MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC
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  BIOTECH & MEDICAL  

Join industry partners and applied research leadership accelerating the development and deployment of
new material solutions into products and society.



  Key Speakers & Chairs Include:   

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Sessions

Tuesday March 10

8:15TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary Keynotes
10:30Bio in Space Symposium- Funding Opportunities for R&D in Microgravity: Discussing Public and Private Funding Mechanisms for Commercial Space Ventures
10:30TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical I
10:30Micro & Bio Fluidics
10:30Supporting the Translation of Research-based Technologies to Products
10:30Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
11:30TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical II
1:00TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open
1:30Programming Biology for Material Innovation
1:30Bio in Space Innovation Challenge
1:30Drug, Biomolecule, and Vaccine Delivery
1:30The Role of Universities in Creating Innovation Ecosystems
1:30AI Innovations – Healthcare and Characterization
1:30Bio-based Materials and Cellulose
4:00Bio in Space Innovation Challenge-Winners Announced
4:00TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session I, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00)
4:00Programming Biology for Material Innovation-Posters
4:00Biomaterials & Medical Devices - Posters
4:00Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing-Posters
4:00Drug, Biomolecule, and Vaccine Delivery - Posters
4:00Bio-based Materials & Cellulose - Posters
4:00University Innovations - Posters

Wednesday March 11

9:00Advancements in Implantables, Injectibles & Wound Healing Devices
9:30Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms I
10:30Bio in Space Symposium - There and Back Again: Understanding Pathways to Orbit and the Operational Rresources in LEO
1:00TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open
1:30Wearables & Data Analytics
1:30Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms II
4:00TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session II, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00)
4:00Biofilms - Posters
4:00Polymers for Healthcare - Posters
4:00Precision Health & Diagnostics - Posters

Thursday March 12

9:00Polymer-Based Material Design  and Fabrication Innovations Positioned to Improve Healthcare
9:00Precision Health and Diagnostics
9:00TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense
10:00TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense

