Press Room PTEI In the News continued...
Thank You Lab Personnel!
PTEI extended a special thank you to the lab personnel who make lab tours possible for students and members of the community. Without their willingness and dedication, these meaningful educational experiences would not be possible.
Again, thank you lab personnel, for all you do! It is much appreciated! See more…
Thank you! 
2012 Science Fair Winners!
Robert Specht, Grade 8, and Alicia Grabiec, Grade 11, were selected as winners from 1,108 students in grades 6-12, from 120 schools, who competed for more than $1 million in cash prizes and scholarships. Read more... 2012 Science Fair 
2012 Undergraduate Summer Interns Announced!
Congratulations to all of the 2012 SIP Program interns. Check out the intern/mentor match list!
2012 Intern/Mentor Match List 
STEM in Action Mini-Workshop Series 2012--Act 48 Hours
There is increased emphasis and a widely acknowledged, urgent need for improving and increasing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills among our citizenry and students to navigate the modern world and access the opportunities it affords. The need for a more STEM literate workforce has been discussed in respected reports such as “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” from the National Academies. Data on the workforce show clear benefits of a STEM-related post secondary education in the current job market.The 2012 STEM Series provides sound basic information and continuing opportunities for teachers to visit sites where STEM careers are prominent. So often both teachers and students are given lists of STEM career possibilities. Yet there is little understanding of exactly how following a STEM track in school can lead to any specific career. The Pittsburgh Regional Center for Science TeachersSTEM program clarifies the range of opportunities and application of STEM skills in the workplace. Read more…
STEM in Action Mini-Workshop Series 2012 Flyer PTEI Offers High School Tours
Twenty students from McKeesport High School visited PTEI on March 29, 2012. The students toured Dr. William Wagner’s Cardiovascular Engineering Laboratory, Dr. Stephen Badylak’s Laboratory, and PTEI Executive Director Dr. Alan Russell’s Laboratory at the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, the students were led by Ms. Juel Smith, PTEI Master Outreach Teacher, and Zegbeh Jallah, University of Pittsburgh graduate student, in two activities: “What is your DNA Alias” and the “Bone Strength Competition.” Read more… McKeesport High School Tour, 03/29/12 For information on how your school can participate in laboratory tours, please call LaShon Jackson at PTEI at 412-624-5594, or email ljackson@ptei.org.
In Memoriam
Everyone at PTEI is mourning the loss of Thomas J. Murrin who died on January 30. In addition to a career of leadership in business (Westinghouse), Government (Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce), and academia (Duquesne University), Tom touched everyone affiliated with PTEI through his service on our board (from 1997 to 2012) and as the Chairman of our Board of Directors (1997 to 2009). Tom's delicate but firm hand on the reins led PTEI through many challenging times. Being the interface between large institutions with complex relationships and differing agendas came easily to a man of such humility, wisdom, and humor. Tom saved the day many times for PTEI and he always did so with grace and decency. Tom Murrin will be greatly missed by our entire community.
In Memoriam
2011 Run for the Wounded Warrior – A Huge Success!
As you know, tens of thousands of service men and women have been injured in the recent war on terror, many of them suffering traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns, which will retire them from service. Proceeds of this event go to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) which provides programs and services, such as benefits counseling, family assistance, internships, and much more, to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to a successful civilian life. In addition, proceeds will also go to the National Organization on Disability (NOD) to help initiate a Wounded Warrior Careers project in western Pennsylvania. This will help NOD serve up to 100 of the most severely injured veterans and family members pursue a career and the dignity, financial self-sufficiency, and sense of optimism that careers bring upon their transition home from combat. With 740 participants and together with our sponsors we raised over $80,000 to give back to the WWP and NOD. We believe this event was truly successful and we hope to see you again next year. Thank you to all participants and volunteers for your support!
View pictures, courtesy of Michael Ray Photography, from this year’s event…
Slideshow
Read more…
Run for the Wounded Warrior
Expanding Your Horizons Network
On October 15, 2011, LaShon Jackson, Program Coordinator, Education & Workforce Development, Juel Smith, PTEI Outreach Teacher, and female graduate students from the University of Pittsburgh’s BioEngineering Department (Chelsea Marsh, Ninj Jan, Megan Jamiolkowski, Zegbeh Jallah, Danielle Minteer, and Lisa Carey) participated in Robert Morris University’s Expanding Your Horizons Network. The mission of Expanding Your Horizons Network is to encourage young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Through Expanding Your Horizons Network programs, we provide STEM role models and hands-on activities for middle and high school girls. The ultimate goal is to motivate girls to become innovative and creative thinkers ready to meet 21st Century challenges.
