Dear Orange Friends,
Syracuse University students and faculty are working across disciplines on path-breaking biotechnology research. This includes medical devices that aren’t limited by the possibility of infection. It includes new treatments that specifically target disease, so that broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapy are a thing of the past. And it includes heart valves or replacement joints that can dynamically adapt their structure to a body’s needs.
These examples are real possibilities being explored through our study of complex biological systems and innovative materials, known as BioInspired. Led by physicist Lisa Manning and biomedical and chemical engineer Dacheng Ren, scientists and engineers from across Syracuse University are taking non-traditional approaches to creating the next generation of technologies. These breakthroughs will be the basis for future medical devices and treatments.
150 years ago, the founders of Syracuse University created a place where boldness and a sense of infinite possibility are an integral part of the culture. This has enabled many fearless firsts by our faculty, students and alumni. Across our campus, students are learning about the frontiers of science and engineering by working with leading faculty on potentially disruptive approaches to improving human health and understanding living systems.
BioInspired is just one example. Syracuse University is investing in research where we have the potential to be world leaders—because our researchers are thinking across traditional boundaries and from different perspectives. In addition, this research often produces leading-edge teaching and hands-on experience for students.
I’m often asked about trade-offs between teaching and research at the University. At our best, teaching and research support each other. As long as we continue to pay careful attention to both, we should remain proud to be Orange.
Sincerely,
Kent Syverud