MAYO SCHOLARS PROGRAM
A January Academic Internship through Mayo Office of Intellectual Property
Mayo Scholars Program offers an opportunity for selected undergraduate science and economics majors to evaluate projects submitted to the Mayo Office of Intellectual Property, the arm of Mayo responsible for evaluating potential business opportunities for discoveries and inventions created by Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers. This program is an initiative between a select group of Minnesota Private Colleges and the Mayo Clinic, with funding through the Medtronic Foundation.
St. Olaf College has been selected for participation in two separate projects during January 2009. Each project team will be comprised of four students representing a variety of science and economics backgrounds who demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills and success as an effective team member. The experience will be offered as an interdisciplinary academic internship (ID 394) for 1.0 credit. Kevin Crisp, Biology, will serve as the faculty advisor for both teams; each team will also be mentored by an MBA graduate student.
Teams will be expected to meet with the Licensing Manager at the Mayo Office of Intellectual Property in Rochester at the beginning of the project; other travel to Rochester may be required. Teams will share the results of their research at Mayo at a day-long event on either March 12 or 13 (St. Olaf date not yet determined). College transportation will be provided for all required visits to Mayo.
PROJECT 1: Temporomandibular Joint Fossa-Eminence Metal Prosthesis
Doctors at Mayo have developed an implant with a relatively flat nonanatomic surface that is surgically fit following osseous recontouring of the temporomandibular joint fossa/eminence anatomy. Students assigned to this project will determine whether to commercialize this technology and, if so, whether an exclusive or non-exclusive license should be pursued. They will identify potential licensees and factors important when looking for commercial partners and will develop a business plan and marketing materials. This team will consist of two students from the sciences and two from economics or management studies. Academic backgrounds in biomedical sciences (pre-med or pre-dental), anatomy, physiology, biology, physics, market research and business plan development are preferred for this project.
PROJECT 2: Intramyocardial Pacing
Doctors at Mayo have developed a technology superior to other endocardial pacing and defibrillation technologies. This new Intramyocardial Pacing and Sensing technology is a totally intramyocardial bipolar pacing and sensing lead that will limit far-field sensing and decrease ventricular dyssynchrony. Students assigned to this project will research current diagnostic methods to determine the advantages of the new technology, identify competing technologies and market potential, and recommend a preferred commercialization strategy. This team will be comprised of two students from the sciences and two from economics or management studies. Academic backgrounds in anatomy, physiology, biology, biomedical studies and market research are preferred for this project.
COMPENSATION:
Each selected student will receive a $1000 stipend upon completion of the project. Additional monetary support is available to cover expenses incurred and to defray transportation costs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Junior or senior majoring in one of the natural sciences, nursing or economics or with a concentration in biomedical studies or management studies
* Strong academic record
* Ability to extend one’s knowledge base to the topic at hand and to conceptualize and frame relevant questions
* Previous experience in research preferred but not required
* Evidence of effectiveness as part of a team
* Understanding and respect for confidentiality
* Willingness to commit time and energy to the project
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
* Resume
* Unofficial transcript
* Letter explaining interest in this initiative, describing background and specific experiences related to the project, and providing an example of a team on which the student has been an effective member
* Indication of project preference - indicated in the letter
* Name of one faculty member to be used as a reference - indicated in the letter
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
* Monday, October 6
* Materials submitted through Ole Recruiting - St. Olaf College for the "Employer" & Mayo Scholars Program for the "Job". (Assistance uploading documents available at the Center for Experiential Learning)
* Review of applications – completed by October 15
* Interviews of selected students – October 20
A team of faculty and staff will conduct formal interviews after review of applications. Students selected for an interview will be notified by October 16 and asked to schedule an interview time for the afternoon of October 20. Final selection will be based on academic background and related experience with care taken to create the appropriate mix of backgrounds on each team.