MSU Innovation Center

MSU scientists are expanding the research toolbox far beyond traditional models like mice and fruit flies. As evolutionary biologist Jason Gallant explains, breakthroughs in genetics now allow researchers to tap into the biological innovation found across millions of species.

At MSU, that work spans electric fish that help illuminate nervous‑system function, pitcher plants that model microbiome and pH interactions, brown bears that reveal metabolic regulation during hibernation, venomous snakes that shed light on gene evolution, fish models that support biomedical discovery, and transparent water fleas that allow scientists to watch infections unfold.

These unconventional models open new pathways for understanding human health, ecology and evolution. As Gallant said, “We don’t need to leave the mouse behind. We just need to invite the rest of life into the lab.”

Read the full story: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/genetic-advances-inspire-new-frontiers/
Interested in partnering with MSU innovators? Contact us: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/contact

We’re hiring! The MSU Innovation Center is looking for a Social Media Management Specialist to join our Marketing & Communications team.

This paid, part‑time internship is perfect for students interested in storytelling, social media, writing, video, or design. You’ll help create content for our website, print pieces, and social channels — and gain cross‑trained experience along the way.

Hybrid (East Lansing)
$17.50/hr
Aug 31, 2026 – May 2, 2027
Apply by June 16, 2026

Learn more and apply on Handshake.
https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/11094910

MSU’s David Carter is using lidar and AI to rethink how pine plantations are managed. By creating a digital twin of a loblolly pine stand, Carter and his team can test thinning strategies virtually and predict how trees will grow under different scenarios. Their work mapped 90% of the 3,555 trees in a Virginia stand and showed that adjusting the starting row for thinning could preserve more timber and increase earnings.

The research demonstrates how digital twins can support more precise forest management and help landowners move beyond uniform thinning practices. As Carter put it, “now we can work with a finer paint brush when designing forests.”

Read the full story: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/predicting-forest-fate-with-digital-twins/
Interested in partnering with MSU innovators? Contact us: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/contact

MSU leaders, partners and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the renovated Plant Science Research Greenhouse Complex. The upgrades include advanced environmental controls, LED lighting and new greenhouse space that supports controlled experiments across a wide range of growth and stress conditions. More than 400 people use the greenhouses for research and learning each year.

The project was supported by $53 million from the Michigan Legislature and $12 million from MSU. The new headhouse provides collaborative workspaces, research stations and specialized rooms for soil mixing, photography, vernalization, pot washing and more. Faculty emphasized how the improvements strengthen research on seasonal crops, plant breeding and Michigan agriculture.

Read the full story: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/msu-open-newly-renovated-35m-greenhouses/
Interested in partnering with MSU innovators? Contact us: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/contact

On July 21, the Alliance Incubator will host Street Food Connect, bringing together food entrepreneurs, partners, and community members for an afternoon of networking and culinary innovation. Join us from 4–6 PM.

Event info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/street-food-connect-tickets-1989931247930?aff=oddtdtcreator

Two new grants totaling more than $1 million are supporting MSU engineers who are developing technologies that strengthen cybersecurity and improve the safety and reliability of energy systems.

With an $815,000 U.S. Navy grant, Associate Professor Borzoo Bonakdarpour is creating code‑analysis tools that evaluate how software updates, patches and malware affect long‑life systems. His work helps ensure that fixing vulnerabilities does not disrupt essential functional or security properties.

A $206,000 DOE SBIR grant supports Bahare Kiumarsi and Roozbeh Dargazany, who are developing AI‑driven nondestructive evaluation tools to monitor aging electrical cable insulation in energy systems and nuclear power plants. Their approach provides real‑time insight into material degradation without removing samples or shutting down equipment.

Read the full story: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/1m-to-evaluation-tools-for-engineers/
Interested in partnering with MSU innovators? Contact us: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/contact