The work, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, will bedirected by Prof. Pranav Soman. Pranav Soman holds two positions, as a Professor in Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at Syracuse University and The Bioinspired Institute (https://bioinspired.syr.edu/), and as an IPA Rotator Program Director of the Advanced Manufacturing (AM) program at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Prof. Soman’s central research focus is to push the boundaries of optics - based 3D processing and printing technologies and develop dependable models that capture in vivo physiology and pathophysiology. Toward this goal, his group has developed an optical manufacturing technology toolbox to advance research in 3D (bio)printing, microfluidics, organ-on-chip, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and single cell analysis. He is also the founder of 3D Microfluidics LLC (3DM), a startup funded by NSF Small Business grant to provide cost-effective microfluidics solutions to researchers in life sciences. In his role at NSF, Prof. Soman’s advocates innovative interdisciplinary research and education in advanced manufacturing and mentors junior research members in the field.The fellow will work in Soman's group located within the BioInspired Institute, which offers world class facilities and a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment where engineers, biologists, chemists, and material scientists collaborate with clinicians from SUNY Upstate Medical University to address high impact challenges in the bioscience community. Prof. Soman will help the fellow develop a tailored Individual Development Plan to advance his/her professional goals with workshops in scientific writing, and guidance for career development.
