Michael Schnieders, professor of biomedical engineering, is part of a multidisciplinary University of Iowa research team that's been awarded a grant for the Iowa Biotech-Training Program: Predoctoral Program in Biotechnology. The five-year grant, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is for a total of $2,127,775.

The team includes Mark Arnold, professor of chemistry, and Maria Spies, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology who is also the principal investigator. Schnieders is also a faculty affiliate of the Iowa Technology Institute. 

"This new Iowa Biotech Training Program builds upon 32 years of success with a previous T32 training grant supported by the NIH and Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB), which helped to launch numerous stellar careers", Spies said. "Centered on student growth, success, and a nurturing, interdisciplinary environment, our T32 program will train future leaders in biotechnology-related research and will equip them to succeed in a range of industries.” 

The program aims to provide a deep and diverse education to trainees, including academic training covering qualitative and quantitative aspects of biotechnology, hands-on introduction to industrial methods, and preparation for professional life in biotechnology. 

Over the course of the five-year award, 40 trainees will receive mentorship from a host of faculty from four University of Iowa colleges and 10 academic departments. The NIH will fund 24 trainees, and the CBB will support 16 trainees directly.

To learn more about the Iowa Biotech Training Program, visit the CBB’s website.