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Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials Provides Unique Opportunities for Graduate Students at Pitt and Partner Universities Catherine Hagandora, BMES Secretary, ERC Graduate Student |
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To learn more about the ERC: Contact Dr. Borovetz - borovetzhs@upmc.edu OR OR Visit erc.ncat.edu |
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“ By being a part of the ERC-RMB, I am able to conduct research with a wide range of resources at my disposal, as well as gain insight and experience on how to translate my research into intellectual property and potential products.” - Da-Tren Chou, PhD Candidate and ERC Graduate Student |
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The National Science Foundation awarded North Carolina A&T University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Cincinnati, and Hannover Medical School in Germany with an Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials (ERC-RMB) in 2008.
The primary goal of the center is to improve treatment options for patients suffering from orthopedic, craniofacial, and cardiovascular ailments through the development of biodegradable metallic biomaterials. The ERC-RMB is charged with cultivating scientific innovation and training future leaders in both industry and academia. |
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The NSF-ERC was developed through a collaborative effort between academic leaders at each institution. The strategic plan of the ERC-RMB can be summarized into the following steps: development of novel alloys, characterization of new materials, biotoxicity testing, and device development. The ERC is also working towards developing sensors to track alloy degradation in vivo.
The ERC-RMB is currently in its third year of funding and has just recently been renewed for another five years. Currently, thirteen graduate students from the University of Pittsburgh are part of the ERC-RMB. Students of the ERC are actively involved in research, outreach events, and industrial collaboration. The students also participate in a Student Leadership Committee (SLC) where they alternate organizing and hosting “Student Days” at each institution. These weekend-long events provide the opportunity for students from each school to present updates on their research while also collaborating with other members of the ERC. The SLC has recently taken on two new initiatives: to expand the resources for students interested in entrepreneurship and to better prepare effective future bioengineering faculty.
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Da-Tren Chou, a third year ERC graduate student in the Kumta Research Group describes how “the ERC-RMB provides opportunities to collaborate with a vast breadth of researchers from varied disciplines not only at Pitt, but also at partner institutions - the University of Cincinnati, North Carolina A&T University, and Hannover Medical School in Germany. One of the main focus areas of the ERC-RMB is to develop students to be experienced in translational research to move a technology closer to products, and thus has brought in relevant members of industry and clinicians to spur innovative thinking. Thus, by being a part of the ERC-RMB, I am able to conduct research with a wide range of resources at my disposal as well as gain insight and experience on how to translate my research into intellectual property and potential products.” |
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Members of the ERC team following the annual NSF Site Visit at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. |