Unique Life-Science Research Program to “SPARK” the Imagination of Schoolcraft College Students
Schoolcraft College and the Michigan Life Sciences and Innovation Center (MLSIC) begin collaboration to provide hands-on research opportunities for Schoolcraft College students.
Livonia, Mi., September 12, 2012 -- Schoolcraft College and the Michigan Life Sciences and Innovation Center (MLSIC) have launched a landmark Undergraduate Research and Intern (URI) program designed to engage an un-tapped generation of potential science professionals. Schoolcraft College students will be immersed in real-world   research of their own design, under the mentorship of Schoolcraft faculty and Michigan Biotechnology leaders.  At the MLSIC, a local life science incubator for many start-up companies, members of Schoolcraft’s talented and diverse student body will have the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive one-year research program at an outstanding research facility. By providing hands-on training for students, this program can help Schoolcraft College students leap forward in their studies, as well as introduce them to relevant biotechnology skills.
The URI program is prepared to accept its first students in the fall of 2012. Students will take on advanced research topics of their own design or intern with leading edge MLSIC companies.  URI students will formulate their own research topic, design and execute appropriate experiments using the latest laboratory instruments and techniques, and present their results at local or national forums. The URI program is expected to produce a skilled and experienced talent pool that will provide needed technical support to Michigan biotechnology institutions.
The Schoolcraft College Foundation provided David O’Hagan Ph.D., a Schoolcraft Biology Adjunct Faculty member, with a grant to launch the program.  MLSIC, a start-up incubator developed in part by the Ann Arbor Spark business development organization, generously contributed state-of-the-art laboratory space and resources for the program. Dr. O’Hagan will oversee the program throughout the 2012-2013 academic year, and explains the rationale behind the program, “Students often find math and science topics difficult to grasp by conventional instruction alone. It is very possible that many students walk in… and then out… of our doors not realizing their full potential. People are natural problem solvers, and if you give them a problem, they will strive to solve it. Here we are providing them with an alternative experience in the sciences. One that will inspire them to search for their own answers, and through exploration, provide a richer and deeper education. It is our hope that we are able to identify those students that have an aptitude for the sciences, and more importantly, reveal this ability to them.”
Robert Leadley, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Sciences Schoolcraft College states that, "Together with the local life science research community, we are providing a unique opportunity to our students to expose them to real-world biological research challenges. We believe that the URI program will be a good model for inspiring students to pursue opportunities in science."
As for Spark, Fred Earl, MLSIC/Ann Arbor Spark Facility Manager, “Finding employees fully prepared to take on complex laboratory issues is a major challenge for Michigan corporations and research groups. “We are fully committed to developing solutions to help eliminate the state’s shortage of critical STEM-educated talent and by partnering with Schoolcraft College we will contribute to solving some of the practical hurdles for our industry.
Roger Newton, CEO of Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., remarked, "URI is a perfect example of how industry and higher education can partner to make meaningful change to our state's science workforce challenges. This deeper collaboration exemplifies how industrial and educational members are providing real solutions to very real problems. By creating a platform that engages undergraduate students during the critical first two years of college, URI keeps them in the education pipeline for high-demand fields, and ultimately prepares them for a long-term career. Schoolcraft and MLSIC are an excellent example to others on directions to follow."
About Schoolcraft College
Schoolcraft College is a public two-year college, offering classes at the Livonia campus, Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile Roads, at the Radcliff Center in Garden City and online at www.schoolcraft.edu.
About the Michigan Life Sciences Innovation Center
Start with a group of entrepreneurs and economic development agencies determined to make Michigan a hub for the life sciences. Add a 57,000+ square foot life science incubator complete with state-of-the-art labs, well-appointed offices and conference rooms, a loading dock, ample parking, and every possible business amenity. Recruit tenants that include not only start-ups but business accelerator organizations and life science leaders. Provide plenty of opportunities for networking, mentoring and expertise sharing. The result is the Michigan Life Science and Innovation Center (MLSIC) – southeastern Michigan’s newest home for innovation-based business.
The Michigan Life Science and Innovation Center is made possible by a broad-based coalition. Partners in the venture include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Wayne County; a private foundation; Ann Arbor SPARK; the New Economy Initiative; and Plymouth Township.  (http://www.annarborusa.org/business-accelerator/incubators/michigan-life-science-innovation-center)
SOURCE: Schoolcraft College and the Michigan Life Sciences and Innovation Center.