Fischell Institute Awards Funding to Advance Innovative Biomedical Projects, Including Breakthrough Work by E. Kim

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices has announced $150,000 in funding to support three early-stage faculty-led projects aimed at accelerating the development of transformative medical technologies. Among the awardees is Eunkyoung Kim, whose work could significantly improve how clinicians assess complex psychiatric conditions.

Kim, an assistant research professor at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, is developing a novel diagnostic approach to measure oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia. Her project centers on a direct electrochemiluminescence assay capable of capturing total redox activity, providing a more comprehensive and quantitative assessment than traditional biomarker-based methods.

Current diagnostic tools for schizophrenia and related conditions often rely on indirect or fragmented indicators, limiting clinicians’ ability to fully understand underlying biological processes. Kim’s technology seeks to address this gap by delivering a single, integrated measurement of oxidative balance, offering potential for more precise monitoring and personalized treatment strategies.

“I am excited about developing a new way to measure complex biological systems and translating it into a practical biomedical device that can improve patient care,” said Kim.

The technology is being designed with portability and clinical usability in mind, with the long-term goal of integration into compact, point-of-care devices. Such advancements could enable faster, more accessible diagnostics in both clinical and research settings.

The funding is part of the Fischell Institute’s Professional Track Faculty Innovator Program, which provides $50,000 per project to support early-stage development, including prototyping, feasibility studies, and regulatory planning. The program is intended to help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world healthcare applications.

By investing in projects like Kim’s, the Fischell Institute continues to strengthen its mission of translating cutting-edge research into practical medical solutions that improve patient outcomes.