[cid:image003.jpg@01D853D0.C59E79B0] BME MONDAY ROUNDTABLE April 18, 2022 PROTECT PURDUE * Masks protocols changed as of March 14! Check for updates https://protect.purdue.edu/required-covid-19-protocols/ * Vaccines are strongly encouraged (though not required) https://protect.purdue.edu/vaccine-information/ * Updated guidance for research SOPs, etc. and Protect Purdue are coming quickly. Please make sure you are staying current with Purdue guidelines. UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES Week of April 18 Tues., April 19 - Friday, April 27 - Purdue EPICS Design Reviews. Please register to be a reviewer for the Purdue EPICS Design Reviews. Reviewers may attend in-person or online. The students need your professional feedback and input. Link for registration: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1N47K6OTs1Zb2hE Please contact Carl Russell III at russ160@purdue.edu<mailto:russ160@purdue.edu> with questions. Wed., April 20 - Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Seminar, 9:30 a.m., MJIS 1001 or via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/95150439811?pwd=a3hOK0o0bmpkS3poTVBCbVhDNU9FZz0... "The Role of PP2A in the Regulation of Pancreatic Cancer Initiation and Progression," Brittany Allen-Peterson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Purdue University. Wed., April 20 - BME Bytes Seminar, 1:30 pm, Location 1083. Presenter: Tyler Diorio. Open to all undergraduate and graduate researchers. Lunch will be provided. Thurs., April 21 - IBSC-BME Preliminary Exam Announcement for Antonia Susnjar (J. Rispoli and T. Talavage, advisors), 10:00 a.m., MJIS 2001 or via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/99417184999 Title of presentation: Clinical Applications of Innovative Magnetic Resonance Techniques Thurs., April 21 - Purdue Series on Corporate Citizenship and Ethics, Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer, WebMD presenting "The FDA and Artificial Intelligence in Health Care," 7:00 p.m., Stewart Center - Loeb Playhouse. Sponsored by Krannert School of Management, College of Education and College of Pharmacy. Fri., April 22 - BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Rashed Almousa (D. Xie and K. Park, co-advisors), 1:00 p.m., via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/92818782481?pwd=YnZVNVl6SmpyYW0xeUVKRU5oRjE4dz0... Title of presentation: Hydrogel-coated Polyvinylchloride Surface for Enhanced Antifouling and Biofilm Resistance. Fri., April 22 - BME PhD Defense Announcement for Agudemu Borjigin (H. Bharadwaj, advisor), 1:00 p.m. via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/93613037748?pwd=OGpCSjdEV2NqTVJKdjF4T1h1dldhdz0... Meeting ID: 936 1303 7748; Passcode: 777827. Title of presentation: The Role of Temporal Fine Structure in Everyday Hearing. Upcoming important deadlines and info. Tues., April 26 - BRAG Session, 12:00 p.m., MJIS 2001, Dr. Young Kim, Associate Head for Research and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, "The good, the bad, and the ugly of clinical research as a biomedical engineering." Wed., April 27 - Engineering Solutions in Pediatric Healthcare, 1:00-4:30 p.m., MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Join us on April 27 to discuss the intersection of engineering and medicine in pediatric healthcare. Hear from faculty and clinicians from Purdue'sWeldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Children's Hospital and industry experts from Cook Medical. Wed., April 27 - BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Angel G. Enriquez (H. Lee, advisor), 3:00 p.m., MRGN 129. Title of presentation: Magnetic actuators for smart functionality in biomedical devices. Thurs., April 28-Fri., Apr. 29: Vanderbilt University will be hosting the annual Vanderbilt Integrative Training Alliance (VITA) Symposium, a conference focused on biomedical sciences graduate students. Attendees have a unique opportunity to connect with the Vanderbilt community, obtain a long-term mentoring relationship with a Vanderbilt faculty member, and gain training in scientific communication. The event will also feature a keynote address from Vanderbilt postdoc alumna, Dr. Shaneda Anderson<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https*3A*2F*2Fwww.linkedin.com*2Fin*2Fshaneda-warren-andersen-aa325a9*2F&data=04*7C01*7Cantentor.o.hinton.jr*40Vanderbilt.Edu*7Cd8254bcaa3be433e69f208d9ecd30986*7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad*7C0*7C0*7C637801213412161461*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000&sdata=HV5DYcZZMmzzDIM1TlxNzlxpHzXKHPtWCFYszb1okuU*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEU8PG5WU$>. This year the conference will be virtual. Details below. Sun., May 1 - Nominations due from teaching faculty for graduate TA