Biomedical Innovator Scholars

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Biomedical Innovator Scholars

Where Ambition Meets Opportunity in Health and Science

If you’re the kind of student who asks big questions, thinks beyond the textbook, and wants to make a real impact on healthcare, the Biomedical Innovator Scholar program is built for you.

This competitive, high-impact program connects motivated students with extraordinary opportunities — from research with leading healthcare partners to cutting-edge campus labs and personalized mentorship that empowers you to chart your own path in medicine, biomedical science, research, or health innovation.

At UW–Eau Claire, you won’t just prepare for the future of healthcare — you’ll help shape it.

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Where Ambition Meets Opportunity in Health and Science

Intro

If you’re the kind of student who asks big questions, thinks beyond the textbook, and wants to make a real impact on healthcare, the Biomedical Innovator Scholar program is built for you.

This competitive, high-impact program connects motivated students with extraordinary opportunities — from research with leading healthcare partners to cutting-edge campus labs and personalized mentorship that empowers you to chart your own path in medicine, biomedical science, research, or health innovation.

At UW–Eau Claire, you won’t just prepare for the future of healthcare — you’ll help shape it.

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One-on-One Mentoring

Coaching and research mentoring from physicians, medical school students, ��Vlog faculty, and the Health Careers Center staff set Biomedical Innovators up for career success.

Access to Unique Events

Participate in special events hosted by healthcare partners, such as job shadowing days and hands-on medical procedural skills clinics.

Guaranteed Research

Biomedical Innovators begin research in their first year.

Up to $32,000 in Scholarships

Biomedical Innovator Scholars receive $8,000 per year in scholarships. Plus, earn up to $3,000 per summer while working on research.

Mayo Clinic Health System A Top ��Vlog Employer

The renowned health organization was the #1 employer of all Blugold grads in 2023-2024.

Why become a Biomedical Innovator Scholar?

Immediate access to research

Most students don’t touch real research until graduate school. Biomedical Innovator Scholars jump in from day one.

You’ll work alongside UW-Eau Claire faculty and professional scientists on projects that matter — medical devices, neurology, wearable tech, health systems engineering, genetics, data science, public health, and more.

Mentorship from the best in the field

Your ambitions deserve individualized support. Innovators receive guidance from:

UW-Eau Claire faculty researchers
Mayo Clinic Health System and other research partners
Professional advisors who help you prepare for medical school, graduate school, or your chosen health career

Scholarships and paid research

Innovators receive scholarship support of $8,000 per year ($32,000 total) and gain access to apply for paid summer research opportunities — so you can focus on discovery, not financial barriers.

Exclusive partner-connected experiences

Through UW-Eau Claire’s partnership with renowned healthcare systems, Innovators may participate in advanced experiences like:

Clinical skills workshops
Medical simulations
Job shadowing opportunities
Special partner-hosted events and networking sessions

You’ll get an insider’s view of healthcare careers long before most students do.

Participating in research has been the foundation of my college experience. I love the "aha" moments of research — not just the moment when success happens but more the moments when something clicks and makes sense. Research has made making connections the most rewarding part of learning.

Learning in Action

Grace Cunningham

Pre-Med, Chemistry, ACS Certified

What You’ll Learn and Do

Biomedical Innovator Scholars engage in immersive learning that blends science, creativity, and collaboration. You’ll:

Design and test solutions to real clinical challenges
Analyze data using professional-grade computing resources
Work in state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces
Present research at national conferences
Build a competitive portfolio for medical school, PA programs, research careers, and more

You’ll graduate not only with knowledge — but with experience, confidence, and a network that opens doors.

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Two students wearing white lab coats work together connecting a piece of tubing in a lab setting

Become a Biomedical Innovator Scholar

Take the next step to apply to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, only at Eau Claire.

Apply to Become a Biomedical Innovator Scholar

A State-of-the-Art Research Hub

Studying health sciences? A 330,000-square-foot Science and Health Sciences Building is being constructed on ��Vlog's campus. The facility will be a shared research space with Mayo Clinic Health System.

Learn more about the Science and Health Sciences Building

A group of students observing a healthcare demonstration

Guidance for Future Health Professionals

As one of only a few schools of its size with a specialized Health Careers Center, students receive access to targeted programming, high-quality clinical and volunteering opportunities, and personalized academic and pre-professional advising delivered by our caring expert staff.

Explore the Health Careers Center

A close-up of the back of a supercomputer with multiple cables and connections illuminated by green indicator lights.

Harness the Power of Supercomputing

Our partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise gives you direct access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, which can bring your research ideas to life. Make new discoveries, uncover new insights, and develop solutions to the challenges of today.