2026 Detailed Program

Tuesday March 10

8:15TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary KeynotesRCC Ballroom B
Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, Dalia Yablon, Matthew Laudon, TechConnect Division, ATI, US
Lightweighting with single crystal graphene, and new routes to growing diamonds
R. Ruoff, Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology, KR
Quantum Computing 101: Foundations, Frontiers, and Future Impact
W. Oliver, MIT, US
Architecting the Future with Silicon Carbide: A Platform for Power, Intelligence, and Immersion
E. Balkas, Wolfspeed, US
SBIR/STTR Keynote
W. Briggs, U.S. Small Business Administration, US
10:30Bio in Space Symposium- Funding Opportunities for R&D in Microgravity: Discussing Public and Private Funding Mechanisms for Commercial Space VenturesRCC 303
Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI
Panelist
M.A. Snow, Eascra Bio Tech, US
Panelist
N. Wagner, Lambda Vision Inc., US
Panelist
R. Roettgen, E2MC Ventures, US
Panelist
C. Puhl, Exobiosphere, US
Panelist
T. Morris, Kall Morris Inc., US
Panelist
E. Chancellor, Texas Space Commission, US
10:30TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical IRCC 305B
Session chair: John David, BryceTech
Opening Remarks
S. Soucek, FLC, US
Review Panelist
K. Covey, First Flight Venture Center, US
Review Panelist
T. Willis, Med1 Ventures, US
Review Panelist
C. Stebbins, ATI, US
Review Panelist
T. Martin, New Ventures and Investments, North Carolina State University, US
Review Panelist
M. McKee, New Ventures and Partnerships, University of North Carolina, US
Review Panelist
S. Soucek, FLC, US
Coordinate with Care: A Digital Educational Platform
N. McFadden, Texas State University, US
Ambient Intelligent Modular Rack Guidance System
R. Schmid, Intelligent Clinical Systems, LLC, US
RapiSep: A Plasma Separator Enabling Rapid and Decentralized Blood Processing and Diagnostics
J. Zhou, MicroFAST Dx, US
MelodiaSync: Enhancing Cognitive Performance by an EEG-Guided Audio Neuromodulation System
J. Blume, MelodiaSync, US
Regenerative Breast Tissue
K. Weimer, GenesisTissue Inc., US
Enhanced Lubrication and Anti-inflammation Treatment for Articular and Artificial Joints
D. Berman, University of North Texas, US
10:30Micro & Bio FluidicsMarriott State F
Session chair: Kwang Oh, University at Buffalo (SUNY)
From Lab to Skin: Wearable Microfluidics for In-Situ Gold-Standard Biofluid Analysis
A.J. Bandodkar, North Carolina State University, US
Improving preclinical pharmacology with patient-specific microphysiological systems
W.J. Polacheck, M. Rathod, K.P. Kim, C. Cao, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US
Regenerable, Anti-Fouling Microfluidic Surfaces for Selective Capture and Low-Energy Pre-Concentration
H. Parhizkar, ZOLX Inc., US
10:30Supporting the Translation of Research-based Technologies to ProductsMarriott State A
Session chair: Christine Galib, Princeton University & Alex Norman, Princeton University
It Takes a Village: Innovation Ecosystem Building Panel
E. Dinu (Moderator), J.E. Odegard, J. Jones, B. Solomon, P. Datta, Numinous Capital, 62x Ventures, North Carolina State University, FedTech, Evonik, US
Research Triangle Innovation Sphere
J. Jur, NC Dept of Commerce, US
I-Corps as the First Stop: A Proven University Innovation Model
A.T. Trotsenko, J. Blaho, CUNY Incubator Network, US
10:30Biopharmaceutical ManufacturingMarriott University C
Session chair: Prakash Nallathamby, Notre Dame University
An Intelligent Robotic Agent for Research-Scale Cell Culture Automation
B. Li, X. Wang, J. Liu, Carnegie Mellon University, US
All-Membrane Based Bioprocesses Enabled by High-Binding Capacity, High-Throughput Nonwoven Membrane Devices
J. Fan, J.H. Lavoie, L. Masciolini, B. Pourdeyhimi, C. Boi, R.G. Carbonell, North Carolina State University, US
Recovery of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients by Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
B. Bikson, N. Khadse, P. Wang, Avanpore, LLC, US
Scalable Commercial Biomanufacturing in Low Earth Orbit
W.T. McLamb, D. Platt, Low Earth Orbit Biosciences, US
11:30TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical IIRCC 305B
Session chair: John David, BryceTech
Review Panelist
K. Covey, First Flight Venture Center, US