Read more…
PTEI’s Workshop Expanding Your Horizons Network website Allegheny Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative and PTEI Featured In the News
The goal of the Allegheny Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative (ABWC) is to advance the life sciences research community in western Pennsylvania through the initiation of innovative education and workforce development programs developed through a collaborative effort of the region’s leading non-profit research institutions. This program and PTEI were recently featured in the news! Read more...
Western Pennsylvania Hospital News Allegheny Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative The Wounded Warrior Project
PTEI Sponsors Its First Run for the Wounded Warrior: This event, held November 13, 2010 at Pittsburgh's North Park, was organized by members of the Pittsburgh community and supported by local corporations and organizations. It served to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is:
-- To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women,
-- To help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and
-- To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.
Read more...
Highlights from the 2010 Run for the Wounded Warrior Wounded Warrior Project PTEI Receives DOD Funding for Postdoctoral Regenerative Medicine Research Positions
Effective October 1, 2010, PTEI received $800,768 from the Department of Defense in support of its ARM-IV Postdoctoral Program. The funding will enable the hiring of 4 postdocs who will participate in the regenerative medicine and tissue engineering projects over the next 2 years. Read more… DOD ARM-IV Fellowship Postdoctoral Training Program Contact Information Young Scientists Explore Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering to Solve Problems
A team of 7th grade students from Oakton, VA, recently visited with members from the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and PTEI. PTEI’s Joan Schanck, Director of Education and Workforce Development, and McGowan Institute’s deputy director Stephen Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD, and members of his team of scientists engaged these students related to their First Lego League (FLL) 2010 Body Forward™ Challenge. The students integrated a regenerative medicine vision into their robotics challenge. Read more...
Young Scientists Explore Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering to Solve Problems Tech-Link Opportunity -- November 20, 2010
Please join PTEI and Tech-Link in welcoming Dr. Burhan Gharaibeh from the Stem Cell Research Center to speak on November 20, 2010, 12pm-2pm, Bakery Square, 4th Floor, about his work on muscle-derived stem cells. Following Dr. Gharaibeh’s talk, Tech-Link teams BioHazard and Grey Matters will present their research findings related to the FIRST LEGO League 2010 Body Forward™ Challenge. Both teams have explored problems that scientists and engineers are trying to solve, and in the process, have developed innovative solutions to that problem. Tech-Link is an outreach program of the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Its mission is to link students with physical and sensory disabilities to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The annual fall Tech-Link robotics program welcomes students with and without disabilities. Read more... Tech-Link Flyer and Registration InformationRun For Their Lives
The Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative, along with the UPMC Health Plan and the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering, are the proud sponsors of the upcoming Run for the Wounded Warrior, November 13, 2010, North Park, Pennsylvania. You are invited and encouraged to participate in this 5K/5Mile run/walk. This event, organized by members of the Pittsburgh community and supported by local corporations and organizations, will serve to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. This race is sanctioned by the USATF. The 5Mile starts at 8:30am -- The 5K starts at 8:45am. Read more about the Wounded Warrior Project and the Run for the Wounded Warrior... Wounded Warrior Project Don't want to run? Donate here! PTEI is Out and About!
STEM Awareness Day at Penn State, New Kensington, 10/01/10: Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative’s Joan Schanck, Director, Education and Workforce Development, provided an overview of the background and history of PTEI and defined the term “regenerative medicine.” Her presentation was entitled, “Regenerative Medicine: Exciting our Region’s Youth About the Life Sciences.” She discussed how regenerative medicine is effective in the classroom in supporting the study of biology and the life sciences and how PTEI is supporting educational initiatives throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Read more… STEM Awareness Day 
Exploring Career Day at Westmoreland County Community College, 10/05/10: With interest towards increasing the diversity of students who may become interested in STEM careers, hands-on activities and a Q&A session to discuss STEM careers were conducted with local 8th grade students. The workshop was led by PTEI’s LaShon Jackson, Education Program Coordinator. PTEI/ATLAS Curricula at Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, 10/08/10: Rubicon International is committed to assisting schools and educational leaders to affect change in the new technical educational arena. Rubicon understands how technology might facilitate curriculum management to allow teachers more time in the classroom, and how the use of technology can bring vital information into the hands of all curriculum decisions makers. Using Atlas as a tool to organize, communicate, and disseminate information is the solution to managing curriculum and sharing instructional best practices across grades, subjects, schools, and cultures.
