Hands-on learning meets national security! This MIT-Nebraska partnership empowers students through real-world research projects.
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| Students develop groundbreaking bioprospecting tools. The successful MIT pilot project. |
Omaha, Nebraska, July 11, 2024:
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Lincoln Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have announced a groundbreaking partnership. This initiative will empower students to tackle critical national security challenges, specifically focusing on global health and agricultural security threats.
This strategic alliance brings together the intellectual firepower of two leading institutions. NSRI, a University Affiliated Research Center designated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), boasts a wealth of experience in defense and security research. Lincoln Laboratory, a Federally Funded Research and Development Center for MIT, contributes its cutting-edge capabilities in science, technology, and engineering.
The combined expertise of these institutions fosters an environment for groundbreaking solutions. The program aims to develop innovative tools and strategies to detect and neutralize emerging biological threats before they endanger American citizens.
The partnership kicked off with a successful pilot project at MIT during the 2023-2024 academic year. Funded by a DOD agency, the project addressed a critical challenge: the limitations of current methods for rapid bioscreening. Traditionally, screening for novel biological capabilities has been hampered by the lack of standardized, high-throughput devices that can effectively cultivate a wider range of microorganisms.
Led by Dr. Todd Thorsen of MIT Lincoln Laboratory, a team of 12 dedicated mechanical engineering students rose to the challenge. Their project, titled "Bioprospecting Experimentation Apparatus with Variable Environmental Regulation," focused on developing simple, high-throughput tools with integrated environmental control systems. These tools have the potential to significantly expand the range of environmental conditions under which researchers can test microorganisms.
Dr. Thorsen emphasizes the program's focus on "engineering design and prototyping," challenging students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. This hands-on approach provides invaluable experience, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
The project culminated in the successful development and validation of two prototypes. A gas gradient manifold prototype enables researchers to generate a range of gas concentrations within a single experiment, simplifying the process of identifying optimal growth conditions for diverse microorganisms. A droplet-dispensing manifold allows for precise dispensing of microfluidic droplets, potentially revolutionizing the way researchers study complex bacterial populations.
These innovative prototypes not only offer increased efficiency but also hold the potential to significantly reduce the cost and complexity of biological research. As student Rachael Rosco says, "This class was my first experience with microfluidics and biotech, and thanks to our sponsors, I gained the confidence to pursue a career path in biotech."
Building the Next Generation of National Security Experts
The NSRI-MIT partnership extends beyond the development of groundbreaking technologies. It aims to foster a new generation of national security researchers. By providing students with hands-on research experiences and exposure to long-standing DOD challenges, the program cultivates a skilled workforce equipped to address future threats.
The partnership plans to continue seeking funding from the DOD to support future student research projects. These projects will be conducted at various facilities across the country, leveraging the collective resources of NSRI, the University of Nebraska system, Lincoln Laboratory, and MIT.
This strategic collaboration sets a powerful example of academic institutions working together to address national security concerns. By empowering students to become the next generation of scientific leaders, this partnership paves the way for a more secure future for the United States.