Septic Shock $50,000
David Markovitz, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Infectious Disease		 Treatment of influenza with a New Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agent $259,291  
Sofia Merajver, M.D., Ph.D.
Public Health		 Targeting RhoC to prevent metastasis $25,000
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 $50,000  
Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska, Ph.D.
Pathology		 Development of MCL-1 inhibitors as a targeted therapy to circumvent drug resistance in human multiple myeloma $181,936
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 $49,194
Dipankar Ray, Ph.D.
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
Christopher Whitehead, Ph.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Therapeutic Targeting of mutant KRAS $199,795
Bruce Richardson, M.D., Ph.D.
Internal Medicine – Rheumatology		 Anti-KIR Antibodies in the Treatment of Lupus $142,852
Jeff Sakamoto, Ph.D.
U-M – Mechanical Engineering		 Scaleable Manufacturing of Nerve Guidance Scaffold Technology $50,000
Joshua Stein, M.D., M.S.
Ophthamology & Visual Sciences		 Monitoring Patients with Glaucoma Using a Novel Personalized Forecasting Tool $31,000
Shuichi Takayama, Ph.D.
Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science & Engineering
Jason Knight, M.D.
Rheumatology		 Bioengineered NETs Diagnostic for Lupus Flares $50,000
Ashootosh Tripathi, Ph.D.
Life Sciences Institute		 Ribosome Engineering for Improved Production of Novel Antibiotics against Uropathogenic E. coli $49,997
James Varani, Ph.D.
Pathology		 New Leads for Promyelocytic Leukemia $50,000
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 $52,050
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 $50,000
Suzanna Zick, N.D., M.P.H.
Public Health		 Development and Feasibility of an Acupressure Application Tailored by Breast Cancer $49,676

2015 U-M MEDICAL SCHOOL PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
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 $184,601
Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Cryoanesthesia $30,000
Tiffany Braley, M.D., M.S.
Neurology		 Dimethyl fumarate: a novel therapeutic agent for obstructive sleep apnea $208,902
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 $25,000
Brian Byrd, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 A Novel Biomarker of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation $25,000
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 $25,000
Alexis Donneys, M.D., M.S.
Plastic Surgery		 Microscopic Video Surveillance Systems $24,897
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 $25,000
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 $30,000
James Geiger, M.D.
Saja Al-Dujaili, Ph.D.
M-PED
Surgery		 Low-Profile Gastrostomy Device $35,000
Todd Herron, Ph.D.
Jose Jalife, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Cardiology		 Human Heart in a Dish: Novel In Vitro Cardiotoxicity Testing Platform $120,516
John Hollingsworth, M.D.
Urology		 Stent Tracker $25,000
Michael Hortsch, Ph.D.
Cell and Developmental Biology		 SecondLook™ – A Template for Interactive E-Learning Tools $25,000
Mark Ilgen, Ph.D.
Xudong Fan, Ph.D.
Psychiatry
Biomedical Engineering		 Wearable Alcohol Monitoring Device $25,000
Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.
Ophthalmology & Visual Services		 EyeAnalyze: Automated Identification and Quantification of Changes in Retinal Diseases $150,198
Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences		 Lacrimal Stent With Opening to Improve Draining Efficacy and Reduce Infection $33,000
Lisa Larkin, Ph.D.
Molecular and Integrative Physiology		 Acellularization of Tissue Engineered Tendon Constructs for Rotator Cuff Repair $25,000
Michelle Macy, M.D.
Emergency Medicine		 The Carseat Compass $35,000
David Markovitz, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 H84T BanLec $39,000
Melvin McInnis, M.D.
Psychiatry		 A Clinical Intervention Trial of Bipolar Disorder: Predicting Individual Outcomes for Rapid Intervention (PRIORI) $203,524
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 $102,995
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
Theodore Lawrence, M.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Targeting erlotinib resistant EGFR for degradation in lung and colorectal cancers. $189,448
Marc Peters-Golden, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 Inhaled SOCS-containing liposomes for treatment of inflammatory lunch diseases $26,209
David Raffel, Ph.D.

