Flexible
Electronics for Biological and Life Science Applications
(FlexEBio).
(Director: Christopher
K. Ober, Cornell University)
Participating institutions/organizations:
Binghamton
University, Wadsworth Center/University at Albany,
Cambridge University, Seoul National University, University
of Melbourne, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University,
Lincoln University, DuPont, Endicott Interconnect, General
Electric, Kodak, Rohm & Haas
The
FlexEBio IGERT aims to transform doctoral education,
training, and research in science and engineering fields at
the three core institutions (Cornell, Binghamton,
Wadsworth) in order to capitalize on the nascent biodevice
revolution enabled by flexible electronics. Advances with
unprecedented impact, such as mechanically compliant neural
implants and wirelessly reconfigurable sensing and
drug-delivery, are now within reach. They will be realized
if the nation’s young scientists and engineers both
understand the fundamental phenomena at work when live
cellular systems converge with flexible optoelectronics and
have also acquired the vision and motivation to take the
lead in applying their unique talents across disciplines.
To accomplish this aim of preparing students for developing
devices that integrate new materials at the
biology-flexible electronics interface, the structure of
the FlexEBio program links (a) interdisciplinary research
in fundamental physical and biological science through
co-advising and cross-department/institution collaboration;
(b) training in innovation and team-based technology
management; (c) curriculum development across several
fields; and (d) extended internships at international
partner laboratories and at commercial facilities for
device prototyping and testing. FlexEBio faculty will
mentor Fellows in research experiences in three areas
critical to fundamental advances: bioelectronic and
bio-optic sensors, the material-biology interface, and
flexible neural electronics. FlexEBio Fellows will also
pursue a coordinated course of study covering topics
related to nanobiotechnology, flexible electronics, ethics,
and biophysical laboratory methods. These research
experiences and courses will be the foundation for
student-initiated Team Focus Projects aimed at designing
and prototyping biologically relevant devices based on
flexible electronics. The FlexEBio faculty are well
equipped for supporting the proposed program, combining
among them experience in bridging life science and physical
science disciplines as well as expertise in flexible
electronics, device design and the neurological interface.
The facilities available at the three institutions will
provide students with a unique suite of complementary
capabilities for conducting research and executing the Team
Focus Projects.