| LCI News |
Kent State University responded to the Ohio Board of Regents Economic Growth Challenge/Innovation Incentive with a plan to expand its two most productive and prominent doctoral science programs: liquid crystals and bioscience/biotechnology. The university agrees with the Regents’ principle that doctoral programs, especially those in science and technology areas, are critical for the economy of Ohio, said Dr. John L. West, Kent State’s vice president for research and dean of graduate studies. “These programs, such as the two we have identified, attract research funding from outside of Ohio and stimulate discovery, which translates into consumer products and industry innovations, as well as health and other benefits to the public,” West said. Selection of the doctoral programs is based on productivity, quality and alignment with Ohio’s Third Frontier priorities. At Kent State, the programs include partnerships, inside and outside of the university, including the important collaboration with the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM). Kent State’s top areas for Innovation Incentive reallocations: • Liquid Crystals: Liquid crystal research is centered at Kent State’s Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI), which pioneered the modern era in liquid crystal research and is the largest academic program in the field. LCI was selected as headquarters for Ohio’s only National Science Foundation, Science and Technology Center, and is home to the Ohio Eminent Scholar in theoretical liquid crystal physics. LCI faculty conduct both basic and applied research, and are adept at patenting marketable technology. • Bioscience and Biotechnology: In close partnership with NEOUCOM, these programs have been productive in securing federal and other support to establish a 3D immersive visualization facility, a biohazard training lab, and have produced new biosensor technology that has led to two start-up companies in the region this year. The Biology department established an innovative collaboration with Oak Clinic for the study and treatment of multiple sclerosis, and the School of Biomedical Sciences operates a collaborative doctoral program with the Cleveland Clinic. For additional information, please contact Dr. West, 330-672-3012 or jlwest@kent.edu. ###
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