This year’s Innovation Scholars team got the opportunity to critique a drug under development with the top-ranked hospital in the world. 

is a nationally recognized, hands-on learning program that introduces teams of liberal arts students to translational medicine, guiding them through the process of turning scientific research into practical medical treatments.

Daniel Davies ’25, Yuden Dorji ’25, Mason Gravseth ’25, and Riham Jameel ’27, worked directly with licensing managers and innovators at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to help develop a novel cardioprotective drug to be used during chemotherapy.

The new drug was designed to aid in the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The Innovation Scholars team was tasked with assessing the drug’s potential impact, market viability, and scientific merit to contribute insights to the project.

The team consisted of two business students and two STEM students, making it an interdisciplinary group. This was a major takeaway for the students involved. 

“I was surprised by the inherently interdisciplinary nature of science,” Jameel said. “Seeing how science intersects with business, law, and other disciplines to create something impactful was an eye-opening experience.”

The students spent four months working on this biomedical project before presenting their findings. The developer of the new drug told the Cobbers that they had provided insights that hadn’t previously been considered. 

“This opportunity turned into the coolest research experience I have ever had,” Davies said.

A number of faculty and staff served as mentors for the team:

• Dr. Krys Strand, associate professor of biology; director of National Fellowships and Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA)
• Andrea Greiff, adjunct instructor of biology
• Allison Koster, former chemical safety officer and ISC building manager
• Bree Langemo, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship 

Gravseth shared his appreciation for his mentors and classmates, saying, “This project would not have been successful without all of the hard work and communication of our team. I am so grateful to have been able to learn from a great team and great mentors.”

Concordia provides countless research opportunities for students, with Innovation Scholars being just one option. 

“I would highly encourage students to participate in experiential learning programs like Innovation Scholars, as it is one of the most enriching experiences available at Concordia,” Dorji said. “It not only helps strengthen research skills but also provides the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from others with different backgrounds and perspectives.”