WSU was successful in the Michigan’s Technology Tri-Corridor competition this year.

In Category I, WSU awardees included:

Dr. Ewart Haacke, Detroit, professor of Radiology, was awarded $2,042,311 for the project titled, “A National Center of Excellence for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.”

Dr. Russell Finley, Novi, associate professor, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, was awarded $501,000 for the project titled, “Tools for Drug Target Discovery and Development of Diagnostics and Vaccines for Pathogenic Bacteria.” This project will enable research leading to the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and drugs to combat Bacillus anthracis and Streptococcus pneumonia.

Dr. Jing Hua, Inkster, assistant professor of Computer Science, was awarded $275,163 for the project titled, “Virtual Histology with Volumetric Computerized Tomography.” This project aims todevelop a computerized way to facilitate the early detection of osteolysis in patients with total joint replacement. The proposed research will use CT imaging to help determine when revision surgery is necessary.

Dr. Li Hsieh, Plymouth, assistant professor of Audiology and Speech Pathology, was awarded $1,243,000 for a project titled, “Investigation of Neural Mechanisms of Driving Safety & Speech Distraction Using FMRI and MEG Imaging.” The goal of this project is to establish a fundamental understanding of the association between brain activities and driving distraction to facilitate better automotive and telecommunication designs that will improve driver performance.

Dr. Otto Muzik, Ann Arbor, associate professor of Pediatrics was awarded $390,711 for the project titled, “Software Tools for Neuroimaging in Epilepsy.” This project aims to develop software to improve surgical treatment of epilepsy, and may lead to new insight into the major cause for failure in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Dr. Krishnarao Maddipati, Bloomfield Hills, assistant professor of Radiation Oncology, was awarded $569,977 for the project titled, “Anticancer Prodrug Development Program.” This project aims to synthesize and evaluate potential anti-cancer drugs for prostate cancer.

In Category II, WSU awardees include:

Dr. Charles Shanley, Grosse Pointe Farms, associate professor of Surgery, was awarded $949,883 for the project titled, “Congestive Heart Failure Monitoring Using an Improved Wireless Intraventricular Pressure Sensor.” This project may develop wireless, battery-less implantable pressure sensors that monitor the heart. The research may ultimately enhance the quality and reduce the cost of congestive heart failure treatment.

Dr. Jack D. Sobel, West Bloomfield and professor of Internal Medicine, was awarded $907,669 for the project titled, “Microfluidics PCR Diagnosis of Fungal Infection.” This research may develop a device to diagnose fungal pathogens in immuno-compromised individuals so that clinical diagnosis and healthcare delivery is improved.

“We are pleased with the success our faculty had in this year’s competition,” said Dr. John Oliver, Vice President for Research at Wayne State University. “Because of the support of the state, they can continue their important research, and ultimately be able to turn their ideas into products and companies which will benefit people throughout the state and beyond. Wayne State is also collaborating on some of the funded proposals from start-ups in Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo, so we are clearly upholding the true intent of MTTC with academic-industry collaborations,” he added.

Wayne State University is one of the nation’s pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. In the past 20 years, Wayne State’s research has grown nine percent annually, with research expenditures reaching over $225 million in 2004. Over 80 percent of research at WSU is focused on the life sciences, and this focus has led our School of Medicine to climb the National Science Foundation rankings to 22.

Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world.