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Economic Development Forum to Showcase NC State’s Health Care Contributions

By Benny Benton, NC State News Services

You won’t find a medical school on North Carolina State University’s campus. But you will find NC State contributing significantly to the advancement of health care.

For those unfamiliar with just how important a role NC State plays – and how it positively impacts the local and state economy – the university and Wake County Economic Development (WCED) will focus this year’s NC State Economic Development Forum on the advanced medical care/medical device cluster.

The event, which will be held on May 15 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the McKimmon Center, will further inform business and government leaders of the university’s expanding role in this emerging cluster; introduce potential partners to unique opportunities in the areas of biomedical engineering, textiles, veterinary medicine and design; and showcase the research and commercialized products developed at the university.

In just the past year, several important research discoveries have been found or new products introduced by NC State in this cluster. Among them:

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A new filter to remove harmful proteins associated with mad cow disease from blood during transfusions. The filter was the result of research by Dr. Ruben Carbonell, a faculty member in chemical and biomolecular engineering; members of NC State’s Nonwoven Cooperative Research Center, housed in the College of Textiles; and business and academic partners

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A surface coating that kills virtually all viruses and bacteria, developed by Dr. Steve Michielsen, a faculty member in textiles, and colleagues at Emory University.

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A tongue drive system that helps quadriplegics interact with the world, developed by Dr. Maysam Ghovanloo, a faculty member in electrical and computer engineering.

During the forum, NC State Chancellor James Oblinger and WakeMed President and CEO William Atkinson will provide an update on these and other recent achievements in the advanced medical technologies industry cluster and discuss future initiatives. A new video featuring key aspects of the regional medical device cluster will be introduced, and information will be shared on the Extension, Engagement and Economic Development’s budget request currently before the legislature and its potential impact on the cluster.

Dr. Ken Tindall, a senior vice president with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, will lead a discussion of the medical devices strategic plan being developed for the state, and an exhibition area will showcase the university’s programs, resources, and projects with industry that are related to the cluster.

More than 30 exhibits will be on display, including:

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A prototype of Martin Innovations’ Chair-a-Table, a total no-lift solution for transfer and examination of people who use or are restricted to wheelchairs.

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An update on progress being made in the use of textile-based sensors for monitoring patients in their home environments.

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Work on antiviral textiles being conducted by LAAMScience Inc.

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An overview of the graduate degree program in biomedical engineering, which is offered jointly by NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Through the forum, NC State will share its vital role in supporting the region and state’s economic health, and the unique opportunity it offers potential partners for leadership in the economic development area.

To register for the forum, send an e-mail with your name and organization to NCSUForum@raleighchamber.org. Admission is free.
For more information, contact Dr. Ted Morris, director of the university’s Economic Development Partnership, at 515-0388 or ted_morris@ncsu.edu.