 

 18F-Hydroxyphenethylguanidine for PET Quantification of Cardiac Sympathetic Nerve Density in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing ICD Implantation $179,445
Jonathan Rubin, M.D., Ph.D.
Radiology
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Real-Time Ultrasound Measurement of Local Lung Ventilation $25,000
Michael Sabel, M.D.
Surgery		 Development and Implementation of Clinical Companion Mobile Technologies in Health Care $125,968
Robert U. Simpson, Ph.D.
UM – Pharmacology
Peter Higgins, M.D., Ph.D.
UM – Gastroenterology		 CARD-024 for Intestinal Fibrosis $28,497
Jess Thoene, M.D.
UM – Pediatrics		 Demonstration of Delivery of Human Cystinosin Into Animal Cornea Via Microvesicles $24,500
James Varani, Ph.D.
Pathology		 New Leads for Promyelocytic Leukemia $30,000
Nils Walter, Ph.D.
Muneesh Tewari, M.D., Ph.D.
Chemistry
Internal Medicine		 A New Technology for Single Molecule Counting of Nucleic Acid Biomarkers $30,000
Christopher Whitehead, Ph.D.
Judy Leopold, Ph.D.
Radiology		 EGFR and PI3K inhibitors: Design and Discovery of Dual Lipid and Receptor Kinase Inhibitors $199,647  
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 $200,000

2014 U-M MEDICAL SCHOOL PROJECT AWARDS

Principal Investigator Proposal Budget Startup
Ulysses Balis, M.D.
Peter Higgins, M.D., Ph.D.
Pathology
Internal Medicine		 SRB-1 targeted withanolide nanoconjugates for improved targeted therapy of endocrine cancers $86,250
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 $169,609
Mark Cohen, M.D.
Anna Schwendeman, Ph.D.
Surgery – Endocrine
Medicinal Chemistry		 SRB-1 targeted withanolide nanoconjugates for improved targeted therapy of endocrine cancers $188,278
Matthew DiMagno, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 An Electronic Alert Instrument Shortens Hospital Length of Stay in Acute Pancreatitis $25,000
Kojo Elinitoba-Johnson, M.D.
Megan Lim, M.D., Ph.D.
Pathology		 Clinical Genomic Sequence Analysis Software: Automated variant identification from complex genetic datasets $136,095  
Todd Herron, Ph.D.
Jose Jalife, M.D.
Internal Medicine		 3D Human Cardiac Tissue for Predicting Oncology Induced Cardiotoxicity $25,000
Joseph Holoshitz, M.D.
Henry Mosberg, Ph.D.
Internal Medicine		 Medicinal Optimization of a Shared Epitope Antagonistic Lead Peptidomimetic Compound $25,000
Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.
Matthew Johnson Robertson, Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Automated Measurement of Changes in Retinal, Retinal Pigment Epithelial, or Chroidal Disease $25,000
Jerome Kalifa, MD. PhD
Internal Med/Cardiology		 “Smart Ablation” $25,000
Donna Livant, Ph.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Evaluation of PhScN as a Potent Systemic Therapy Combined with Herceptin and/or Radiation for Breast Cancer $187,738
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 $10,000
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 $77,196
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 $24,973
Mukesh Nyati, Ph.D.
Theodore Lawrence, M.D.
Radiation Oncology		 Targeting EGFR-dimerization and EGFR-Hsp90 interaction for drug-resistant lung and colorectal cancers $173,544  
Dan Orringer, M.D.
Neurosurgery		 Taking the Guesswork Out of Brain Surgery $180,000  
Howard Petty, Ph.D.
Ophthalmology		 Nanoparticle Therapy in Cancer $25,000
David Raffel, Ph.D.
Radiology		 Clinical Translation of 18F-Hydroxphenethylguanidines for Quantifying Cardiac Nerve Density $25,000
Dipankar Ray, Ph.D.
Oncology		 Therapeutic Targeting of Mutant KRAS $19,000
Albert Shih, Ph.D.
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care
Mechanical Engineering		 Airway Support Device $99,663
Mohamad Tiba, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care		 Dynamic Response Impedance Volume Evaluation (DRIVE) $92,958  
Hector Valdivia, M.D., Ph.D.
Internal Medicine		 Anti-arrhythmic Drugs Based on Natural Peptides $25,000
Thomas Wang, M.D.
Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology		 Fluorescent-labeled peptide for targeting early detection of colorectal cancer $86,250
Chris Whitehead, Ph.D.
Judy Leopold, Ph.D.
Radiology		 Dual Inhibitor of Receptor Tyrosine and Lipid Kinases $25,000

QUESTIONS?

Have questions about the MTRAC for Life Sciences Innovation Hub? Contact Bradley Martin, Commercialization Program Manager, at bradmart@umich.edu or 734-936-8577.

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