PIE Fellows Program Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is the Partnership for Innovation & Education? 

The Partnership for Innovation & Education (“PIE”) is a consortium of Connecticut universities, colleges, hospitals and research institutes that share the state’s goals to develop a 21st Century bioscience workforce that will encourage economic growth and innovation in the bio-health sectors.  The partnership was formed with the support of Connecticut Innovations’ CTNext Higher Education Initiative and is currently funded by a grant from CTNext. The PIE program is directed by Caroline Dealy, UConn Health, and a team of Site Directors from each participating institution or program. 

What does the PIE offer?

The PIE program offers mentored summer research experiences for students from partner universities and colleges in bioscience, biotechnology and bioengineering.  In addition to carrying out a 10-week long summer research project, students also participate in seminars and workshops on bio-innovation, technology and careers.  The final summer event is Innovation Fellows Research Day where every student gives a presentation about their project.  Students are encouraged to continue their research into the academic year through Independent study credits. 

Who are the partners?

The PIE institutional partners are:

UConn/UConn Health (the home organization)

Central Connecticut State University

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Southern Connecticut State University

Trinity College

Tunxis Community College

University of St. Joseph

University of Hartford

PIE partner programs within UConn/UConn Health include:  Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP); McNair Scholars Program; Professional Masters’ Program; Health Research Program; TIP Innovation Fellows Program; Nursing Innovations Program; and the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

How many students and mentors are involved?

In its first year (2018) the PIE program engaged 79 students and 64 research faculty mentors for summer research projects at UConn Health, CCMC, Jackson Laboratories for Genomic Medicine, and U of Hartford.   25% of the students were minority students; half were undergraduate, 95% were Connecticut residents.  Over half of them decided to continue their research projects with their mentors over the school year.

I’m a student or faculty member from a PIE Partner institution.  Can I apply?

Students: To be eligible for a PIE fellowship, students must be in bioscience or bioengineering majors, and enrolled as undergraduates, masters’ students or medical or dental students at one of the partner institutions listed above.  UConn students are eligible only if they belong to one of the partner programs listed above.

Faculty: Research and clinical faculty mentors from UConn Health, CCMC, Jackson Laboratories, CCSU, SCSU, Trinity, Tunxis, USJ, or UHartford may apply to host a PIE fellow for summer research. Research projects may be basic, translational, clinical, or commercializable, in bioscience or beioengineering areas.

See our Apply page for more information.

What is the PIE Innovation Summer Series?

The PIE program offers a Summer Innovation Seminar Series featuring weekly seminars, workshops, and events on innovation, technology, and bioscience careers. Most seminars are held in the Grossman Auditorium in the UConn Health Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave. Shuttle service from the main UConn building is available. If you arrive by car, there is ample free parking at 400 Farmington Ave.

See the 2018 PIE Innovation Seminar Series schedule for a list of last year’s seminars and events here.

I’m enrolled in another summer program but I’m interested in the PIE Innovation Seminar Series.  Can I attend?  Can my research mentor and friends come too?

Yes! PIE Summer Seminars are open to ANYONE, including faculty, students, and interested public. PIE career workshops are also open to any student.

What is Innovation Fellows Research Day?

The end-of-summer PIE program finale is Innovation Fellows Research Day. This all-day event features short talks and posters from every PIE fellow, networking,  and a keynote innovation speaker. Last year’s event hosted > 200 participants and attendees. See last year’s Research Day program here.

Mark your calendars now for July 31, 2019–EVERYONE is welcome!

Is the program fun?

Check out the PIE Photo Album and judge for yourself!