Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University’s BioInspired Institute has been awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship Program for the creation of an interdisciplinary training program for doctoral students in emergent intelligence.

The program, NRT-URoL: Emergent Intelligence Research for Graduate Excellence in Biological and Bio-Inspired Systems (EmIRGE-Bio), will support the integration of research and education on emergent intelligence in both biological and bio-inspired systems and allow doctoral students to work and experience team-building across disciplinary and departmental boundaries.

“Many of society’s most pressing challenges—including food security, sustainability, and supporting aging populations—will require breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-inspired science,” says Lisa Manning, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), who is principal investigator (PI). “This program will train a new generation of scientists and engineers who can evaluate and harness complex systems, such as biological tissues or next-generation materials, to drive intelligent responses such as sensing, actuating, and learning, leading to breakthrough technologies.”

Co-PIs are Carlos Castañeda, associate professor of biology and chemistry in A&S; Heidi Hehnly, associate director of BioInspired and Renée Crown Professor in the Sciences and Mathematics; Zhen Ma, Samuel and Carol Nappi Research Scholar; Teng Zhang, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

BioInspired director James Henderson says: “The Research Traineeship Program is currently one of—if not the most—competitive funding programs at the National Science Foundation. Receipt of the award speaks to the existing strength of graduate education in BioInspired fields at Syracuse University.”

The EmIRGE-Bio program will feature advanced core disciplinary courses foundational to biotechnology and bio-inspired design; development of two new courses utilizing team-based learning paradigms; a longitudinal professional development program; a STEM entrepreneurship course offered by the Martin J. Whitman School of Management; an internship program; a co-curricular workshop series on project management; technology transfer.

Some 115 Ph.D. students from fields spanning life sciences, physical sciences, engineering are expected to take part in the training which addresses a STEM workforce gap identified by local/national partners in industry/academia.

“Emergence in biology/bio-inspired design is one of the University’s signature areas,” says Interim Vice Chancellor Lois Agnew. “This initiative draws on that strength/supports our long-term strategic goal to transform STEM at Syracuse/enhance graduates’ potential for success.”

Adds Duncan Brown: “The NRT award will advance BioInspired: recruiting/retaining diverse student population; advancing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research/education/providing entrepreneurial skills needed in 21st century workforce.”