Review Panelist
T. Willis, Med1 Ventures, US
Review Panelist
C. Stebbins, ATI, US
Review Panelist
T. Martin, New Ventures and Investments, North Carolina State University, US
An efficient monitoring tool for chronic wounds and pressure ulcers
V.D. Vincely, LumaWave Inc., US
RealNose: AI-Powered Bioelectronic Scent Detection Platform
N. Stefanou, RealNose Inc, US
Smart Pneumatic Tourniquet for Field Hemorrhage Control
R. Hogan, Pressure Medical, US
DEVA- Decellularized Engineered Vascularized Allograft
G. Singh, Stony Brook University, US
Long-lasting, reversible on demand, non-hormonal male contraceptive
D. Walley, NEXT Life Sciences, Inc., US
Path to Phase 2 Clinical Trials of IV cP12 and of IV cNP8 for Deep Dermal Burns
R. Clark, Neomatrix Therapeutics, US
Direct de novo sequencing of therapeutic RNA and impurities via next-generation mass spectrometry
S. Zhang, DirectSeq Biosciences, Inc., US
1:00TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion OpenExpo Hall AB
1:30Programming Biology for Material InnovationMarriott State F
Session chair: Crysten Blaby-Haas, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, & Jeffrey Moseley, University of California, Berkeley
Programmable Autogenic Engineered Living Materials for Advancing Health and Environmental Sustainability
A. Duraj-Thatte, Virginia Tech, US
Metabolic engineering of thermoacidophilic microalgae enables wastewater-specific approaches to sustainability and biomanufacturing
P.J. Lammers, E. Fini, K. Lauersen, Arizona State University, US
Nano-ERASER: A novel intracellular protein degradation platform and its application in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease therapy
P. Xu, University of South Carolina, US
Phage‑Architecture Antibacterial Nanoparticles Wound Dressings Clear ESKAPEE Infections
J. Hopf, C. Kudary, S. Lee, D. Donahue, V. Ploplis, F.J. Castellino, Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health / University of Notre Dame, US
Predictable programming of self-organized pattern formation
L. You, Duke University, US
Cell-Inspired Design of BioInteractive Materials: Expanding the Supramolecular Toolbox
R. Freeman, UNC-Chapel Hill, US
A Simple Route to Complex Insights: Revealing Protein Stability through Fluorescent Thermodynamics
T. Wright, University of California, Los Angeles, US
1:30Bio in Space Innovation ChallengeRCC 303
Session chair: Katie Bornfleth, TechConnect Division, ATI
Review Panelist
S. Herschede, Varda Space Industries, US
Review Panelist
S. Giza, Space Tago, US
Review Panelist
S. Gerges, Blue Origin, US
Review Panelist
J. Yang, DMV Bio, US
Review Panelist
M. Mulligan, BioOrbit, Inc., US
Review Panelist
L. Foster, Z-Field Technologies, US
Microgravity Produced Organoids for Accelerated Regenerative Therapies
Prometheus Life Technologies, CH
Microgravity-Optimized Janus Base Nanoparticles (JBNps)
Eascra Biotech, US
Parkinson’s Drug Discovery with Olfactory Brain-on-Chip on Earth and in Microgravity
Olfera, US
Arbimus RI – Trust Layer for Space Biological Data Analysis & Anomaly Detection
Arbimus Corporation, US
AI-Driven System to Predict Radiation Exposure for Astronauts
University of South Florida, US
Advanced Biomaterials for Muscle Regeneration
GenAssist, Inc., US
ScenarioLab: Multi-Domain Simulation Platform for Space Biology Research
Symbio Holdings LLC, US
Project Caduceus - Neuroendocrine Stimulation Platform to Inhibit Muscle Atrophy and Bone Loss Processes in Microgravity or Austere Environments
Skybound Medtech, US
Orbital High Throughput Screening Platform
Exobiosphere, Inc., US
SequestOne™: Predicting Cancer Outcomes Through Cellular Aging, From Microgravity to Earth
SequestBio, US
1:30Drug, Biomolecule, and Vaccine DeliveryMarriott University C
Session chair: R. Helen Zha, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, & Thaiesha Wright, University of California, Los Angeles
Molecules That Build Medicines: The Promise of Self-Assembling Therapeutics
H. Cui, The Johns Hopkins University, US
Engineering Biomimetic Materials to Empower Therapeutic Extracellular Vesicles as a Future Drug Delivery Platform
Y. Wang, University of Notre Dame, US
Engineering hexameric coiled coil fusion proteins to be anti-viral prophylactics and therapeutics
