From Biotech to Benchside: Team-Based Undergraduate Experiences in Design Thinking and Learning

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Biotechnology advances in research settings are rapidly growing, but the gap between translational medicine to clinical utility is lacking. In addition, there is a disconnect between undergraduate bioengineering education and workforce skills development that reduces the bioeconomy human capital needed to address critical

biotechnology and biomanufacturing infrastructure in the United States. The proposed project aims to bridge the gap between biotechnology research and clinical applications by developing a bench-to-industry-to-bedside pipeline for undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering students. Through team-based learning

experiences, the project emphasizes collaboration and feedback cycles among critical stakeholders in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The objectives include augmenting existing biotechnology design courses with emerging technologies such as adeno-associated viruses, recombinant protein production, and chimeric

antigen receptor T cells that reinforce common innovation and manufacturing pipelines for student teams. We will also integrate industry and clinical mentorship from local biotechnology companies and medical practice and incorporate ethical frameworks in biotechnology design cycles. To address healthcare equity with rising costs of

novel biotechnologies and information access, student designs will emphasize human-centered universal design and education to diverse populations as part of comprehensive needs assessment and stakeholder analyses. By enhancing the Duke Biomedical Engineering curriculum with advances in gene, cell, and molecular therapy,

the project seeks to cultivate essential bioengineering skills for a future in molecular and cellular medicine. The intended educational outcomes include fostering skill development in molecular, cellular, and genetic engineering, promoting successful transitions into careers in the biomedical research workforce, and equipping

students with the knowledge and experience to navigate the evolving biotechnology landscape and needs of all biotechnology stakeholders. With an estimated impact on approximately 100 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students over the five-year duration of the project, this program aims to significantly contribute to the

bioeconomy and advance the translation of biotechnology advancements into clinical applications.