positions. See academic programs update for specifics. Thurs., May 5: Coffee Chat with Faculty: 11:00 am -12:00 pm, Location LYLE (Room TBM). Faculty host: Alexandria Volkening. Potential discussion topics: website development, public science and outreach, social media, academic job materials (with an interdisciplinary perspective) Tues., May 31: Deadline for submission of abstracts for BMES 2022 Annual Meeting, to be held October 12-15 in San Antonio, TX. For more information: https://www.bmes.org/abstract-information This year's meeting theme is "Embracing Inclusion to Advance Innovation in Healthcare and Education" Fri., June 3: Application deadline for Trailblazers in Engineering program. See below for details. SPRING 2022 BME Faculty Meetings All faculty meetings will begin at 11:30 a.m. in MJIS 2001 Fri., April 22 Committee Updates Academic Programs Update Dear BME faculty members, If you have graduate students in your lab who may be interested in serving as a TA this coming year, we need your nominations (including their additional background information) by May 1st, 2022. If your student has a fellowship for the upcoming academic year, we ask that you please refrain from nominating them at this time. In the Weldon School we do our best to distribute teaching assignments to the students who are the best fit for each course. Therefore, if you have any graduate students (residents or international) who you would like to be considered for a TA appointment in the 2022-2023 year, please complete the following survey with the required information for determining best fit: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bE3cqxEqECAvDVQ A description of courses is attached for your reference. If you are nominating an international student who has not taken the Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT), please contact Asem Aboelzahab (aboelzahab@purdue.edu<mailto:aboelzahab@purdue.edu>) to schedule your student for the test ASAP (May 7th at the latest). Upcoming test dates will be in June/July. All international students must complete and pass an Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) before being certified for a TA assignment. The test does not expire, so a student remains certified for the duration of their position at Purdue. Note that preference will be given to students in the graduate programs of the Weldon School. DEI Committee Update Remaining BME Graduate Peer Mentoring meeting days are: 11-1pm on May 13th Trailblazers in Engineering (TBE) are workshops to prepare future trailblazing faculty in engineering with a focus on preparing outstanding scholars who are also committed to increasing the success of underrepresented communities of engineers. Fellows will network with leading faculty in engineering, thought leaders, program managers at key federal funding agencies, Purdue Engineering heads, and of course, each other. Participants will also meet current Trailblazers and benefit from their inspiring keynote talks. TBE 2022 will be held in person on Purdue's beautiful West Lafayette, IN campus July 26 - 28, 2022. More information and application details for the Black Trailblazers in Engineering (BTE) and Latinx Trailblazers in Engineering (LATinE) program is available at: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Trailblazers APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 3, 2022 Resources, attachments, further information BME PhD Defense Announcement for Rachel A. Morrison (S. Harbin and J. Rickus, co-advisors), Mon., April 18, 10:00 a.m., MJIS 2001 and via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/94970591432?pwd=WmJMbjI1eDYyb08rTmora0N5K29SZz09<https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue-edu.zoom.us%2Fj%2F94970591432%3Fpwd%3DWmJMbjI1eDYyb08rTmora0N5K29SZz09&sa=D&ust=1648940061159000&usg=AOvVaw1V1BK_52FpJV2ReI6iY8sL> Meeting ID: 949 7059 1432; Passcode: 780258. Title of presentation: Oligomeric collagen encapsulation design and mechanism of protection for beta-cell replacement therapy. Advisory Committee: Sherry L. Harbin, Co-Chair; Jenna L. Rickus, Co-Chair; Kinam Park; Raghavendra G. Mirmira; Robert V. Considine Abstract: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D), a chronic disease affecting over 1.5 million Americans, is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells within pancreatic islets. Islet/β-cell replacement therapies, where replenishable β-cell sources are implanted within protective microenvironments, have the potential to provide a long-term solution for individuals with T1D by restoring glucose-sensitive, insulin release and overall glycemic control. However, most conventional encapsulation materials elicit an immune reaction, known as a foreign body response (FBR), which compromises β-cell health and function. In this