L.H. Mai, J.A. Champion, Georgia Institute of Technology, US
OcuHeal UV-400+ : Ophthalmic, UV-blocking, Anti-oxidant, Preservative-free Nanolipid Eye-drop
S.P. Barman, K. Barman, S. Harris, K. Ward, Symphony Therapeutics, LLC, US
TriNT All-Natural Curcumin Nanoparticle Encapsulation Study To Determine Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics of an All-Natural Formulation replacement to Synthetic Pain Management Medications
T.N. Lucas, C.r Carrasco-Lopez, D. Deodato, C. Ameho, E. Seidel, NuShammah Pharmaceuticals, Inc., US
1:30The Role of Universities in Creating Innovation EcosystemsMarriott State A
Session chair: Christine Galib, Princeton University, & Alex Norman, Princeton University
Fireside Chat - Policy & Process: How Economic Policy Impacts Deep Tech Innovation
K. Stout, B. Soloman, International Center for Law and Economics, FedTech, US
From Princeton Lab to Global Lithium Operations: Commercializing Water-Smart Technologies for Critical Minerals
A. Fasnacht, Princeton Critical Minerals, US
Adaptilens: Materials Innovations driving the Development of Biomimetic Accommodating Intraocular Lenses
M.L. Becker, Duke University, US
TBD
F. Heide, Princeton, US
VectorScribe: Spinning out from university lab to startup via NSF and APT
D.J. McGee, VectorScribe LLC, US
From Microliters to Market: QATCH's Journey
Z. Parlak, Qatch Technologies, LLC, US
Balancing Deep Tech and Market Agility: From MEMS Flow Sensing to Non-Intrusive Fill-Level Monitoring
Y. Fan, Tendo Technologies, Inc., US
From Ag Waste to Membraneless Separation: How Princeton PMI Catalyzed ZOLX’s Pivot
H. Parhizkar, ZOLX Inc., US
NSF I‑Corps Spin‑Out: HYDROGENISE - Hydrogen Generation through Integrated Sustainable Electrolysis for Scalable Clean Energy
S. Bashir, P. Robinson, J.L. Liu, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, US
1:30AI Innovations – Healthcare and CharacterizationMarriott State E
Session chair: Jan-Willem Handgraaf, Siemens
visQ.AI: A Small-Data, On-Premise Machine Learning Engine for Predicting Viscosity & Injectability of High-Concentration Biologics
Z. Parlak, P. MacNichol, D. French, QATCH Technologies, US
Detecting Alcohol Intoxication from speech - a look inside Large Acoustic Model embeddings
X. Liu, R. Seiilova-Olson, A. Shamei, H. Sinan, Tenvos Inc., US
AI-Powered Virtual Patient Simulation versus Written Case Studies in Health Professional Students
J.J. Borckardt, D.H. Henninger, K. Bath, D.A. Annan-Coultas, L. Langdale, K. Kascak, C. Pelic, M. DeArellano, K. Brady, Medical University of South Carolina and Figment Learning Labs, US
AI-Powered Auxiliary Medical Diagnostic Systems
M. Farias, Texas State University, US
AI-Integrated Framework for Intelligent Characterization and Valorization of Complex Waste Materials
M. Salas, R. Rao, S. Singh, R. Kumar, A. Sarker, A. Singh, J. Yarbrough, A. Mittal, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
Advanced Characterization of Textile Waste Streams Using Hyperspectral Imaging and Machine Learning for Fabric and Contaminant Detection
R. Kumar, S. Singh, R. Rao, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
A Systems Engineering Approach to Quantifying Resilience and Agility in Complex Systems of Systems
R.B. Hayes, North Carolina State University, US
1:30Bio-based Materials and CelluloseRCC 201
Session chair: Halil Tekinalp, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, & Susan MacKay, University of Maine
Plant Fibers with In-situ Supramolecular Interfacial Modifications for Biocomposites
L. Wang, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, US
Cellulose Biobarriers for Sustainable Consumer Products
J.P. Youngblood, Y. Wang, D. Dewar, J. Zhang, R.J. Moon, G.T. Schueneman, Purdue University, US
Cellulose nanofibers-enabled micro- and nanoplastic removal
Y. Yang, J. Qiu, Texas A&M University, US
Lignin Modification to Obtain Increased Functionality in Hydrophobic Coatings
L. Novak, S. Bera, A. Upadhyay, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
*STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER* Toward Industrial-Scale Chitin Nanowhisker Manufacturing via Affordable Ionic Liquid Processing
R. Panackal Shibu, S.L. Sagala, B. Kelly, J.L. Shamshina, Texas Tech University, US
