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Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program

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The Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program is for students who intend to pursue a career in health care or the biomedical field. UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System have combined forces to better prepare future scientists, innovators, health care providers and leaders. Biomedical Innovators participate in competitive research experiences with faculty and network with medical professionals.

We believe these one-of-a-kind experiences should be available to students of all backgrounds and financial situations. The Biomedical Innovator Scholar Program is the only scholarship program of its kind. Blugold experiences like this position UW-Eau Claire as one of the strongest pre-med institutions in the Midwest. Join us for an extraordinary undergraduate experience — offered only at Eau Claire.

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One-on-One Mentoring

Coaching and research mentoring from Mayo physicians, medical school students, UWEC faculty, and the Health Careers Center staff set BI Scholars up for career success.

Access to Unique Events

Participate in special events hosted by Mayo Clinic Health System, such as job shadowing days and hands-on medical procedural skills clinics.

Guaranteed Research

BI Scholars begin research in their first year, partnered on a project with a UWEC faculty member and Mayo Clinic Health System professional.

Up to $32,000 in Scholarships

BI Scholars receive an $8,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years. Plus, earn up to $3,000 per summer while working on research.

Mayo Clinic Health System A Top UWEC Employer

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

Foam lab research students using instrumentation

Find Out More About Biomedical Innovation

Submit this brief form to learn more about UWEC and how you can do big things working alongside our expert faculty and Mayo Clinic Health System professionals.

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Collaborative research

Research is what drives so many members of our faculty, and UW-Eau Claire is considered one of the top master's-level universities in the country when it comes to undergraduate research. Although many universities are known for research, undergraduate students often have a difficult time finding a seat at the table. That's not the case at UW-Eau Claire. We take pride in the fact that we offer remarkable research opportunities for undergraduate students.

We need to innovate to improve outcomes and decrease cost. Why not make Eau Claire a hub for a new industry of service and technology for rural patient care? Everything needed to create an ecosystem for biomedical innovation and positive outcomes is here, bringing providers, educators and students together to work on the biggest, unsolved needs in medicine and improve the patient experience.

Learning in Action

Dr. Tim Nelson

Director of Research and Innovation at Mayo Clinic Health System Northwest Wisconsin

Spotlight Research Projects

The Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program is just one example of how UWEC 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

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

biomed lab male research student filling vials

Preparing for a Future in Health Care

The Health Careers Center can help you get prepared! We provide advising to help you stay on track, offer study materials for entrance exams, and keep you informed about opportunities on campus and around the world.

Explore Health Careers Center

Gillian Rossman on Red Line drill at Mayo

Health Careers Center

Find out more about the UWEC Health Careers Center and how their staff and support the Biomedical Innovator Scholars and all pre-professional health students.

Health Careers Center Website

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Apply to UW-Eau Claire

If you have not done so already, you will need to activate your account. To activate your account, you will need the following information:

your username and campus ID (which were sent in an email when you applied or are on your admit letter)
birth date
last four digits of your social security number, or your UWEC PIN that you were sent in a separate email (if you did not provide us with your social security number)

Start Your First-Year Application

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Apply to the Biomedical Innovator Scholarship

After activating your account, apply online for scholarships on our Gold for Blugolds site. Sign in using your UW-Eau Claire username and password. Once you're logged in, select My Applications from the menu bar. Complete the Admissions Scholarship Application.

If you are identified as a candidate for the program from the Admissions Scholarship Application, you will receive an email from Admissions with additional information regarding selection. An additional essay specific to the Blugold Biomedical Innovators Program must be submitted by the deadline stated within the email.

Gold for Blugolds Applications

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