Training Programs

BME/Academics/Graduate/Training Programs

Microfluidics in Biomedical Sciences Training Program (MBSTP)

The MBSTP supports an interdisciplinary approach to graduate training that emphasizes biomedical microfluidics. The program is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) and features an intellectually exciting blend of training in basic biological sciences as well as quantitative disciplines (chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics).

The program supports 6 students each for 2 years. Forty-five faculty members from 20 different departments from the College of Engineering, the College of LS&A, and the Medical School participate.

The program also sponsors several activities open to all interested students:

  • Annual symposium
  • Seminar series
  • PIBS 503
  • CHE 696 (core course)

Please contact the Program Coordinator Pat Metzler (metzlerp@umich.edu) for more information.

Cellular Biotechnology Training Program

The Cellular Biotechnology Training Program (CBTP) at the University of Michigan brings academic and industrial scientists together to train Ph.D. students in biotechnology. CBTP emphasizes the vibrant combination of technology and fundamental scientific disciplines that make it possible to understand and use biology to actively change medicine and the life sciences.

The CBPT program provides students in a wide range of graduate programs an enhanced educational experience that emphasizes Interdisciplinary thinking, research training in quantitative science, and practical training opportunities in industry.

The program includes:

  • Cellular Biotechnology 504 (core course)
  • Annual CBTP symposium (invited speaker)
  • Mentoring lunches
  • Monthly student dinner meetings

Those who complete the program earn a Certificate in Cellular Biotechnology from the Rackham School of Graduate Studies.

The application deadline is in May of each year.

Please contact the Program Coordinator Pat Metzler (metzlerp@umich.edu) for more information.

Neural Engineering Training Program

The Michigan Neural Engineering Training Program (NETP) provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary training experience for graduate students that combines engineering and scientific approaches.

The field of neural engineering continues to expand, with concomitant industrial growth. However, challenges remain that, lacking solutions, will limit the effectiveness of medical devices that restore lost neural function. Unreliable neural interfaces cause an information bottleneck between electronics and the nervous system. Novel materials and microsystems will partially address this issue, but rigorous analysis of the biological response to implantation is also necessary to design systems with seamless bidirectional bioelectronics. Neural data analysis challenges are similarly daunting, and the explosion of artificial intelligence methodology must be applied to these problems not haphazardly, but with understanding of basic AI principles. Neuromodulation systems for epilepsy (cortex), movement disorders (mid-brain), and pain (spinal cord) are effective, but the basic mechanisms of action are unclear and off-target stimulation can create unwanted side effects. Today’s neural prostheses systems restore function to some degree but often are unnatural or difficult to use. Peripheral nerve interfaces for control of prosthetic limbs or treatment of disease (bioelectronic medicine) face significant challenges when considering the translation to clinical use, including targeting specific fibers within a nerve bundle and determining a viable biomarker for proper dosing of electrical stimulation. Combining regenerative medicine with bioelectronic systems offers the benefit of designing both the biological and electronic parts of the neural interface. By training scientists with strong technical skills and understanding of the translational process, NETP will create leaders of the 21st century neural engineering workforce who possess the tools to address these formidable challenges.

The program includes:

  • NETP seminars
  • TNE Student Journal Club
  • Annual NETP symposium

PhD students in participating labs are encouraged to apply in April for a 2 year fellowship starting July 1.

Please contact the Program Coordinator Pat Metzler (metzlerp@umich.edu) for more information.