INTELLECTUAL MERIT: The project provides support for four Hampton University workshop participants who will be integrated into the research of the research program under way in the Syracuse University Biomaterials Institute. These students will be under the direct supervision of the PI and working together with experienced Syracuse graduate students. They will learn to use image analysis techniques to investigate collective (emergent) cell behaviors on shape-changing substrates and to use live-cell fluorescence imaging techniques to investigate individual cellular behaviors on these substrates. The participants will thus be introduced to next-generation of shape-memory polymer substrates, including micropatterned shape-memory substrates for the investigation of cell-polarity establishment, to modulus changing shape-memory substrates for investigation of the temporal aspects of cell response to substrate rigidity, and to expanding and contracting substrates for cell sheet engineering. These hands on, cutting edge biomaterials laboratory experiences will be supplemented through seminar style discussions of the underlying cell biology and polymer science and an introduction to the multiple options available to students who wish to pursue STEM careers in industry, government, or academia.
BROADER IMPACTS: The scientific and technical broader impacts of the project will be contributions toward the development of materials based on shape memory polymers that can be used to direct the differentiation of stem and other precursor cells. Clearly more important in this case are the educational and outreach broader impacts, namely, the opportunities provided for students from an HBCU to participate in research at the forefront of the tissue engineering field. An effective collaboration has been established between the PI and Prof. Raymond Samuel of Hampton University that will ensure appropriate selection of workshop participants. Workshop participants will also be able to benefit from activities of the recently funded Syracuse Biomaterials Institute REU Site.
With support from the National Science Foundation (DMR-0907578), laboratories of the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute at Syracuse University have recently developed active cell culture substrates using surface shape memory and, in parallel, studied unique properties of shape memory polymers (SMPs) that promise broad application in biological and biomedical fields. By leveraging current excitement surrounding these and other recent advances in smart material to attract and inspire workshop participants, this workshop provided multi-dimensional technical and professional training for undergraduate students, including those from groups underrepresented in science and engineering. To enable this broad impact, the PI, Dr. James Henderson, teamed with faculty at Hampton University, a Minority Serving Institution and Historically Black University. The intensive 4-week workshop engaged four Hampton University undergraduates in research, mentoring, and professional development activities with the objectives of: providing meaningful conceptual and technical expertise that prepares participants for careers in advanced science and engineering fields; providing professional development and training that better enables the participants to actively pursue paths toward well-defined career goals, with a focus on advanced training in science and/or engineering; exposing participants to diverse professional and intellectual academic and research environments unlike those of their home institution to allow the participants to "take back with them" a broadened perspective and skillset to share with their peers; and advancing the current SMP research efforts through hands-on contributions by workshop participants. Specific workshop objectives focused on having participants achieve conceptual and technical expertise and professional development and understanding on the following topics. Achievement of the objectives was assessed as follows. For conceptual and technical expertise, preparation by the participants of a mock NSF-style grant proposal and a final report summarizing workshop research activities and concepts. For professional development and training, each participant prepared an Individual Development Plan detailing their strengths, developmental needs, career goals (as they currently exist), and specific actions to be taken to achieve those goals (with a timeline associated with each action). Conceptual and technical expertise (weeks 1-4) •Fundamentals of shape memory polymer synthesis and processing •Fundamentals of cell culture and live cell stains •Fundamentals of fluorescence imaging and live-cell imaging •Fundamental concepts of image analysis •Fundamentals of programming (in MATLAB) •Automated image analysis (in ImageJ) •Concepts of particle tracking Professional development and training (week[s] indicated below) •Gaining historical perspective and key characteristics of the academic enterprise (1) •Understanding the enterprise of science and engineering in higher education (1) •Preparing for academic, governmental, or industrial careers in science & engineering (1) •Developing a professional preparation strategy (the Individual Development Plan; 1-4) •Understanding research at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels (1) •Writing a research proposal (1-4) •Publishing and understanding the publishing process (1,4) •Participating in conferences and other professional meetings (1) •Teaching (1) •Finding and getting the best possible position in or outside of academia (1) •Applying for positions (1) •Preparing a resume or CV (1-4) •Developing time management strategies (1-4) •Appreciating professional responsibility and ethics (1-4) Short-term outcomes and achievements Outcomes and achievements during and immediately following the workshop included: •Each participant prepared an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to put into practice the professional development skills acquired during the workshop. •The participants prepared, as a team, a report summarizing workshop research activities and concepts to reinforce understanding gained over the course of the workshop. •The participants prepared, as a team, a mock NSF-style grant proposal, entitled "Creating Biomimetic Environments In Vitro." Long-term outcomes and achievements At just over 1 year since workshop completion, longer-term outcomes and achievements to date include: •Participants who had not previously considered graduate programs in bioengineering/biomaterials now considering that option. •Successful application to, admission to, and participation in an REU program or similar professional program the following summer (2013). •Current (academic year) research at Hampton University. •Participants used their Individual Development Plan to help guide subsequent coursework. •Three NSF grant applications that included broader impact activities that would build upon the SMAART workshop, in different ways, have been submitted.
