Chippewa Valley Times

The collaborative student-faculty research initiative at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) is a remarkable platform that enables students to contribute to ongoing faculty-led projects over multiple years. This approach fosters their growth as researchers and enhances their understanding of the subject matter.

A team of eight students who spent the last academic year in the research lab with Dr. Elizabeth Glogowski, Ramsey research professor of materials science and biomedical engineering, have been developing a revolutionary medical-use foam. The project has provided an extraordinary learning experience for all involved.

All members of this unique team, from first-year to fourth-year students, are Blugold Biomedical Innovator Scholars. The project was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jeremy McBride, an interventional radiologist at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire.

The research commenced in 2019 when Dr. McBride proposed a new material that could be used during tumor ablation procedures to improve outcomes for cancer patients. "He needed a product that would better protect healthy organs and tissues during these extreme freezing and heating treatments of cancerous tumors," said Dr. Glogowski.

The team developed a foam that can be injected at the site to separate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue, thereby insulating the latter. The foam dissipates once the procedure is complete and all materials used are FDA approved.

The Biomedical Innovator Scholars program is one of only two campus programs that allow first-year students to participate in a research project from their first day on campus. Besides contributing significantly to the development of the foam, these students have presented their work at various forums including Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C., UWEC’s Celebration of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity (CERCA), and to top Mayo and Universities of Wisconsin officials, including Gov. Tony Evers.

Several members expressed their gratitude for being part of such an innovative project and shared how it had helped them grow as researchers and individuals. The students also spoke about their future plans, with many expressing a desire to continue contributing to the project.

The spring 2024 commencement will see the graduation of the first Blugold Biomedical Innovator Scholars cohort. Nine students who began medical science research in 2020 are set to work in industry, attend medical school or seek Ph.D.s. The research and scholarly creative activity of more than 500 Blugold students will be on display during the university's Celebration of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity from April 22-26 on campus.