Skip to main content

Fast Track Funding Benefits UMSL Optometry

Fast Track Funding Benefits Optometry Research

by: Office of Research Administration Newsletter   March 2016

The UM System piloted the Fast Track Funding Program in 2008 to "enhance the University's research discoveries by moving them further down the commercialization pipeline" resulted in numerous patent applications and license agreements, not to mention more than $1 million raised in research funding and investment capital. With that success, the program was extended and the Vice President for Research and Economic Development has committeed $500,000 for a fifth round of funding. 
UMSL faculty projects have been funded in each round (see chart below) with positive outcomes. Some examples include:
  • preliminary clinical data that helped lead to a license of the technologies behind a non-invasive blood glucose monitor (Dr. Zhi Xu, Chemistry); 
  • a pre-market prototype of an optometricdevice to quantitatively measure visual suppression in kids with amblyopia or "lazy eye" (Dr. Carl Bassi and Michael Howe, Chemistry, Wayne Garver, Physics); and
  • validation studies on a new technology to increase the efficacy of current antibiotics (Dr. George Gokel, Center for Nanoscience). 

Dr. Ed Jarka
Dr. Edward Jarka, Associate Clinical Professor, Optometry
Also, with $46,000 Fast Track funding, Dr. Ed Jarka, Associate Clinical Professor of Optometry, was able to develop both a 1st- and 2nd-generation prototype for his hand-held "Meibomian Gland Treatment Device." The MGTD provides a more efficient, less expensive method to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, the most common cause of evaporative dry eye, than devices currently on the market. "It is estimated that more than 70 million people are or will be affected by dry ocular symptoms," says Jarka.  
The University is filing a provisional patent application and seeking an industry partner to license and commercialize the device.  
The UM Office of Research and Economic Development will provide funding up to $50,000 per proposal to support prospects from each of the UM campuses. Tenured/tenure-track faculty and full-time ranked, non-tenure research faculty are invited to submit proposals. Funding under this program is to allow recipients to focus on development, testing, or prototype construction, and/or conduct specific market research. This evaluation may lead to industry collaboration, licensing, the formation of a new company, or the development of the technology for commercial application. Funds are not to be used for basic research, but to evaluate the commercial potential of existing research. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Heart of America: A Great Annual UMSL Tradition

The 56th Annual Contact Lens & Primary Care Congress presented by the Heart of America Contact Lens Society was, once again, a great success and represented a great opportunity for College of Optometry students and residents to network, present posters, receive high quality continuing education, and help as monitors and graduates to have the opportunity to see their classmates and enjoy, not only the expansive exhibit hall but also customize their education based upon the five tracks of courses given simultaneously.  The faculty included two UMSL graduates, Drs. Rebecca Wartman(‘87) and Shane Kannarr(‘00) and Assistant Dean, Dr. Ed Bennett.  Likewise, the Heart of America Board of Directors had a significant UMSL presence with Drs. Sean Mulqueeny(‘91), Wes DeRosier(‘96) and President Craig Brawley(‘01).  Dr. Delaram “Deli” Shirazian(’16), currently completing the Kansas City Veteran’s Administration Medical Center residency program, was a recipient of a $2,000 grant from

Student Completes PhD in Vision Science

PhD Student in Vision Science Leaves Mark at UMSL-College of Optometry   Dr. Christopher Putnam Our vision for our future is only as bright as our dedication to achieving our goals and experiences.  On the fourth floor Marillac hall is an office; it’s not a faculty office, but a graduate office, a room for the last three years that has been occupied day and night and even on the weekends by one man, Dr. Christopher Putnam.   Dr. Putnam is not only an optometrist, but also a major with the United States Air Force. Major Christopher Putnam, OD, FAAO began his journey at UMSL-College of Optometry in August 2011 as a member of the PhD Vision Science program under the direction of Research Professor, Dr. Carl Bassi.  His journey to UMSL has taken him all across the country and now he is beginning the end of his PhD in Vision Science and he will be the last student at UMSL to take part in this program. The road to UMSL began in September 1996 at South Dakota University where h

McBee Named March Student Spotlight Winner

McBee Demonstrates Faith and Positive Attitude at UMSL Optometry   Every month the Office of Student Services with the College of Optometry seeks nomination from the faculty, staff, and students of the college in an effort to recognize one student who exemplifies our student body.  This month's recipient is a true reflection on what we look for in a student at UMSL College of Optometry.   The Student Spotlight for March 2016 is: Kanesha McBee   (Class of 2017)   K.McBee ('17)   Photo by:  Janice White 2015   Kanesha was chosen as March 2016 Student Spotlight winner because she exhibits a positive attitude with a strong faith in conviction that anything is possible. She and her class are currently preparing for Part I of boards, yet she still  maintains a positive attitude and smile on her face.  Kanesha is always has a positive attitude and s he is willing to offer encouragement when needed and doesn't hesitate to offer words of encouragement