Collaboration for clinical innovation: Apply Now!

Have you identified a clinical problem that might benefit from technology development? Do you have an idea for a device or process to improve patient care? Do you have a need for a device to support your clinical research program?

The projects build innovative devices to solve medical problems

The Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) and the College of Engineering (COE) are soliciting innovative project ideas to satisfy an unmet clinical need.

Since 2008, undergraduate students in the COE’s Capstone Senior Design courses have been collaborating with clinicians and researchers in the School of Medicine (SOM) to launch and execute projects with clinical, translational or point-of-care emphasis. Student teams work to conceptualize, implement, and test a functional prototype by the end of the course.

Recent projects have included:

• Bone tensioning device
• Newborn CCHD screening
• Insulin pen dose tracking
• Customizable implant for chest wall reconstruction
• Stethoscope earpiece adaptor for hearing impaired physicians
• Walker offload force measurement device
• Travel diagnostic eye prescription instrument

A committee comprised of COE and SOM faculty will select the successful proposals and will attempt to match student teams of appropriate background across departments.

The CTSC Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program will provide the chosen projects with seed funding of approximately $500 toward construction of a physical prototype or establishing proof-of-concept, depending on project scope and fabrication costs.

The best projects are appropriate in scope for a team of undergraduate students to make meaningful progress in a 9-month time frame (typically October to June). The design process also requires significant creative input from the students. Projects that simply seek to implement a preconceived idea or manufacture an already determined design are not suitable.

To apply, please concisely address the following in a 1-page proposal:

• Clinical problem: Brief background to describe an unmet clinical need and the affected population.
• Desired outcome: What is the desired change or improvement? It is best if this is independent of preconceived solutions.
• Translational importance: How would the proposed project enhance human health and well-being?
• Contact information: Generally, it is the PI with one or more persons willing to provide clinical mentorship. Should be available to periodically meet with students to provide feedback and serve as subject matter experts. They will partner with engineering faculty who will provide mentorship on the design process.

Please forward your proposal to Dr. Nicholas Kenyon (njkenyon@ucdavis.edu). For questions about the design process or the suitability of potential projects, please contact the COE representative and course instructor: Dr. Jennifer Choi (jhkchoi@ucdavis.edu).

Proposals submitted by Monday, August 2, 2021 at 5:00 pm PT. will be given a priority review.

You can read the full call for proposals and check examples of previous clinical projects. Thank you for supporting translational medicine and engineering education!