dissertation, we designed and evaluated various formulations of a polymerizable collagen, namely type I oligomeric collagen (Oligomer), as encapsulation materials for minimally invasive, subcutaneous delivery of replacement β-cells. Preclinical validation in chemically-induced diabetic mice demonstrated rapid (within 24 hours) reversal of diabetes for beyond 90 days with no signs of rejection or FBR after subcutaneous delivery of both allogeneic and xenogeneic (rat) islets. To further define this uncommon mechanism of protection, the tissue response to Oligomer, in comparison to commercial synthetic and collagen-based materials, was evaluated following subcutaneous implantation within rats, a well-established biocompatibility model. Histological and transcriptomics analyses were used to define the immune response at both cellular and molecular levels. Interestingly, Oligomer showed minimal and transient activation of innate immune cells similar to the sham surgical control, with no evidence of foreign body giant cell formation, inflammatory-mediated bioresorption, or fibrosis. Overall, this work evaluates preclinical efficacy and demonstrates mechanistic understanding of immune tolerance for Oligomer materials for β-cell replacement therapy and other regenerative medicine applications. Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Seminar, Wed., April 20, 9:30 a.m., MJIS 1001 or via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/95150439811?pwd=a3hOK0o0bmpkS3poTVBCbVhDNU9FZz0... "The Role of PP2A in the Regulation of Pancreatic Cancer Initiation and Progression," Brittany Allen-Peterson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Purdue University. Abstract: Pancreatic cancer is predicted to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030. KRAS is the most frequently mutated gene in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients (~90%) and has been shown to contribute to a variety of tumor characteristics. In this presentation we will present data implicating Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as a key regulator of KRAS phenotypes. We demonstrate that suppression of PP2A accelerates PDAC initiation and progression, and that the therapeutic activation of PP2A can prevent nutrient scavenging to drive cancer cell death. Bio: Dr. Brittany Allen-Petersen is an Assistant Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Purdue University. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado and completed an NCI F31 funded postdoctoral fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University. The Allen-Petersen lab broadly focuses on the deregulation of phosphatases in cancer using a variety of models, including 3D culture, in vivo mouse models, and treatment with novel small molecule activators of PP2A. Dr. Allen-Petersen has funding through an NCI K22 Transition Career Development Award and a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Career Award. ~BME Faculty Host: Dr. Luis Solorio ~ BME Bytes Seminar, Wed., April 20, 1:30 pm, Location MJIS 1083. Presenter: Tyler Diorio (Advised by Dr. Vitaliy Rayz). "Assessing Patient-specific Cardiac-Drive Brain Motion: MRI-based Biomarkers of White Matter Lesion Formation." Open to all undergraduate and graduate researchers. Lunch will be provided. Abstract: In recent years, identifying risks factors associated with cognitive decline (occurring at 46-60 years) and defining mechanisms behind clinically visible damage to the brain (occurring at 60-90 years) has garnered attention from researchers and physicians. Due to the inability of clinical treatment to reverse the deleterious effects of damage to the brain, specifically in the form of white matter lesions, emphasis is heavily placed on disease prevention. We expand upon the vascular dysfunction hypothesis that places cardiovascular risk factors at the precipice of neurodegeneration. Specifically, this work leverages state-of-the-art time-resolved MRI and brain modeling techniques to quantify the contribution of biomechanical, morphological, and clinical risk factors to the manifestation of cognitive decline. Successful identification of biomarkers of neurodegeneration observable in mid-life could provide researchers with a window of opportunity to develop treatments and inform clinical management of risk factors before the damage manifests in irreversible cognitive deficit. About BME Bytes: BME Bytes is designed to help introduce undergraduate Purdue students to the breakthrough research happening at the Weldon School as well as help graduate students develop their professional portfolio by giving invited talks. IBSC-BME Preliminary Exam Announcement for Antonia Susnjar (J. Rispoli and T. Talavage, advisors), 10:00 a.m., Thurs., April 21, MJIS 2001 or