On August 17-18, 2010, PTEI hosted 20 teachers from the Propel School District in a 2-day workshop that introduced them to PTEI/Atlas Rubicon Curriculum Mapping, giving the teachers 10 sequenced regenerative medicine-related activities for the 2010/2011 semester.
To learn more about regenerative medicine and the Atlas Curricula Mapping System and how you might participate in future events, contact PTEI’s Joan Schanck, Director, Education and Workforce Development. Read more…
Rubicon Atlas Curricula Mapping Ray Schrader: Educational Outreach Teacher
For the past two summers, Mt. Lebanon High School biology teacher Ray Schrader worked for the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative where he ran summer camps as an educational outreach teacher for the program. Mr. Schrader taught two tissue engineering camps for middle school students in the University of Pittsburgh Center for Biotechnology and Bioengineering labs and a tissue engineering elective class at the Summer Academy of Math and Science at Carnegie Mellon University. He then traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he ran a week-long tissue engineering camp for students at North Carolina A&T University (see story link below). Read more… Mt. Lebanon High School Science Teacher Part of Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative Bioengineering Institute
High school students were hosted by North Carolina A&T State University in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Biomedical Engineering in a week-long series of workshops, its second Bioengineering Institute. Reidsville High School student Ashley McLaughlin (pictured) said, “We worked with mouse muscle cells, C2C12. We learned all about how we have to add growth factor and you can kind of tell those stem cells what they’re going to become.” Read more about the students’ experiences and view the video from News 14 Carolina… NC A&T hosts bioengineering workshop for students PTEI Concludes 2010 Summer Internship Programs
Two of PTEI's education programs recently celebrated with students the end of a busy summer. The Undergraduate Summer Internship Program and the High School Summer Internship Program both concluded this past month. A goal for each of these programs was to provide students information relative to education pathways, and, ultimately, professional careers within the high-growth, high-tech areas of engineering and science. Congratulations to all! Read more... 2010 Undergraduate Summer Internship Program 2010 High School Internship Program PTEI Participates in 2010 Pittsburgh STEM Summit
On August 26, 2010, the 2010 Pittsburgh STEM Summit focused on how the region’s technology industry can affect change within education to address looming workforce shortages in STEM fields. This 1-day conference provided practical examples of how technologies companies can partner with education and organizations to make an impact on the next generation of STEM workers. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from industry partners and key regional stakeholders who have been involved with this issue for many years and learned from them on what works and what doesn’t. Many STEM-focused events across the United States already have covered methods to solve this impending problem effecting a generation of students uninterested in STEM-related careers. Most of these conferences have been attended by education and government officials who alone cannot solve the problem. The Pittsburgh STEM Summit is different in that it was geared to attract the business community to discuss this problem and determine meaningful solutions that can be implemented by education with the help of industry.
PTEI’s Joan Schanck, Director of Education and Workforce Development, participated in the session entitled “Connecting Today’s Students with Tomorrow’s Careers” along with representatives from PA STEM Network / Penn State University, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Carnegie Science Center, and Pittsburgh Super Computing Center. Read more…
2010 Pittsburgh STEM Summit website Summit to advocate science, tech careers (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (08/25/10)) National Lab Day
On November 23, 2009, a coalition of educators, science, and engineering associations, philanthropies, and other organizations announced the launch of National Lab Day , a new grassroots initiative designed to reinvigorate science and math education in the nation’s schools and after-school programs and lead to increased U.S. competitiveness. National Lab Day aims to inspire a wave of future innovators and foster U.S. competitiveness by improving the quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in America. A collaboration between government and more than 200 public- and private-sector organizations, National Lab Day will connect students in grades 6- 12 to hands-on learning experiences and promote tinkering in laboratory settings. This year's celebration was May 12, 2010, however National Lab Day is more than just a day. It's a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students, and educators.
National Lab Day is everyday at PTEI. Learn more about our ongoing resources here!
