Center for Research and Education in Multiscale Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Biosensing

Center Research and Education in Multiscale Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Biosensing Summary: In this HBCU BEITA project we propose to establish an interdisciplinary Center for Research and Education in Multiscale Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Biosensing (REMB3 Center) at Delaware State University (DSU).

DSU is an HBCU and a primarily undergraduate institution with a strong commitment to integrate teaching excellence with research and innovation. Over the UG3 and HG3 phases of this applicationthe Center will create a synergistic and nurturing environment for promoting bioengineering and biomedical engineering and

for advancing technology and innovation in bioimaging and biosensing for improving human health. The Center’s focus will be: 1) to create a comprehensive integrated bioengineering program with emerging data science discipline and modern medical technologies at DSU; 2) to establish articulation agreements with

University of Delaware and Rowan University to open pipelines to DSU students to enroll in BS+MS degrees in biomedical engineering; 3) to strengthen the institutional capacity for advancing and sustaining research in bioimaging, biosensing, and data-driven methodologies; 4) to foster an environment for advancing diversity,

equity, and access, enabling a diversified next-generation workforce in bioengineering and biomedical engineering careers; 5) to develop a hub for promoting bio-entrepreneurship and networking with biomedical professionals. The REMB3 Center will facilitate and provide support for 1) establishing curricular programs and research

infrastructure in bioengineering and biomedical research to be accessible to students and REMB3 researchers; 2) early-stage investigators at DSU who are pursuing research at the interface between optical science, engineering, data science, and life-science; 3) mentoring these investigators to achieve grant success and

scientific maturity and to become independent externally-funded researchers; and 4) talented students - undergraduate and graduate- from underrepresented groups in STEM fields to participate in REMB3 summer internship program or to complete successfully their graduate degrees. One major underlying pillar of the

REMB3 Center is the emphasis on underrepresented researchers’ strengths and competencies and the value of diversity in research and science. As such REMB3 Center will expand access to training in bioengineering and data science research by increasing accessibility across socioeconomic and racial lines and will address

issues in ethics and biases in biomedical research and technology. Once established the Center will be a hub for a dynamic research community interested in bioengineering, bioimaging, and biosensing as well as for an emerging group of bio-entrepreneurs. The success of the REMB3 Center will be measured by how well the initiative expands our research and

training capacity to build a diverse and talented workforce. This will include: the number and diversity of recruited and trained researchers and students, the number of grant awards, the enrollment, retention, and graduation of the educational programs, the number and quality of developed medical technologies, the short-

and long-term sustainability mechanisms, and the success of our trainees in entering bioengineering and biomedical engineering careers. Moreover, the Center will contribute to strengthening the engineering and data science research infrastructure at DSU in a way that fosters inclusivity, equity, and diversity.