via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/99417184999 Title of presentation: Clinical Applications of Innovative Magnetic Resonance Techniques Advisory committee: Joseph V. Rispoli, co-chair; Thomas M. Talavage, co-chair; Ulrike Dydak; Uzay Emir Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has undergone an enormous advancement in diagnostic accuracy through improved comprehensive evaluation of early soft tissue transformation while avoiding the exposure to potentially dangerous ionizing radiation. With decreased cost and enhanced availability, the use of MRI is becoming ever more persuasive throughout clinical practice. Complementary to the MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers unique information about the micromolecular composition of the human body by capturing the chemical signature of metabolites and neurotransmitters via frequency changes and displaying this information in a spectrum. The applications of MRS to investigate the metabolic window on a wide range of biochemical processes are incredibly diverse. For example, we have utilized MRS to investigate the composition and function of the human brain in post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, addiction, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy assessment. In addition to MRS biological specificity, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is yet another advanced MRI methodology used to map and characterize the three-dimensional diffusion of water as a function of spatial location. Analogous to the MRS, DTI applications are diverse and not limited to in vivo studies. To address the significant challenges of strict drug user adherence regimens for numerous treatments, we have evaluated the drug release profile from a newly developed in situ forming implants (ISFIs) for sustained and constant drug delivery. Taken together, advanced MRI methods that probe the morphology, microstructure, function, and chemical changes are clinically applicable in various diseases and conditions. BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Rashed Almousa (D. Xie and K. Park, co-advisors), Fri., April 22, 1:00 p.m., via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/92818782481?pwd=YnZVNVl6SmpyYW0xeUVKRU5oRjE4dz0... Meeting ID: 928 1878 2481; Passcode: 849982. Title of presentation: Hydrogel-coated Polyvinylchloride Surface for Enhanced Antifouling and Biofilm Resistance. Abstract: Once a medical device is implanted, a series of interactions occur between the surface of the device and the body fluids where proteins start to be adsorbed on the surface which initiates cell and bacterial adhesion, and this can eventually lead to thrombus formation and bacterial contamination. Both of the two complications can significantly reduce the quality and the efficiency of the implanted device and may ultimately reduce the reliability of the implant. The polyvinylchloride (PVC) surface as a common medical material is hydrophobic and highly prone to such complications, urging researchers to develop an enhanced surface coating. Unlike other approaches of inadequate surface coating or limited antifouling polymer density and thickness, we propose to form a hydrogel that is covalently bonded on the PVC surface to significantly reduce protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and biofilm formation by a dense layer of antifouling polymers via surface-initiated polymerization. Hydrogels are prepared based on polymers having the capacity of swelling large amounts of water, which can then effectively repel proteins, cells, and bacteria. The covalently attached hydrogel will be fabricated via a conventional free-radical polymerization initiated through a biocompatible initiator or chain-transfer agent. Conventional free-radical polymerization is efficient, simple, cost-effective, and more friendly to the environment when compared to advanced polymerization methods. We believe that the successful achievement of the project will greatly impact the field of blood, cardiovascular and urological research, and the quality of health care for those requiring PVC-based medical devices and supplies in blood transfusion, cardiovascular and urological applications. BME PhD Defense Announcement for Agudemu Borjigin (H. Bharadwaj, advisor), Fri., April 22, 1:00 p.m. via Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/93613037748?pwd=OGpCSjdEV2NqTVJKdjF4T1h1dldhdz0... Meeting ID: 936 1303 7748; Passcode: 777827. Title of presentation: The Role of Temporal Fine Structure in Everyday Hearing. Advisory committee: Dr. Hari M. Bharadwaj, advisor; Dr. Michael G. Heinz, Dr. Edward L. Bartlett, Dr. Daniel B. Polley Abstract: This thesis aims to investigate how one fundamental component of the inner-ear (cochlear) response to all sounds, the temporal fine