View National Lab Day web site PRSEF Award Winners Announced
Chris Cetnar (pictured), a senior from Knoch High School, and Vinay Viswanathan, a sophomore from Upper St. Clair High School, both were honored as PTEI/McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine Sponsor Award Winners in the 71st Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF), March 26-27, 2010, at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA. Chris’ project was entitled “Prescription vs. Traditional Medicines” and Vinay’s project was entitled “RNAi Knockdown of Genes Causes Myofiber Disarray.” Drs. Timothy Maul and Richard Koepsel from the McGowan Institute served as judges during the Fair. Over 1,000 students in grades 6-12 from more than 100 schools competed for over $1M in cash prizes and scholarships. The Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair continues to be a major program of Carnegie Science Center’s Regional SciTech Initiative – a year-round series of unique experiences that excite and inspire visitors, especially students, to explore regional cutting-edge S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics, careers, and related issues and build a community of scientifically and technologically literate people. Read more…
71st Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative Graduates First Five Program Participants
Three years ago, 22 impoverished women were offered a rare lifeline: Free college tuition, free textbooks, and a free laptop -- even free day care. It was part of a program aimed at giving them a fighting chance of earning a degree in biotechnology, and in doing so, helping the region's medical research labs meet the growing demand for biotechnology technicians. The program—Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative—has the goal to advance the life sciences research community in western Pennsylvania through the initiation of innovative education and workforce development programs developed through a collaborative effort of the region’s leading non-profit research institutions. On May 13, the first 5 graduates will walk in Community College of Allegheny County’s commencement! Read more… Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (05/02/10) Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative 2010 Teacher Professional Development Dates Announced
ASSET Inc. is partnering with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative, Inc., Carnegie Science Center, and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine to engage teachers and students in the wonders of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Targeting middle school students, the Carnegie Science Center has unveiled a new exhibit, “If A Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can’t I?” ASSET is now offering a 2-day professional development course to help teachers connect this exhibit to their middle school science curriculum and to the real world science of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This course is relevant for teachers teaching biological sciences (i.e., FOSS’s Diversity of Life, STC’s Human Body Systems, SEPUP’s Science and Life Issues, or similar textbook-based curricula). Mark your calendar for the next course taking place June 9-10, 2010. Fall dates are October 6-7, 2010. Read more... Find all the details you need to know here!!! PTEI's 2010 Summer Internship Dates Announced
To attract young people to the field of regenerative medicine, and to provide meaningful research opportunities for college students, PTEI developed and sponsors an annual undergraduate Summer Internship Program (SIP) for undergraduate college students . The SIP -- one of PTEI’s oldest and most successful educational programs -- provides the invaluable opportunity for undergraduate college and university students pursing careers in medicine, research, bioengineering, chemistry, biology, engineering, materials science, computer science, the natural sciences, or related fields to connect their growing skills and educational experiences to one of today’s most exciting and promising areas of biomedical research, the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Use the below links to see posted information on PTEI's annual summer programs for undergraduate research. The dates for the 2010 SIP Program are
June 1, 2010 - August 6, 2010.
The Class of 2010 for the Pittsburgh- and San Antonio-based programs has been announced! See the lists of interns and their respective mentors through the links below.
Read more...
Summer Internship Program in Pittsburgh Combat Casualty Care Summer Internship Program in San Antonio Dates for PTEI's High School Summer Internship Program are still pending. The 2010 Program description and application form are available. Application deadline date is CLOSED. Watch for additional Program details here...
High School Summer Internship ProgramPTEI and Pitt’s Biotech Mobile Lab On the Road
Pitt’s Biotech Mobile Lab recently made a stop in the Shaler Area School District. During the visit, PTEI Master Teachers Mark Krotec and Jade Leung utilized tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies to convey various science challenges. The high school students learned firsthand what it is like to work in the diverse biomedical field as researchers/clinicians specializing in the new field of regenerative medicine. As tissue engineers, they learned an appreciation for the multifaceted nature of this field, and the need to integrate a variety of science skills to formulate solutions to the complex problems of human health. Read more… Your North Hills 2010 STEM Conference
PTEI’s Joan Schanck will participate in the 2010 Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference, scheduled on February 3, 2010, at Penn State Beaver. The overall focus of the 2010 STEM Conference will be on preparing Pennsylvania’s youth to be globally competitive learners and workers in the 21st Century. The free day of presentations is open to teachers, counselors, administrators, and partners of Job Training for Beaver County, Inc., and Southwest Training Services, Inc., in cooperation with Pennsylvania State University Beaver. Read more… 2010 STEM Conference InformationSTEM Education Focus of Panel Discussion
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) - the push continues to foster STEM education in America's schools. WQED’s OnQ continues its Making the Grade series with a thoughtful discussion on the importance of STEM for students, teachers, and administrators, and how that would ultimately serve the nation. PTEI’s Joan Schanck, Director, Education and Workforce Development, joins guests Art Baldwin, Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, and Sam Franklin, Pittsburgh Public School’s Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy, in this thought-provoking discussion. Watch the program… Making the Grade: STEM DOD Opportunities—Education and Grant!!
