Learning in the Lightning Round

Tufts Gordon Institute hosted the Lightning Round on September 6th as a great opportunity for MSIM students to learn about cutting-edge research being conducted on campus. Researchers from a variety of fields visited the MSIM Studio to present information & concepts about their latest work. The presentations provided students with potential topics and inspiration for their first Innovation Sprints, as well as sparked conversations about commercializing products through collaborative opportunities.

Research topics presented included:

• Initiative for Neural Science, Disease & Engineering - Michael Lovett: Deputy Director, Neuro Center, Biomedical Engineering & Thomas Nieland, PhD: Associate Director, Technology, Res Assoc Prof, BME (Read more)
• Ultrabright Fluorescent Nanoparticles, Add-ons to Atomic Force Microscopy, Non-invasive Bladder Cancer Detection, Oil Additives to Stop Global Warming - Igor Sokolov: Professor, Mechanical Engineering; Director, NABLAB
• Colorimetric Gas Sensors for Smart Textiles - Rachel Owyeung: Lead author and graduate student in the Tufts Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Read more)
• The Offshore Wind Industry - Eric Hines: Professor of the Practice, Civil and Environmental Engineering (Read more) 

The researchers’ presentations went into high-level explanations of topics like:

• integrating bioengineering with technological innovation to identify biomarkers
• bioengineered 3D human brain models
• drug screening platforms in development
• non-invasive bladder cancer diagnostic testing
• enhancing detection of adenomas during colonoscopies with ultrabright fluorescent nanoparticles
• reducing CO2 emissions
• using coded threads to detect chemicals in the environment
• many opportunities available in the offshore wind industry

The Lightning Round brings together faculty and grad students from the School of Engineering (SOE) and offers opportunities to develop partnerships with those outside of their own departments. These initial research pitches are a great way to share ideas and highlight the potential impact projects can have on society. By listening to these presentations, and asking thoughtful questions, MSIM students are able to tap into this opportunity as a source of inspiration as they consider what meaningful product, service or venture they would like to develop for their first semester Innovation Sprints.  Through the Sprints, students learn how to create solutions with scalable business models while developing strong leadership skills. The key to cultivating successful innovative solutions may just be the strong partnerships across the Tufts Gordon Institute & School of Engineering communities.