structure (TFS), is used by the auditory system in everyday hearing. Although it is well known that neurons in the cochlea encode the TFS through exquisite phase locking, how this initial/peripheral temporal code contributes to everyday hearing and how its degradation contributes to perceptual deficits are foundational questions in auditory neuroscience and clinical audiology that remain unresolved despite extensive prior research. This is largely because the conventional approach to studying the role of TFS involves performing perceptual experiments with acoustic manipulations of stimuli (such as sub-band vocoding), rather than direct physiological or behavioral measurements of TFS coding, and hence is intrinsically limited. The present thesis addresses these gaps in three parts: 1) developing assays that can quantify TFS coding at the individual level 2) comparing individual differences in TFS coding to differences in speech-in-noise perception across a range of real-world listening conditions, and 3) developing deep neural network (DNN) models of speech separation/enhancement to complement the individual-difference approach. By comparing behavioral and electroencephalogram (EEG)-based measures, Part 1 of this work identified a robust test battery that measures TFS processing in individual humans. Using this battery, Part 2 subdivided a large sample of listeners (N=200) into groups with "good" and "poor" TFS sensitivity. A comparison of speech-in-noise scores under a range of listening conditions between the groups revealed that good TFS coding reduces the negative impact of reverberation on speech intelligibility, and leads to reduced reaction times suggesting lessened listening effort. These results raise the possibility that cochlear implant (CI) sound coding strategies could be improved by attempting to provide usable TFS information, and that these individualized TFS assays can also help predict listening outcomes in reverberant, real-world listening environments. Finally, the DNN models (Part 3) introduced significant improvements in speech quality and intelligibility, as evidenced by all acoustic evaluation metrics and test results from CI listeners (N=6). These models can be incorporated as "front-end" noise-reduction algorithms in hearing assistive devices, as well as complement other approaches by serving as a research tool to help generate and rapidly sub-select the most viable hypotheses about the role of TFS coding in complex listening scenarios. BRAG Session, Tues., April 26, 12:00 p.m., MJIS 2001, Dr. Young Kim, Associate Head for Research and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, "The good, the bad, and the ugly of clinical research as a biomedical engineering." Dr Kim writes that he will share multiple failures and a couple of happy stories. Spread the word - bring another postdoc! Raising A Resilient Scientist Workshop Series (Message from Sharon Milgram, Director, NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education): Over the last year I have interacted with many trainees across the U.S. as part of the NIH Becoming a Resilient Scientist series<https://www.training.nih.gov/nih_becoming_a_resilient_scientist_series>. After carefully considering input from students, postdocs, faculty and program administrators who participated in the program, I have decided to offer a series, RAISING A RESILIENT SCIENTIST<https://www.training.nih.gov/workshops_and_trainings_for_extramural_principal_investigators>, for faculty and administrators who mentor students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. The goal of the Raising a Resilient Scientist series is to promote the mental health and well-being of the academic research community by supporting faculty and administrators to develop self-management, relationship-management, and mentoring skills. A variety of topics will be covered with a specific focus on communication and shared problem-solving to help trainees deal with the inevitable setbacks experienced in high knowledge environments. There will be five units in the series; each unit will consist of a 75-minute lecture, which can be watched in real-time or asynchronously, followed by a 1-hour facilitated discussion with peers. There will be two opportunities for participation in the small groups following each webinar. There is no charge for participation, but advanced registration is required. For more information, and to register, please visit our webpage<https://www.training.nih.gov/workshops_and_trainings_for_extramural_principal_investigators>. I do not anticipate offering this series again in the future; participation in the entire series is recommended but is not required. