Purdue Biomaterials and Biointerfaces Training Program

About This Grant

The Purdue Biomaterials and Biointerfaces Training Program (PUBB) will prepare graduate students to become leaders in the design, characterization, and application of engineered biological systems. This program addresses a growing national need for scientists who can integrate in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experimentation with advanced microscopy, materials design, and computational modeling to improve biomaterials and biointerfaces that mimic native environments for biomedical applications while also limiting the use of animal models. The focus of the program is the use of materials to influence basic cellular processes for applications including tissue engineering, wound healing, and disease treatment. Trainees will receive rigorous, cross-disciplinary training that emphasizes scientific rigor, research reproducibility, and ethical conduct, with a strong foundation in engineering principles, preparing them for impactful careers in the biomedical research workforce. The program builds upon significant institutional and commercial investments and draws on a collaborative team of faculty with expertise in biomaterials, biointerfaces, imaging sciences, and computational design. Trainees will engage in mentored research experiences and develop individualized training plans to cultivate critical thinking, quantitative skills, and interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex biomedical problems. A framework that includes formative and summative assessment ensures effective mentor–trainee communication, promotes accountability, and supports steady progress toward research and professional milestones. This will build their technical and operational skills. The curriculum includes technical courses in imaging, biomaterials characterization, and data analysis, as well as professional development opportunities such as scientific communication workshops, grant writing, teaching, and exposure to regulatory, commercialization, and intellectual property issues in biotechnology. All students will participate in a required internship through established partnerships. These internships provide hands-on experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical settings and prepare trainees to translate their academic training into professional careers. Outreach partnerships with the Colorado Rocky Mountain School High School High Scholars (HS²) program will prepare trainees to communicate science effectively to broad audiences and foster future interest in biomedical research. PUBB is committed to providing a supportive training environment where all trainees have the resources and guidance needed to succeed. Mentors will participate in formal mentoring training to strengthen their effectiveness. Career outcomes of all trainees will be tracked and published to promote transparency and guide future cohorts. Collectively, PUBB will equip the next generation of biomedical researchers to use fundamental principles across materials design, engineering, and cell biology to improve innovation and translation, fulfilling the NIH mission to improve health through rigorous and collaborative biomedical research.