Learn more about the Blugold Center for High Performance Computing

The Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program is just one example of how ��Vlog provides innovative research opportunities in almost every field of study for undergraduate students. The research projects below are examples of the remarkable opportunities our Innovator Scholars have (from day one) that are often reserved for graduate students at other institutions. These exciting projects were made available to our Innovator Scholars.

Analysis of Effects on RNA Splicing of Variants of Uncertain Significance in PCCA and PCCB

Research Project Summary

Our lab is interested in developing efficient methods of associating DNA variants with human genetic diseases to aid in the earlier diagnosis and proper treatment of patients. Currently, we analyze DNA variants identified in patients who have been diagnosed with the metabolic disorder, propionic acidemia. We test whether these variants affect gene expression. Future efforts will focus on developing a faster pipeline for analysis involving next generation sequencing and bioinformatics.

Mayo collaborator: TBD

Faculty Member

Dr. Jamie Lyman Gingerich
Professor — Biology

Genetic/Molecular Analysis of Light Responses in Plants

Research Project Summary

My research program is interested in how light controls plant growth and development, work that has relevance to agriculture and crop development. We use a variety of modern molecular genetics analytical tools to explore these responses, including generation and analysis of mutants, gene and genome sequence analysis, DNA manipulation (such as DNA construct building), gene expression analysis, and protein expression and characterization. All of these are tools that are relevant to the molecular/genetic analyses of any organism, including animal and human systems. As such, students graduate from my lab with a skill set that is directly relevant to biomedical research. Indeed, students from my group have gone on to medical school or other health-related professional programs, biomedical graduate programs, and research positions that focus on questions of human health.

Mayo collaborator: TBD

Faculty Member

Dr. Derek Gingerich
Professor — Biology

Aptamer-based Colorimetric Detection of the DNA Damage Marker 8-oxo-dG in Saliva Samples for Quantifying Oxidative Stress

Research Project Summary

Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in cells, can lead to DNA damage and is a key factor in the development and progression of cancer. This makes oxidative stress a valuable marker for cancer detection and prognosis prediction. In the proposed study, we aim to detect and quantify oxidative stress in cancer patients by measuring 8-Oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), a critical biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. We plan to utilize a recently reported DNA-aptamer-based colorimetric method to quantify 8-oxo-dG in saliva samples, thereby assessing oxidative stress and exploring potential correlations between oxidative stress, cancer development, and prognosis.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Sandeep Basu

Faculty Member

Dr. Sanchita Hati
Professor — Chemistry

Exploring Agentic AI and Deep Learning for Inferior Vena Cava Filter Detection

Research Project Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents are transforming healthcare by automating tasks, enhancing diagnostic precision, and enabling personalized care. Our project aims to develop an AI-based system to automate the detection of IVC filters and complications, such as extravascular extension, in CT scans. IVC filters are crucial for patients with venous blood clots but are meant to be temporary, and delays in their removal can cause harm. Interventional radiology (IR) practices often rely on manual tracking methods, which are inadequate when patients transfer care. Many patients forget their filters’ presence, leaving new providers unaware. Building on previous research with Mayo Clinic NWWI, we aim to enhance an existing deep learning algorithm for IVC flagging and extend it to detect extravascular extension, flagging patients for closer follow-up. The system will also integrate large language models (LLMs) to process electronic health records (EHRs) and be modular for future expansion. Our goal is to create a reliable AI algorithm for detecting IVC filters and implement it in hospital settings.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Joe Wildenberg

Faculty Member

Dr. Rahul Gomes
Assiociate Professor — Computer Science

AI-Driven Precision Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer

Research Project Summary

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited treatment options and survival rate. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, artificial intelligence, and image processing have revolutionized our understanding of cellular heterogeneity and tumor behavior. This study aims to integrate these cutting-edge technologies to develop a personalized treatment approach for PDAC. We will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning algorithms to analyze large-scale imaging data, identify biomarkers for disease progression, and predict patient outcomes.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Sushil Garg

Faculty Member

Dr. Rahul Gomes
Associate Professor — Computer Science

Applications of 3D Printing in Medicine

Research Project Summary

3D printing is enhancing patient outcomes in health care by providing clinicians with 3D models of the specific patient's anatomy for surgical planning, patient education, custom surgical guides, and surgical training. In collaboration with Mayo physicians, we create 3D printed patient specific models, starting with CT or MRI scans. Currently we are designing surgical practice models for procedures like the Watchman procedure for atrial fibrillation and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries. The goal is to see if the use of these surgical training models by surgeons can lead to better patient outcomes.

