Colleen Bringman, associate professor of instruction in biomedical engineering, is part of two interdisciplinary teams selected for Innovation in Teaching and Technology.

The Academic Technologies Advisory Council (ATAC) has awarded $11,250 to the project entitled, “Enhancing Cariology Education Through Innovative Laboratory Simulation” to enhance education of cariology, a branch of dentistry examining tooth decay. Funding will support the cost for consulting, materials, and equipment.

In addition to Bringman, the team includes Robert Bowers, assistant professor of family dentistry; Teresa Marshall, professor of preventive and community dentistry; and Jeff Banas, professor of pediatric dentistry and director of the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research.

Bringman is also part of a second awarded valued at $12,879 for a project entitled, “Phase II Enhancing Biomedical Engineering Education and Physical Therapy Education Through Collaboration.” Funding will support the cost for materials, fabrication, and assembly of joints and anatomical joints for reverse engineering.

The research team also includes Amy Kimball, a clinical associate professor of physical therapy and rehabilitation science.

ATAC serves as the voice and representative for IT decisions and priorities that impact the teaching mission of the university. Projects selected for innovation awards serve as models for improving instruction, according to the award notice.