The U-M Bold Challenges Initiative has awarded Boost grants to University of Michigan interdisciplinary research projects that range from utilizing wearable technology to help treat cancer patients to analyzing how microbial changes can affect respiratory health.

“These researchers are seeking to solve some of the world’s most difficult challenges and create innovations that will benefit individuals and society as a whole,” said Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation.

“Our university is uniquely positioned to tackle complex problems that require interdisciplinary solutions. Programs like Boost help researchers launch the projects that lead to world-changing discoveries. ”

The Boost program supports interdisciplinary teams in the early stages of research with substantial potential for future large-scale funding. Teams from all three campuses are encouraged to collaborate across fields, both within and outside of the university setting.

Teams will receive facilitation and personalized workshops from research development experts on the Bold Challenges team and up to $75,000 to support furthering their research activities.

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Development Biology has researchers on three teams:

Metabolism and Mood: A Translational Platform for Precision Psychiatry

  • Monica Dus, associate professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, LSA
  • Melvin McInnis, Thomas B. and Nancy Upjohn Woodworth Professor of Bipolar Disorder and Depression and professor of psychiatry, Medical School
  • Subramaniam Pennathur, Norman Radin Professor of Nephrology and professor of internal medicine, and of molecular and integrative physiology, Medical School
  • Jeffrey Bohnen, resident physician, psychiatry, Medical School
  • Koustubh Vaze, research lab specialist, LSA

Deciphering Contribution of Environmental Toxins to ALS Disease Mechanisms

  • Sarah Kargbo-Hill, assistant professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology, LSA
  • Yue Zhao, research assistant professor, computational medicine and bioinformatics, Medical School
  • Hao Wang, assistant professor of environmental health sciences, School of Public Health
  • Ravi Allada, Theophile Raphael M.D. Collegiate Professor of Neurosciences, research professor, Michigan Neuroscience Institute, and professor of anesthesiology, Medical School

Decoding the Role of Microbial Dynamics for Precision Respiratory Health

  • Ariangela Kozik, assistant professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology, LSA; and assistant professor of internal medicine, Medical School
  • Kelly Arnold, associate professor of biomedical engineering, CoE
  • Yvonne Huang, associate professor of internal medicine, microbiology and immunology, Medical School