Mayo collaborators: Dr. Jason Beckermann, Dr. Andrew Calvin, Dr. Vaibhav Vaidya

Faculty Member

Dr. Doug Dunham
Director — Materials Science and Engineering Center

Injectable Foams for Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment

Research Project Summary

Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat cancers of the lung, kidney, and liver. However, side effects are possible when healthy tissue is in the ablation zone. The Glogowski research team is preparing and testing new injectable foams to separate and insulate health tissue from cancerous tissue during ablation. New research students are welcomed into a collaborative environment from day one – with a structured peer mentoring system plus working with Dr. Glogowski and our collaborator at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. All research students learn technical, hands-on skills and gain experience in non-technical skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication with different audiences. These experiences help prepare students for the next stage of their career, whether it is in industry in biomedical engineering or med school or other professional degree program.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Jeremy McBride

Faculty Member

Dr. Liz Glogowski
Professor — Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering

Development of a Novel, Flexible Cooling Pad for Patient Pain Management

Research Project

In this project we aim to develop and build a prototype of a mechanically flexible and electrically powered cooing pad to help patients manage pain after surgery or injury. Pain management is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S., but it is challenging to deliver localized pain relief in a way that is consistent and sustained over time, and that conforms to the patient body part requiring treatment. This project will combine considerations for patient care with practical engineering skills to design an optimum cooling pad, and students will have the opportunity to see the project through from initial design to a final project.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Tiziano Taliarita

Faculty Member

Dr. Joseph Petefish
Assistant Professor — Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering

Next-Generation Vaginal Drug Delivery: A Self-Expanding Antimicrobial System

Research Project Summary

Antibiotic resistance, particularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), is an impending public health issue. The Cloud research group will develop an intravaginal ring (IVR) for localized drug delivery treatment of STIs that will leverage the shape memory properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) for minimally invasive device insertion. This self-expanding PLA IVR will be fabricated with embedded antimicrobial molecules that will release as the PLA degrades over time. Students will learn fundamental skills in biomedical engineering including polymer synthesis, biomaterial characterization, hydrolytic degradation, and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Mayo collaborator: TBD

Faculty Member

Dr. Michaela Pfau-Cloud
Assistant Professor — Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering

Development of a Microfluidic Device for Discriminating Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) From Other Pulmonary Diseases in Wisconsin

Research Project Summary

The project focuses on developing a medical device that can separate cells from patient sputum samples. The device will help diagnose and distinguish hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a disease characterized by lung inflammation from other lung diseases.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Mamta Chhabria

Faculty Member

Dr. Ashwin Sundarakrishnan
Assistant Professor — Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering

Prenatal Stress and Neurodevelopment in Autism

Research Project Summary

How do changes in the environment contribute to brain formation and associated neurodevelopmental disorders? Students in the Carter laboratory investigate the effects of disorder-associated genetic and environmental factors on neurodevelopment. One particular interest is molecular mechanisms associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); in this project, we are investigating connections between two factors independently associated with ASD, cortisol signaling through prenatal stress and inhibitory neuron development. We use zebrafish in our experiments and assess changes in physical development (microscopy), molecular biology (gene expression), and behavior (motor tracking).

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Ashley Holland

Faculty Member

Dr. Brad Carter
Associate Professor — Biology

Neurobiology Underlying Cognitive Deficits of Delta 9-THC and Ethanol Exposure in Aged Rats

Research Project Summary

The population of the United States is aging and understanding risk factors that decrease the quality of health in the aged population is critical. Older adults engage in drug use and misuse including alcohol consumption and cannabis use. In fact, the fastest growing population of binge alcohol drinkers and cannabis use is adults older than 65 years of age. However, the potential negative consequences of the combined use of alcohol and cannabis has not been determined in the older population. The current project investigates brain and cognitive changes due to alcohol exposure and/or delta 9-THC exposure in aged animals to better understand the risk factors in the aged population.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Pravesh Sharma

Faculty Member

Dr. Doug Matthews
Professor — Psychology

Models of Obesity and Drug Misuse

Research Project Summary

Obesity and drug misuse are the most common preventable causes of premature illness and death in the United States. Our UW-Eau Claire laboratory group has developed and refined behavioral and pharmacological models of hunger, motivation, reward, and sex differences to better understand factors underlying drug use and obesity. Together with Mayo Clinic professionals, we have designed and assessed interventions to reduce the post-operative use of opioid pain relievers. Laboratory members are an eclectic mix of scholars in both academic interests and experience. Our group has a long history of training students for academic, research, and career success in professional and graduate training in health sciences.

Mayo collaborator: Dr. Brandon Hidaka

Faculty Member

Dr. David Jewett
Professor — Psychology

These are experiences they wouldn’t be getting at a Big 10 or Ivy League school. They are first-year students working on research on campus, but they also are working with researchers at Mayo Clinic. It’s been tremendous for them and for us.

Only at Eau Claire