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions. Current scheduled workshop dates are April 26 and May 24. Engineering Solutions in Pediatric Healthcare, Wed., April 27, 1:00-4:30 p.m., MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Join us on April 27 to discuss the intersection of engineering and medicine in pediatric healthcare. Hear from faculty and clinicians from Purdue'sWeldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Children's Hospital and industry experts from Cook Medical. Topics include: * History of biomedical engineering and pediatrics research at Purdue * What research is going on now to treat pediatric disease * Discuss how we can increase collaborative opportunities and overcome challenges in the development and translation of pediatric medical devices Registration is encouraged by April 18. For more information and to register for the event, visit: purdue.link/2022-pediatric-symposium BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Angel G. Enriquez (H. Lee, advisor), Wed., April 27, 3:00 p.m., MRGN 129. Title of presentation: Magnetic actuators for smart functionality in biomedical devices. Advisory Committee: Hyowon Lee, Chair; Chi Hwan Lee; Luis Solorio; Daniel H. Sahlein Abstract: Magnetism provides numerous advantages to actuating systems, specifically for biomedical applications. The untethered transfer of energy and scalability of magnetic actuators enables functionality to an otherwise passive system. For example, the wireless magnetic actuation can turn static 2D and 3D cell cultures into a more physiologically-relevant dynamic environment while limiting contamination. Moreover, indwelling catheters and implantable sensors are typically stationary devices that are notorious for their short lifespan when implanting into the body due to immune responses. Magnetic microactuators may be used for wireless actuation for in situ removal of biological materials accumulated on chronically implanted devices. In this dissertation, I will demonstrate examples of novel biomedical microdevices enabled by magnetic actuation for added functional benefits. First, I will describe a soft polymer magnetic actuator that can facilitate the study of a physiologically relevant cell culturing system. By cyclically stretching an extracellular matrix protein in a 3D cell culture, this system can elucidate the process by which breast cancer cells respond to a dynamic environment in the lungs. The fibrillar fibronectin suspended across the body of the magnetic actuator provides a matrix representative of early metastasis for 3D cell culture that has not yet been recapitulated in vitro until now. Our findings suggest that this dynamic environment leads to significant matrix degradation in breast cancer cell lines with metastatic potential. Our results demonstrate a clear suppressive cellular response due to cyclic stretching that has implications for a mechanical role in the dormancy and reactivation of disseminated breast cancer cells to macrometastases. As a second application, I will demonstrate the use of magnetic microactuators to remove biofouling on an implantable biosensor in order to prolong its functionality. The results of our work suggest that the motion of the actuator on the sensor surface can maintain biosensor signal integrity and prevents the downstream effects of the foreign body response. In the future, I plan to evaluate the performance of the self-clearing biosensor in vivo to demonstrate chronic and reliable sensor functionality. Vanderbilt Integrative Training Alliance (VITA) Symposium, April 28-29: On April 28-29th, Vanderbilt University will be hosting the annual Vanderbilt Integrative Training Alliance (VITA) Symposium, a conference focused on biomedical sciences graduate students. Attendees have a unique opportunity to connect with the Vanderbilt community, obtain a long-term mentoring relationship with a Vanderbilt faculty member, and gain training in scientific communication. The event will also feature a keynote address from Vanderbilt postdoc alumna, Dr. Shaneda Anderson<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https*3A*2F*2Fwww.linkedin.com*2Fin*2Fshaneda-warren-andersen-aa325a9*2F&data=04*7C01*7Cantentor.o.hinton.jr*40Vanderbilt.Edu*7Cd8254bcaa3be433e69f208d9ecd30986*7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad*7C0*7C0*7C637801213412161461*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000&sdata=HV5DYcZZMmzzDIM1TlxNzlxpHzXKHPtWCFYszb1okuU*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEU8PG5WU$>. This year the conference will be virtual. The complete two day schedule can be found here<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https*3A*2F*2Fmedschool.vanderbilt.edu*2Fbret*2Fvanderbilt-integrated-training-alliance*2F2022-vita-scholar-symposium*2F&data=04*7C01*7Cantentor.o.hinton.jr*40Vanderbilt.Edu*7Cd8254bcaa3be433e69f208d9ecd30986*7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad*7C0*7C0*7C637801213412161461*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000&sdata=Wf4dD7q2M*2F3S8A4PI5FJsGYVr8oupzGzEpjm9kyD2rY*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEqAZEzAg$>. While