Two University of Iowa (UI) engineering PhD candidates are among 12 graduate trainees who have been selected for the UI Office of Innovation Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellows Program. 

Carson Baldes, a PhD student in chemical and biochemical engineering, and Tyce Marquez, a PhD student in biomedical engineering, are part of the 2026-27 cohort that will participate in the year-long educational experience designed to immerse emerging leaders in the dynamic world of healthcare innovation.

"As we welcome our fifth cohort of Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellows, it's exciting to reflect on how the program has grown into a truly interdisciplinary community” says Jon Darsee, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Iowa. "I  find it inspiring to watch these young leaders support and encourage each others dreams as well as our larger community of inventors and budding entrepreneurs. The fellowship is building a reputation for challenging conventional thinking to discover new pathways for translating ideas into patient impact.” 

Carson Baldes 

Baldes is developing new approaches to photopolymerization and bio-sourced plastics while continually improving laboratory processes. From designing custom equipment to streamlining experimental methods, he enjoys creating simple, effective solutions that make research more efficient and reliable. 

Learn more about Baldes here.

Tyce Marquez

Throughout his academic and research experiences, Marquez has embraced opportunities to explore innovative approaches that improve patient outcomes while expanding access to high-quality care. His work has reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary teams, where clinicians, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs each contribute unique perspectives to solving complex problems. 

Learn more about Marquez here.