The Program
Engaging in the Molecular Probes and Sensors NRT Program
PhD students in the UO Molecular Probes and Sensors NRT program enter through a traditional academic program and begin NRT programming in the summer (June) after their first year. Students in the NRT program have opportunities for sensors-related coursework, inclusive professional development workshops, and the innovative Lens of the Market program (described below). Many activities take place alongside Master’s students in the Sensors track of the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program. Participation in elements of the NRT program is available to all UO graduate students.
Timeline
PhD students enroll in the UO through a traditional academic program. NRT Fellows and some participants start NRT programming in the summer (June) after their first year.
Summer Program
NRT faculty offer multiple interdisciplinary courses that immerse NRT participants in aspects of the training they will need to approach new areas of design and implementation of molecular probes and sensor devices. NRT participants will generally take a selection of these courses, which include:
Chemical Biology
Students learn key concepts of synthetic chemistry that apply to biologically-relevant molecules, bioconjugation techniques, and surface interactions – all of which are central to the development of sensors and probes targeting biomedical fields. Understanding the intricate interactions between biomolecules (DNA, RNA, biomarkers, and proteins) helps bridge the gap to designing components that can be used in industry platforms to monitor and maintain physiological processes.
Chem Analysis and Signal Transduction
Students take a deep dive into molecular sensor construction and application within the field. Examples of technologies covered include optical, electronic, nanomaterial, and array-based sensors. By studying academic and industrial leaders in the field, students will gain a view of the sensor design process from the chemical design of recognition units, to the incorporation of transduction elements, and finally the integration of these elements into electronic devices.
Synthetic Methods in Chemical Biology (4 credits)
Through significant hands-on experience in this lab-based class, students become proficient in the synthetic techniques frequently used for production of chemical probes and sensors. Skills used include air-free handling techniques, purification methods and instrumentation used to characterize sensor structure and properties (eg. NMR, IR, HPLC, GC-MS and fluorescence). Cooperative group learning in the lab will generate important teamwork skills necessary for project development and time management.
Fall Program
Molecular Sensors Immersion Lab Course (4 credits)
Students work in teams to solve a specific real-world problem. As a project-based course, students apply concepts and ideas gained during previous sensor coursework. Students propose and perform experiments, collect data, interpret results, and draw logical conclusion on a new and relevant project to the molecular sensors and probes field. The projects are structured to simulate an industrial environment, providing students with an opportunity to apply technical learning and soft skills such as time-management, trouble shooting, critical thinking, and teamworking skills to effectively achieve project goals.
Lens of the Market (4 credits)
Lens of the Market (LoM) is a professional development program for students to learn the basics of exploring applications of their research through market analysis and the lens of commercial needs. This program is administered by core NRT participant Dr. Judy Giordan (ecosVC). Lens of the Market® is a three-part training and education process that builds value for the innovation and the innovator by providing scientists and engineers with the full range of vocabulary and skills required for successful translation of their research into market-aligned, commercial opportunities and R&D plans. The first stage is a 1-day workshop that provides participants with an introduction to the vocabulary, skills, tools, and road map needed to begin successfully translating their research into innovations. The second stage is a 4-6 month program that gives scientists the skills and confidence to perform a deeper dive on market analysis around their innovations, understand and develop value propositions and differentiations, and build effective R&D plans that could meet the needs of the market they discover. As warranted, a third stage will be available for student teams who seek to translate these discoveries into a venture or licensing opportunity, develop a business model, and learn how to raise funding.
Our NRT program partners with the Knight Campus Graduate Internship program track in Molecular Probes and Sensors to support this program. We will offer a Stage 1 and Stage 2 program each Fall for all MoPSCE PhD trainees. Follow on LoM programming will be offered as student interest and market research warrant. LoM offers many exciting outcomes for trainees, including: i) enhanced professional development in market awareness, which our industry partners cite as a gap in training for employees; ii) R&D plans that contribute to the research platforms explored during the LoM program, iii) identification of new research directions; iv) potential launch of new startup companies or new licenses based on university technology. All of the research platforms for these LoM workshops will be built around research of core NRT faculty, so there is added value to the fundamental science of NRT faculty and students who wish to align their research with pressing market opportunities.
Post First-Year
In year 2, NRT participants continue PhD research in individual NRT faculty labs, advance to candidacy, and participate in cohort meetings to inspire and develop collaborative research projects. Students may participate in the deeper-dive Stage 2 Lens of the Market program to inform more market-aligned research directions.
In ongoing years, trainees will develop and refine Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that help guide their near- and long-term goals. They will hone their science communication and team-science skills, and may participate as near-peer mentors and/or TAs for the core classes. Trainees will develop their team-based projects and incorporate additional activities identified by Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that help launch their chosen careers. These activities could include industrial or other internships, policy, teaching or journalism internships, or development of new immersion labs that they implement as project managers for a small team. For some trainees, exploration of commercial opportunities of their research through a final Lens of the Market may result in submission of a SBIR/STTR proposal to launch a new venture.
NRT Fellows and Participants
‘PhD students whose training goals are aligned with NRT themes are eligible to apply to the NRT program. A limited number of NRT Fellow slots are available that include 1 year of support. PhD students can also apply to be NRT participants. NRT participants may engage in learning modules and other coursework and workshops. Many NRT activities will be open to the broader UO community.