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.
