Faculty Development Program (FDP)

The Faculty Development Program (FDP) provides funding to increase faculty competitiveness for external funding.Projects funded under this program address EDRF goals to:
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13 PROJECTS -- $694K |
Preventing Long-term Health Problems Associated with Obesity |
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PREDICTING CROWD MOVEMENTS TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT COMMUNITY EVENTS
Internet of Things (IOT) sensing technologies are being used to track and predict crowd movements at community events, aiming to enhance understanding of crowd dynamics and create models for real-time crowd management. |
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Developing Climate-Resilient Wheat |
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THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MUSCLE AND BRAIN HEALTH IN OLDER AMERICANS
By 2025, almost 20 percent of the North Dakota population will be 65 or older, a trend that is evident nationwide. This project highlights the implication of age-related health impairments which includes Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The project’s focus is on the relationship between handgrip strength and cognitive impairment and emphasizing the need for further research to better understand that connection. Handgrip strength is a reliable and easily measurable indicator of overall muscle strength and general health. Determining this shows outcomes like limitations in self-care, chronic diseases and early mortality. Low handgrip strength is linked with cognitive impairment and dementia. |
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A PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY OF A NEW SELF-POWERED SENSOR FOR CANCER CELL DETECTION
This project’s aim is to develop a self-powered implantable MXene (an advanced material) sensor that has the potential application of understanding the transformation of circulating cancer cells into tumors, particularly at bone sites. The sensor will integrate tissue engineering scaffolds and MXene-based sensing capabilities. The integration will allow the sensor to monitor biological and chemical signatures in real time, particularly during tumor formation or while using anticancer drugs. The ability to mimic late-stage cancer conditions and capture critical data may provide valuable insights for understanding tumor formation, and could potentially reverse-engineer the processes to arrest this progression. One other key aspect is harnessing energy from within the human body as a power supply to avoid having to use instruments like batteries with a limited power supply. The project represents a multi-tiered approach to solving challenges in the field of medicine, particularly helping cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. At the same time, it also addresses key technology barriers such as power supply for implantable devices. |
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HOW OBESITY AFFECTS THE HEART, LUNGS AND KIDNEYS
Obesity is a significant health concern in North Dakota and across the U.S., affecting the heart, lungs, and kidneys. This research explores the role of inflammation and lipid toxicity in obesity, focusing on how lipid accumulation damages cells and contributes to insulin resistance in these vital organs. By examining the impact of obesity on the cardiac-pulmonary-renal systems, the study aims to advance understanding of this public health issue while fostering a skilled biomedical workforce in North Dakota. |
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AUTONOMOUS AND CROWDSOURCING SOLUTIONS TO LAST-MILE DELIVERY IN NORTH DAKOTA’S SMALL-URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
The COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in communication technology have reshaped work, shopping, and service delivery, enabling more people to live outside urban areas. However, rural living poses challenges, including limited access to supply chains. This study explores how digital technologies, such as crowdsourcing apps and autonomous vehicles, can improve rural quality of life by enhancing connectivity, reducing social isolation, and creating job opportunities. Specifically, it examines how these innovations can address food, energy, and water security in North Dakota's rural and tribal communities by strengthening fresh food and grocery supply chains. |
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3-D PRINTED WIRELESS AND FLEXIBLE SENSING SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME PLANT GROWTH MONITORING
This project is developing a 3D-printed plant sensor that uses additively manufactured electronics (AME) and functional nanocomposites to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants. This innovative approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional sensing methods, such as high costs, lack of real-time monitoring, and the need for specialized skills. By detecting VOCs, which can indicate plant stress from diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stressors, the sensor offers a more affordable and scalable solution for monitoring plant health. The project has the potential to significantly enhance agricultural productivity through low-cost, innovative technology. |
BREAKING BARRIERS - ENHANCING CLOTHING ACCESSIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
This study examines the challenges individuals with Down syndrome face in finding suitable clothing and participating in shopping experiences, which can limit their professional and social engagement. By exploring barriers to clothing accessibility and inclusivity, the research aims to provide insights into the unique needs of this population. The findings will inform recommendations for improving clothing design, production, and marketing, as well as product labeling and packaging, to enhance clarity and accessibility. These strategies aim to help retailers foster greater inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome. |
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ENHANCING GLOBAL FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN MODELING |
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ADDRESSING POTENTIALLY INAPPROPRIATE MEDICATION USE IN OLDER ADULTS THROUGH PHARMACIST-LED MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT
This project aims to equip pharmacists with the education, tools, and resources needed to address inappropriate medication use in older adults. During annual medication management visits with patients aged 65 and older, pharmacists will identify potentially inappropriate medications and implement tailored interventions. By doing so, the project seeks to quantify the prevalence of inappropriate medication use among older adults and identify strategies and resources to help prevent adverse events. |
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A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PERSONALIZED PREVENTION OF AGE-RELATED DIABETES
This project aims to develop a system to predict and prevent age-related diabetes by leveraging digital twins of real patients. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a patient, closely mirroring their actual health condition through the integration of diverse data sources, including medical records, genetic information, wearable device data, and social and environmental factors. This data will be structured into a knowledge graph, enabling effective computer processing by connecting related concepts. The ultimate goal is to create a dynamic simulation capable of predicting how the real patient might respond to various health scenarios, treatments, or lifestyle changes. |
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IRRIGATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT IN N.D. |
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