Education …
The Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship-for-service Program fully funds undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of technical areas, including all fields of engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Mathematics.Links to the SMART brochure and the application web page are below. The application deadline is December 15, 2009, for the 2010 school year. There will be approximately 300 new awards this year.
SMART provides:
• Full Tuition – to any accredited U.S. University
• A very generous stipend while in school
- $25,000 for undergraduates
- $36,000 for masters candidates
- $38,000 to $41,000 for doctoral candidates
• Book allowance – $1,000
• Health Insurance
• Paid Summer internships
• All required student fees
• Travel fees for internships
Summer internships at Labs are required. In return for fully funding their education students are required work as a civilian employee at a Service (Army, Navy, Air Force) or DOD Agency (NSA, DIA, DARPA, etc.) laboratory for a period equal to the time the program paid for their school. Students must be U.S. Citizens, able to obtain a DoD Security Clearance, and be willing to work in a defense laboratory upon graduation. Read more…
Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship-for-service Program website SMART brochure List of SMART fellows from previous years listed by University Grant…
The DOD Defense Medical Research and Development Program (DMRDP) Basic Research Award has been released and is posted on Grants.gov. The funding opportunity number is W81XWH-10-DMRDP-BRA. Pre-proposals are due December 10, 2009. This Program Announcement/Funding Opportunity is focused on basic research, defined as research directed towards attaining greater knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of science and medicine. The DMRDP Basic Research Award is designed to promote new ideas that are still in the early stages of development and have the potential to yield highly impactful data and new avenues of investigation. This mechanism supports conceptually innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could ultimately lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate the delivery of new medical countermeasures and information to protect military personnel from a variety of health threats inherent in the military operational environment, and to effectively diagnose and treat these personnel when they are ill or injured.
These awards will also support basic research to enhance the training and education of military personnel and health care providers. Presentation of preliminary data is not required. However, investigators must demonstrate logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale established through a critical review and analysis of the literature for the proposal to be competitive. Research projects should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale.
Awards under this announcement will consist solely of assistance agreements. This announcement is intended only for extramural investigators. Other announcements will be released for intramural investigators. An intramural investigator is defined as a Department of Defense (DOD) employee working within a DOD laboratory or medical treatment facility (MTF), or a DOD activity embedded within a civilian medical center. An extramural investigator is defined as all those not included in the definition of intramural investigator.
Should you have any questions or concerns please refer to the program announcement for a list of research areas of interest. Read more…
DMRDP Basic Research Award on Grants.gov Educational and Business Partnerships To Be Highlighted
Ann Gleeson, PTEI Deputy Director, will cover educational and business partnerships in the realm of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at the next Advanced Manufacturing Career Collaborative (AMC2) Meeting, December 8, 2009, at the Founder's Hall Amphitheater, Westmoreland County Community College, in Youngwood, PA. Time is 8:30am to 11:30am. Attendance is free. The meeting will focus on highlighting resources and partnership opportunities offered by our regional Universities that can assist manufacturers, schools, workforce development organizations, and other AMC2 members. The AMC2 was established because of a shared sense of urgency concerning Southwestern PA's ability to provide a technically trained workforce in the numbers needed by the region's manufacturing sector. The central message of the collaborative is that there are defined manufacturing career pathways that can lead to rewarding careers. Read more… AMC2 website AFIRM Clinical Trial: Treating Second Degree Burns
As published by MIT, traditionally, treatment for severe second-degree burns consists of adding insult to injury: cutting a swath of skin from another site on the same patient in order to graft it over the burn. The process works, but causes more pain for the burn victim and doubles the area in need of healing. Now a relatively new technology has the potential to heal burns in a way that's much less invasive than skin grafts. With just a small skin biopsy and a ready-made kit, surgeons can create a suspension of the skin's basal cells--the stem cells of the epidermis--and spray the solution directly onto the burn with results comparable to those from skin grafts. The cell spray is intended to treat severe second-degree burns, in which the top two layers of skin are damaged but the subcutaneous tissue is left intact. Third-degree burns, which are more severe, still require a skin graft. The spray, already approved for use in some countries, has garnered interest from the United States Army, whose Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine is funding a trial, slated to begin before the end of this year, of more than 100 patients.
