Nikki Hastings / Commerce

"A Biotech Innovation Immersive Experience: from Bench to Bedside”

Mead Funds would provide a unique opportunity for the McIntire MS-Comm Biotech students and those PhD students enrolled in the Frontiers in Biotech seminar who all have interest in careers in biotechnology industry. This immersive experience will enable real-world insights into medical innovation both at the bench and at the bedside of patients through two experiences: 

1

First, students will participate in a tour of JLabs (Johnson & Johnson) innovation laboratories in Washington, DC would offer students with an opportunity to see biotech innovation happening first-hand in a cutting-edge research and development environment.

This tour would expose students to the latest advances in biotech, such as gene editing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine, and provide a firsthand look at how these technologies are being applied in real-world settings to improve patient outcomes. The JLabs Innovation laboratory is an ideal location for this tour as it is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a collaborative environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers to advance their innovations.

By visiting JLabs, students would have the chance to see the process of innovation in action, from concept to commercialization, and gain an understanding of the importance of collaboration and networking in the biotech industry. They would learn more about early-stage biotech company processes and have an opportunity to network with founders and CEOs through this experience.

 2

In a second experience, students will shadow UVA physicians to observe surgical interventions of patients (ie., catheter placement in the Cardio Labs) and then debrief over a dinner with the doctors following the experience to learn about technologies used during the case. This hands-on approach will allow students to see firsthand the application of biotech principles in a real-world setting and understand the complexities of delivering healthcare. 

The shadowing experience will also provide students with the chance to observe the decision-making processes of physicians and the teamwork involved in delivering patient care. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of biotechnology on patient outcomes and expand their understanding of the field also while expanding their own network, further preparing them for careers in industry.

These experiences complement one another and enhance the Frontiers in Biotech Seminar Series to expand the students' knowledge of biotech principles and their application, and further prepare them for successful careers in the industry.

BUDGET:

JLabs tour:

Transportation: $1700 total

Lunch: $15 x 30ppl: $450

Physician Shadowing: 

Private dinner w/physicians: $850

Total Request: $3000