Enhanced Hydrogen Bonding of Chitosan–Microfibrillated Cellulose Coating for Sustainable Packaging and Food Protection
L. Kumar, S.C. Agwuncha, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
Melanin in Space: Bio-Derived Radiation Shielding for Extreme Environments
R.J.B. Cordero, MelaTech, US
4:00Bio in Space Innovation Challenge-Winners AnnouncedRCC 303
Session chair: Katie Bornfleth, TechConnect Division, ATI
4:00TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session I, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00)Expo Hall AB
4:00Programming Biology for Material Innovation-PostersExpo Hall AB
Evaluating the Intrinsic Catalytic Advantages of Rubisco Biocondensation through Synthetic Biology and Algal Models
P. Chang, J. Summer, C. E. Blaby-Haas, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US
Cellulose Nanocrystal-Like Liquid Crystal Mesogens Self-Assembly in Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics
S.E. Trujillo, M. Fedai, A.L. Kwansa, Y.G. Yingling, North Carolina State University, US
Dynamic bonding (dyBonding) in DPD for simulating DNA hybridization and self-assembly
C.J. Bayard, Y.G. Yingling, North Carolina State University, US
4:00Biomaterials & Medical Devices - PostersExpo Hall AB
Image-guided embolization using Ta@Ca-Alg beads with optimized mechanical performance
J. Hu, North Carolina State University, US
Immobilized Enzymes for Burn Wound Debridement
M.F. Smiechowski, T.P. Flinn, Guild BioSciences, US
Binding of nanoplastics by a novel biofilm postbiotic Qi601
P. Monsul, E. Berkes, Quorum Innovations Inc (Sarasota, FL) & Pine View School (Osprey, FL), US
Title: State-of-the-Art 3D Printed Medical Devices to Advance Infertility Treatments: AnelleO PRO a Novel Intravaginal Ring for Sustained Delivery of Progesterone
S. Knapp, R. Janusziewicz, S.R. Benhabbour, AnelleO, US
Urinary Monitoring Reimagined: Ditch Manual Guesswork, Embrace Digital Precision
M. Keelen, Tessefi Medical Solutions, US
Advanced pressure-management beds and mobility systems
J. Liberkowski, Liberand Inc., US
Smart Pneumatic Junctional Tourniquet for Prolonged Field Care in Multi-Domain Operations
R. Hogan, Pressure Medical, US
FlyBand Propulsion Performance ExoBoot: An Unpowered Exotendon-Integrated Combat Boot Platform Delivering Measurable Metabolic Efficiency Gains for Dismounted Military Operations
M. Roser, M. Becker, N. Rokhmanova, Motive Labs, US
4:00Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing-PostersExpo Hall AB
Innovations In Pharmaceutical Downstream Processing (DSP)
R. Egan, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), US
4:00Drug, Biomolecule, and Vaccine Delivery - PostersExpo Hall AB
Nano-ERASER: A novel intracellular protein degradation platform and its application in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease therapy
M. Wang and P. Xu, University of South Carolina, US
4:00Bio-based Materials & Cellulose - PostersExpo Hall AB
Sustainable Industrial-Scale Manufacturing of Chitin Nanowhiskers Using Affordable Ionic Liquids
R. Panackal Shibu, S.L. Sagala, B. Kelly, J.L. Shamshina, Texas Tech University, US
*STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER* A Simple Method of Powdered Cellulose Carboxylation Utilizing Organic Mixed Acid Hydrolysis
M. Baladi, E. McDowell, J. Alston, Medical College of Georgia, US
The Power of Biochar: Sustainability Meets Human Health
S. Mandal, D. Morales, O. Karki, P. Jogi, Texas State University, US
Toward Sustainable PLA Filaments through the Incorporation of Cellulosic Materials
J. Pereira-Rojas, N. Barrios, D. Saloni, North Carolina State University, US
Microfibrillated Cellulose Enabled Composite Coatings: Creating Functional Barrier and Recyclable Packaging Material
A. Upadhyay, L.A. Lucia, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
4:00University Innovations - PostersExpo Hall AB
Growing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Resilient Innovation – Regional Distribution of Participants in New York State FAST
Y-H. Kim, City University of New York, US
The NYC Innovation Hot Spot as a model for university-led incubators to support deep technology commercialization within a state-wide ecosystem
C. Cardaci, J. Blaho, NYC Innovation Hot Spot, City University of New York, US