James Holmes, an AFIRM Program Mentor and a surgeon and the medical director of the Burn Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, is the lead investigator on the upcoming multicenter trial that will compare skin grafts and a unique burn treatment. Read more…
Spraying on Skin Cells to Heal Burns (Technology Review, 11/05/09) The AFIRM Burn Repair Program "If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can't I?"
Exhibit Opening October 17, 2009
at the Carnegie Science Center!!
At the right, Alina, 7, plays with a video scope with her mother, Juli Milan, of the South Side, and sister, Kendall, 5, at a new exhibit called, "If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can't I?", which was unveiled yesterday by the Carnegie Science Center and the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative. Read more...
Carnegie Science Center exhibit explores tissue regeneration, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (10/15/09)
Science Center Unveils New Exhibit (w/video), KDKA (10/15/09)
New exhibit hopes to intrigue next generation of researchers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/16/09)
Carnegie Science Center Press Release Starfish Project Overview If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can't I? 2-Day Professional Development October 7-8, 2009
Teacher Professional Development Training Dates Set for Fall 2009: ASSET Inc., as part of the “If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can’t I?” program which PTEI is a partner organization, will provide training opportunities for teachers who are interested in infusing Tissue Engineering education in their classrooms. By attending this professional development session, teachers will have an understanding of the content involved in Tissue Engineering in order to make the appropriate connections between Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center exhibit and their classroom. Read more… If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can't I? Countywide Professional Development Day 2009, October 12, 2009
PTEI and its education partners--ASSET, CSC, and Pitt's LRDC--are offering a 1-day tissue engineering workshop for teachers. "If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can't I? -- Connecting Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research to the Classroom and a Permanent Tissue Engineering Exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center" will be held on Monday, October 12, 2009, from 8:30am-3:30pm, at the Carnegie Science Center. This workshop provides an introduction to the real world science of regenerative medicine and stem cell research and includes suggestions for integration into current curricula, culminating with discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on experience with some of the activities. Additional workshop details and registration information can be found on the below flyer. Read more... 
Details on both of the above opportunities from the Carnegie Science Center!! PTEI Registration Form for October 12, 2009 Countywide Professional Development Day 2009 PTEI Research Partners Are In the News
Three of PTEI’s research partners—University of Pittsburgh, Stemnion, Inc., and Cohera Medical, Inc.—recently made headlines in the press on current and past scientific efforts supported by PTEI. From hand transplants, to burn therapies, to a novel surgical device, these medical developments are cutting-edge. Read more…
Bethel Park man rebounds from hand transplant, eager to make progress Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (09/21/09) AFIRM Research McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine In the News: Successful Hand Transplants Performed McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine In the News: Regenerative Medicine Clinical Trial--Pittsburgh Protocol for Immunosuppression After Hand Transplant Bio: W.P. Andrew Lee 
Stemnion uses placentas, not embryos, to get stem cells for burn therapy Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (09/21/09) NTEC Research 
Cohera Medical Receives ISO 13485 Certification: Company Meets International Standards for Design, Development and Manufacturing of Medical Devices PR Newswire (09/22/09) NTEC Research McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine In the News: Novel Surgical Adhesive Awarded US Patent Bio: Michael Buckley Bio: Eric Beckman 
PTEI Executive Director to Participate in Upcoming Life Sciences and Medical Innovation Panel Discussion
Alan Russell, PhD, PTEI Executive Director and also the Director, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, will participate in the upcoming We Work For Health-hosted panel discussion on Monday, September 21 from 8:30AM - 10:30AM at the Carnegie Science Center. The discussion, for G20 Summit attendees, will center on the significant contributions of the life sciences industry and important medical innovations occurring in Western Pennsylvania.Western Pennsylvania has long been an international leader in life sciences and medical innovation, key factors in the region`s current economy. G20 Summit attendees are invited to join the "Best and Brightest" minds as they discuss the significant contributions, economic impact, and social value of the industry on the region. Speakers will represent a range of organizations from business development to patient advocacy groups that regularly benefit from the life sciences industry. Read more…
Reuters (09/14/09) We Work for Health website McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine website PTEI High School Interns Complete 2009 Summer Program
The PTEI high school summer internship program gives junior and senior high school students a glimpse into the world of biomedical research, and a rich opportunity to explore careers in science, medicine, and engineering. Learn more about PTEI's program and this year's students. Read more… High School Summer Internship 2009 Interns Welcome, Ray!