the symposium is open to all, we particularly encourage individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in academia to apply, including but not limited to those who identify as Black, African-American, Latino, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander, those who have a disability, first generation college-goers, those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, and those underrepresented on the basis of gender identity or expression or sexual orientation. I am hoping that we will have representation from every Big 10 school (University of Illinois, Indiana University, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison). Do you know of any students who would be interested in applying? If so, please respond to antentor.o.hinton.jr@Vanderbilt.Edu<mailto:antentor.o.hinton.jr@Vanderbilt.Edu> with their name and email and a member of our team will reach out. Thank you for your consideration, Antentor Othrell Hinton, Jr., Ph.D. Pronouns: He/Him/His Twitter: @phdgprotein86 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biogeek26/<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/in/biogeek26/__;!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEZ9_oZQE$> Lab Twitter: @AtHinton EE Just Faculty Scholar (UNCF award) Assistant Professor Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences The Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center Poster Submission Application and Details<https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/oigp/events/spring-reception/submission.html> Award Application and Details<https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/oigp/events/spring-reception/award-application.html> Trailblazers in Engineering (TBE) are workshops to prepare future trailblazing faculty in engineering with a focus on preparing outstanding scholars who are also committed to increasing the success of underrepresented communities of engineers. Trailblazers in Engineering Fellows are selected not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements but also for their potential impact in expanding representation and diversity in engineering. The workshop will provide Fellows the ability to network with leading faculty in engineering, thought leaders, program managers at key federal funding agencies, Purdue Engineering heads, and of course, each other. Participants will also meet current Trailblazers and benefit from their inspiring keynote talks. TBE 2022 will be held in person on Purdue's beautiful West Lafayette, IN campus July 26 - 28, 2022. APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 3, 2022 Reasons to Attend 1. Network with leading trailblazing faculty in engineering, thought leaders, program managers at key federal funding agencies, Purdue Engineering heads, and scientists who will present keynote speeches and talks throughout the program. 2. Gain insight into what academic success will look like post-pandemic. 3. Participate in panel discussions. * Why choose an academic career? * How to apply & interview? * How to negotiate salary and start-up packages? * How to get early career research funding? 4. Meet program managers from the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Institutes of Health and others; receive advice on your proposals; and participate in a poster session to pitch your research and teaching plans and get feedback from would-be employers. 5. Attend the "Success Strategies for New Faculty Members" workshop presented by internationally recognized experts in faculty development, Drs. Richard Felder and Rebecca Brent. 6. For non-Purdue Fellows, we are reimbursing up to $800.00 per Economy flight and transportation (cab fare, shuttle, mileage, and/or parking to/from Purdue). In addition, we will provide two days of per diem for travel days of July 25 & 28. APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 3, 2022 Applicants are invited to apply through two programs, Black Trailblazers in Engineering (BTE)<https://maillinks.purdue.edu/t/42895178/1487133596/88073767/0/120588/?f5d63f87=VHJhaWxibGF6ZXJzJTIwaW4lMjBFbmdpbmVlcmluZyUyMCUyOFRCRSUyOSUyMDIwMjI&x=b4c5dcb4> and Latinx Trailblazers in Engineering (LATinE)<https://maillinks.purdue.edu/t/42895178/1487133596/88073768/0/120588/?f5d63f87=VHJhaWxibGF6ZXJzJTIwaW4lMjBFbmdpbmVlcmluZyUyMCUyOFRCRSUyOSUyMDIwMjI&x=09e8f9e3>. Please visit these pages for details. Attachments BME Course Descriptions -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list@ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list