Wednesday March 11

9:00Advancements in Implantables, Injectibles & Wound Healing DevicesMarriott University C
Session chair: Abraham Vazquez-Guardado, North Carolina State University & Ravi Chilukuri, North Carolina State University
Lab on a pill for spatially targeted sampling and sensing of gut microbiome
S. Sonkusale, Tufts University, US
Translating Resorbable Polymer Technologies into Functional Implants
M. Dadsetan, Evonik Corporation, US
Next-Generation Transcatheter Embolic Agents
J. Hu, North Carolina State University, US
*STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT HONORABLE MENTION* Minimalist Time-Domain Impedimetric Frontend for Resource-Constrained Biosensing
J. Linnabary, J. Twiddy, S. Swaminathan, M. Daniele, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US
Biomaterials for Stopping Bleeding and for Closing Wounds Without Sutures
S.R. Raghavan, University of Maryland, US
A Long-Lasting Lubricating Biomimetic Artificial Tear Film to Treat Dry Eye Symptoms
S.P. Barman, A. Bhardwaj, I. Guerrero, K. Ward, Symphony Therapeutics, LLC, US
The Preclinical Development of Plan A™ ’s Vasalgel®, A Long-lasting, On Demand Reversible, Non-Hormonal, Vas-Occlusive Hydrogel Developed for Male Contraception
K.M. Tietz, C. Groberg, C. Jennings, H. Sodowalla, A. Allen, A.J. Tabor, R.S. Kellar, D.R. Walley, NEXT Life Sciences, Inc., ZA
9:30Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms IMarriott State F
Session chair: Roger Narayan, North Carolina State University, & Robin Brigmon, Clemson University
Challenges of Biofilm Prevention and Removal and Novel Tools for Studying Them
A-A. Jones, Duke University, US
Adaptation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Rapid, Non-contact Evaluation of Biofilm Growth for In-situ Analysis
C.E. Turick, ElectroBioDyne, LLC, US
Modified Orthopedic Implant Surface for Effective Bacterial Biofilm Control
T.J. Tzeng, S.B. Behbahani, J.D. Desjardins, Clemson University, US
The Use of Engineered Thin Films for the Management of Microbial Biofilms
A. Sachan, R.J. Narayan, North Carolina State University, US
Legionella pneumophila densities in cooling tower biofilms associated with water chemistry
R.L. Brigmon, C. D. Smith, S. F. Oppenheimer, Clemson University & Augusta University, US
10:30Bio in Space Symposium - There and Back Again: Understanding Pathways to Orbit and the Operational Rresources in LEORCC 303
Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI
Panelist
S. Giza, Space Tango, US
Panelist
S. Gerges, Blue Origin, US
Panelist
M. Roberts, International Space Station National Laboratory, US
Panelist
T. Morris, Kall Morris Inc., US
Panelist
M. Mulligan, Space MD, US
Panelist
K. Shields, VAST, US
1:00TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion OpenExpo Hall AB
1:30Wearables & Data AnalyticsMarriott University C
Session chair: Abraham Vazquez-Guardado, North Carolina State University, & Ravi Chilukuri, North Carolina State University
Radiation-Resilient Biomaterials for Dosimetry, Forensics, and Biomedical Safety
R.B. Hayes, North Carolina State University, US
Wearables for soft tissue injury prevention
N Sharma, A.J. Bandodkar, North Carolina State University, US
*STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER* Soft Wearable Ionotronic Tactile Sensors from Sustainable Homocomposite Hydrogels
