Qualcomm CTA Bioengineering Junior Investigator/Fellowship Program: Assistive Technology for Disability and Aging

The purpose of this $50,000 Foundation grant is to inaugurate the CTA/Qualcomm Assistive Technology Fellowship/Young Investigator program within the Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, to build research capacity, knowledge utilization and dissemination and industry partnerships leading to technology transfer. Dr. Cathy Bodine will serve as the Principle Investigator and Dr. Levin Sliker will serve as the inaugural Fellow.

Short-term results include the establishment of a CTA/Qualcomm Fellow/Young Investigator program at the University of Colorado, Department of Bioengineering focused on Assistive Technology for persons with disabilities and seniors; development and execution of a research agenda by the Fellow; and the development and launch of an Industry Advisory Council to facilitate knowledge transfer.

The long-term results include knowledge dissemination, utilization, and potential technology transfer to industry.  Access by both parties to state-of-the-art information related to improved device design and ongoing and developing technology needs for seniors and persons with disabilities will lead to increased access to needed technologies and to opportunities for new discoveries.

Building reciprocal relationships between industry and university researchers has the potential to create a pipeline for students from internships and employment to opportunities for joint research and development work in the future.