Ray Schrader, an Honors Biology and Honors Anatomy and Physiology teacher at Mt. Lebanon High School, is PTEI’s newest teacher participant, joining us during the summer 2009. As a senior member of the Mt. Lebanon High School biology subgroup, he has been recognized as a leader amongst his peers in the development of new curricula to include special interests related to the development and delivery of summer school science programs for high school students. He worked in collaboration with Dr. Steven Abramowitch, Co-Associate Director of the Musculoskeletal Research Center and Director of the Tissue Mechanics laboratory, graduate students of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Bioengineering, and senior master teacher, Mark Krotec. Their work focused on the ongoing development and integration of a new skin module to be integrated into the PTEI “If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can’t I” summer camp for middle school students and the Nano to Bio summer camp for high school students at North Carolina A&T University. See Middle School Summer Campers at PTEI Campus in Pittsburgh 
Students at PTEI Partner Organization Experience Tissue Engineering Principles: Some North Carolina high school students are spending their summers much like local Pittsburgh area middle school students--on the cutting edge of medicine learning about tissue engineering. At the Nano to Bio Camp offered at North Carolina A&T State University, the students tested skin products and artificial skin and learned about growing organs for humans. See more… Watch the North Carolina students in action! Tissue Engineering Summer Camp Kicks Off
A starfish can grow a whole new arm and salamanders can too. But a human can’t. Well, humans can, but to a limited extent with the regeneration of skin and bones. Biomedical researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Duquesne University, and the Allegheny-Singer Research Institute are tackling the complex challenge of tissue and organ regeneration and their findings are the basis of an innovative educational program sponsored by the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative: A Starfish Can Do It, Why Can't I? Read more...
Press Release PTEI Summer Camp 2009 Information Summer Camp in Pictures 
Education Tax Credit Program News: Get Your 2nd Year Applications in Now! Businesses applying for year 2 of a 2-year contribution can apply now! If they are on a January-December tax year and they haven't applied yet for 2009, get their applications in now to take advantage of the $5 million of credits still remaining for scholarship organizations!! Read more... Education Tax Credit Information REACH Foundation 
The Longitudinal Outcomes from Annual Undergraduate Program Are Impressive: Twenty-five undergraduate students from colleges and universities, primarily across southwestern Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh region, have been selected to participate in the 13th Annual Summer Internship Program of the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative. The goal of the program is to expose greatly increased numbers of underserved students to growing opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic related fields across the Pittsburgh region within the highly interdisciplinary field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). The program exposes 2-year and 4-year institute undergraduate students to biomedical research within the cutting-edge field of TERM. Undergraduate students are provided real world experience as they learn more about the wonders and, ultimately, applications of TERM as they work alongside our region’s top-notch TERM researchers and clinicians. Read more… June 2, 2009 PTEI Press Release PTEI Undergraduate Summer Internship Program
Interns for the Class of 2009 Summer Internship Program Selected: With the goal to expose young people to the high level of biomedical research being conducted throughout the PTEI affiliate network, PTEI developed and sponsors an annual undergraduate Summer Internship Program (SIP) to showcase the many exciting new opportunities within the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond. For the 2009 SIP, a total of 25 summer interns, based in either Pittsburgh or San Antonio, will participate in summer research wherein they will be exposed to many areas of tissue engineering research with leading and world-renowned scientists and engineers. The SIP -- one of PTEI’s oldest and most successful educational programs -- provides the invaluable opportunity for undergraduate college and university students pursing careers in medicine, research, bioengineering, chemistry, biology, engineering, materials science, computer science, the natural sciences, or related fields to connect their growing skills and educational experiences to one of today’s most exciting and promising areas of biomedical research, the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Read more...
2009 Pittsburgh SIP Interns and Mentors 2009 San Antonio SIP Interns and Mentors