C. Chason, P.H. Wink Reis, L.C. Hsiao, O.D. Velev, North Carolina State University, US
Miniaturized, Discrete Potentiostat for Modular Integration and Mobile Applications
S. Swaminathan, J. Twiddy, J. Linnabary, R. Gundami,E. Cove, D. Probst, C. Sharkey, K. Peterson, M. Rubio, K. Sode, M. Daniele, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US
Epidermal Electronics for Non-Invasive, Real-Time Health Monitoring
X. Ni, Duke University, US
MelodiaSync®: Enhancing Cognitive Performance by an EEG-Guided Audio Neuromodulation System
J.E. Blume, C.S. Dhanasekara, C.N. Kahathuduwa, MelodiaSync, US
Implantable Living Therapies for Chronic Diseases
S. Bhonge, T. Rajangam, M. Papanikolas, D. Dos Santos Jardim, A.D. Ortega Zambrano, A. Vazquez-Guardado, R. Freeman, UNC-Chapel Hill, US
1:30Novel Approaches to Combat Biofilms IIMarriott State F
Session chair: Roger Narayan, North Carolina State University, & Robin Brigmon, Clemson University
The Next Layer of Defense: Integrating Copper Textiles to Crush HAIs
M.G. Schmidt, Medical University of South Carolina, US
Unique, Porous Wall Hollow Glass Microspheres and New Opportunities in Novel Drug Delivery Systems and Treatments of Infections
G.G Wicks, P.M. Weinberger, W.D. Hill, SpheroFill/ Applied Research Center, US
Phage‑Architecture Antibacterial Nanoparticles Coatings Create Bactericidal Anti-Biofilm Surfaces
J. Hopf, C. Kudary, S. Lee, D. Donahue, V. Ploplis, F.J. Castellino, P. Nallathamby, Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health / University of Notre Dame, US
*STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER* Dual-Action Anti-Biofouling Organogel for Enhanced Anti-Biofilm Surface Protection
M.C. Parker, A. Shome, V.D. Pinon, N. Crutchfield, M. Garren, E.J. Brisbois, H. Handa, University of Georgia, US
4:00TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session II, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00)Expo Hall AB
4:00Biofilms - PostersExpo Hall AB
*STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER* Long-Term Nitric Oxide-Releasing Aliphatic Lubricants: Infusion in Polymers for Enhanced Slippery and Antibacterial Efficacy
G.H. Nguyen, M. Garren, M. Clary, V. Pinon, H. Handa, E.J. Brisbois., University of Georgia, US
Engineering Nitric Oxide-Releasing Ciprofloxacin-SNAP Catheters: In Vivo Infectious Model
M.C. Parker, S. Kumar, I. Martinez, V.D. Pinon, M. Lancaster, C. Schmiedt, B. Brainard, E.J. Brisbois, H. Handa, University of Georgia, US
ReliOx™: An On-Demand, pH-Neutral Chlorine Dioxide Redox Platform for Biofilm Disruption and Translational Decontamination Applications
E.T. Johnson, ReliOx Corporation, US
4:00Polymers for Healthcare - PostersExpo Hall AB
Improving MRI Safety in Renal Disease: Encapsulated Small Molecules as Alternative Contrast Agents
O. Bulgin, E. Van Keuren, C. Albanese, O. Rodriguez, Y. Lee, Y. Chung, Georgetown University, US
Collagen-Polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold with antimicrobial agents for deep wound healing
M. Khandaker, S. Mesiya, R. Wolf, M.B. Vaughan, University of Central Oklahoma, US
4:00Precision Health & Diagnostics - PostersExpo Hall AB
CLEAR (Cognitive Load and Early Assessment of Readiness): Precision Diagnostics for Neuro-Cognitive Readiness Loss
D. Sten, R. Wareham, K. Loh, S10 Neuro; University of California San Diego, US

Thursday March 12

9:00Polymer-Based Material Design  and Fabrication Innovations Positioned to Improve HealthcareMarriott State B
Session chair: Pat Brant, ExxonMobil (retired), & Kim Chaffin, Medtronic
Advances in Elastomeric Material Design with RX-AM(TM) Reactive Additive Manufacturing
C.M. Leibig, Chromatic 3D Materials Inc., US
A Hydrogel-Elastomer Composite Approach to Elastomer Lubricity, Hydrogel Durability, and Biomechanically Accurate Soft-Tissue Mimics
T.S. Bailey, J.G. Luther, A.J. Gebhardt, R.D. Duquette, K.D. Denef, Gelastomerics LLC | Colorado State University, US
Encapsulation of small molecules in polymer nanoparticles through kinetic trapping
E. Van Keuren, M. Mugnai, O. Bulgin, F. Diaz Ruiz, Y. Chung, A. Stevens, M. Mullin, E. Bird, K. Jeon, M. Snideman, Georgetown University, US
PCANS: A Multi-Modal Nasal Spray for Enhanced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Against Respiratory Infections
A. Banerjee, Brigham and Women's Hospital, US
Designing for Degradation: the Next Frontier of 3D Printing Resorbable Medical Devices
M.L. Becker, Duke University, US
Demystifying the Hype and Promise of AI in Materials
G.J. Mulholland, Citrine Informatics, US
Fractomer™: Harnessing An Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymer Platform for Soft-Tissue Reconstruction
S. Roberts, M. Anderson, E. Budziszewski, R. Putnam, S. Hollenbeck, A. Chilkoti, inSoma Bio, Inc., US
9:00Precision Health and DiagnosticsMarriott University C
Session chair: Prakash Nallathamby, Notre Dame University
A Novel Cell Deformability Measurement for Rapid Sepsis Detection
K. Liu, S. Du, NaMi Diagnostics, US
RapiSep: A Plasma Separator Enabling Rapid and Decentralized Blood Processing and Diagnostics
M. Sun, H. Feng, J. Zhiguo Zhou, MicroFAST Dx, US
Ambient Intelligent Infrastructure™: A Voice-to-Visual Edge AI Platform for Precision Guidance in Clinical Environments
R. Schmid, Intelligent Clinical Systems, US
A Portable, Field-Ready Intubation Stylet to Enhance Airway Access and First-Pass Success in Critical and Austere Settings
M.J. Peck, D. Alias, fpaBIO,LLC, US
A handheld photoacoustic imaging probe for real-time deep tissue oxygenation mapping
V.D. Vincely, M. Dickerson, C.L. Bayer, LumaWave, US
SCRIPTURE: Neuro Sensor Diagnostics for Human Performance and Recovery (Sensor Enabled, Closed Loop, Rapid Interventions and Performance Training for Ultimate Readiness Enhancement)
D. Sten, R. Wareham, K. Loh, S10 Neuro, US
9:00TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and DefenseRCC 305A
Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI
Review Panelist
E. Runge, Launch Chapel Hill, US
Review Panelist
J. Hardin, North Carolina Department of Commerce, US
Review Panelist
J. Bindra, University of Ottawa, CA
Review Panelist
S. Vohnout, OppsSpot, US
Review Panelist
C. Owens, Lockheed Martin, US
Review Panelist
D. Brown, Boeing, US
Durable, Non-Wetting Surface Solutions
K. Nithyanandam, Impact Innovations LLC, US
Plasmonic Cooling for Spacecraft Components Through Ultrafast Laser Surface Structuring
K. Campbell, Quantum Qool, US
The Vision-to-Motion (V2M) Engine
A. Sharotry, Texas State University, US
Fungal Sphaeropsidin A for Refractory Cancer
A. Kornienko, Texas State University, US
Rare-Earth-Free Magnets Via Field Assisted 3D Printing
P. Karkhanis, Texas State University-San Marcos, US
Smart Catheter
M. Keelen, Tessefi Medical Solutions, US
AI-powered robotic platform for cell culture automation
B. Li, Whelix, US
10:00TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and DefenseRCC 305A
Session chair: Emma Mooney, TechConnect Division, ATI
Review Panelist
D. Horn, Greenville ENC Alliance, US
Review Panelist
S. Davis, NCInnovation, US
Review Panelist
M. Fiscus, NCInnovation, US
Review Panelist
A. Monteza, North Carolina State University, US
Review Panelist
D. Putnam, Town of Chapel Hill, US
Safer, Extreme Temperature Tolerant, Sodium-Ion Batteries for Military Microgrid Applications
T. Vosburgh, Coulomb Technology, Inc., US
Novel, Transformative Neurosensing Materials
R. Cooley, Nuream, Inc, US
Fibrosis-preventing, vascularizing, non-degrading materials for implantable device encapsulation
K. Papas, Procyon Technologies, US
GENESIS: A Fully Distributed Self Organizing Agentic Framework
J. Upchurch, Real-Time Innovations, US
LATCHES (Large-Area Transactive Cooling & Heat Energy Storage)
S. Birch, ThermoVerse, US
AI-Powered Fiber Composition Identification
R. Geppert, Refiberd, US
ENgraft: A bioabsorable bone graft
M. Khandaker, ENF Medical, LLC, US
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