Fast Forward Medical Innovation
We offer resources, support, and mentorship to world-class biomedical researchers at the University of Michigan, and across the state.
Our mission at Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FFMI) is to provide the expertise and knowledge to help access and navigate the unparalleled biomedical innovation resources at the University of Michigan.
Whether you’re a student, faculty, potential collaborator, or industry partner, we encourage you to connect with a Fast Forward Medical Innovation team member to explore our program's unique offerings and find your path to groundbreaking innovation.
FFMI is part of a rich ecosystem of opportunities available to biomedical researchers at the University of Michigan. Together with our collaborators, we work to create a robust network of resources that help drive innovation to successful commercialization. The FFMI team is here to provide mentorship and guidance to the abundant funding, education, and support structure resources that will benefit your research. We look forward to working with you!
Spotlight On
Aikens Innovation Academy Now Accepting Applications
The FFMI/FCVC Aikens Innovation Academy, part of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center Innovation Program, is currently accepting applications/inquiries for its Winter 2025 course, beginning Tuesday, February 4. The Aikens Innovation Academy provides innovation and entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and funding for Frankel Cardiovascular Center faculty, staff, trainees, and patients with any innovation (clinical value or commercial potential) affecting cardiovascular care.
The 2025 course will be virtual and run until Tuesday, April 22. Enrollees will leave with enhanced knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship concepts, in addition to a well-developed pitch for resources. They will also receive mentorship and an opportunity for early-stage development funding
Questions? Email Ashley Schork at [email protected].
2023 was another record-breaking year of biomedical innovation at the University of Michigan, and Fast Forward Medical Innovation is thrilled to be part of the rich ecosystem of innovation resources that contributed to this impressive accomplishment.
165
U-M Faculty, Staff, and Trainees Participated in Education Programs in 2023
$155.4M
Industry Research Awards
249
Invention Reports
180M+
MBVF Follow-On Funding
Director
Prior to becoming Director of FFMI, Brad led the MTRAC Hub for Life Sciences. He has served as a Mentor in Residence for U-M Innovation Partnerships, was the Director of Product Development at Aastrom Biosciences, and the Director of Cardiac Research at Osiris Therapeutics Inc. He also spent several years as a Principal Scientist with Pfizer’s Esperion Division. Brad has 15-plus years of experience in the development of drugs and biologics, and particular expertise in preclinical development and translational research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and regenerative medicine.
Brad received in PhD in Physiology in 1993 from the University of Michigan, and completed post-doctoral fellowships in the departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Physiology at the University of Wisconsin.
Prior to becoming Director of FFMI, Brad led the MTRAC Hub for Life Sciences. He has served as a Mentor in Residence for U-M Innovation Partnerships, was the Director of Product Development at Aastrom Biosciences, and the Director of Cardiac Research at Osiris Therapeutics Inc. He also spent several years as a Principal Scientist with Pfizer’s Esperion Division. Brad has 15-plus years of experience in the development of drugs and biologics, and particular expertise in preclinical development and translational research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and regenerative medicine.
Brad received in PhD in Physiology in 1993 from the University of Michigan, and completed post-doctoral fellowships in the departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Physiology at the University of Wisconsin.
Senior Director, Business Development
Mike leads the FFMI Business Development team. The team works with Industry partners and U-M faculty to enable and catalyze productive academic-industry partnerships, leveraging innovations to improve healthcare. He utilizes over 15 years of healthcare research experience to establish mutually beneficial deals with industry to further the mission of the healthcare system.
Mike leads the FFMI Business Development team. The team works with Industry partners and U-M faculty to enable and catalyze productive academic-industry partnerships, leveraging innovations to improve healthcare. He utilizes over 15 years of healthcare research experience to establish mutually beneficial deals with industry to further the mission of the healthcare system.
Director of Education
Jon joined the FFMI team in 2014 as the Director of Commercialization Education where he develops and leads biomedical innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization education and training programs for U-M Medical School faculty, staff, and trainees – resulting in education and development training for more than 1,000 participants and 50 emerging biomedical technologies per year.
He has a doctorate in education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, as well as a master’s in education from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College.
Jon joined the FFMI team in 2014 as the Director of Commercialization Education where he develops and leads biomedical innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization education and training programs for U-M Medical School faculty, staff, and trainees – resulting in education and development training for more than 1,000 participants and 50 emerging biomedical technologies per year.
He has a doctorate in education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, as well as a master’s in education from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College.
Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund Manager
John joins U-M after 17 years in the med tech industry. Most recently, he was the Director of Clinical Engineering at a breast cancer screening startup (Delphinus), leading the development of medical image review and analysis software. John started his career at GE Healthcare, with roles in advanced applications, clinical research, molecular imaging, and led the development of features for non-invasive coronary artery CT imaging.
John worked as a Venture Associate evaluating startups for the Zell-Lurie Fund, and is pursuing a part-time MBA at U-M/Ross. HE holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering and MSE in Biomedical Engineering.
John joins U-M after 17 years in the med tech industry. Most recently, he was the Director of Clinical Engineering at a breast cancer screening startup (Delphinus), leading the development of medical image review and analysis software. John started his career at GE Healthcare, with roles in advanced applications, clinical research, molecular imaging, and led the development of features for non-invasive coronary artery CT imaging.
John worked as a Venture Associate evaluating startups for the Zell-Lurie Fund, and is pursuing a part-time MBA at U-M/Ross. HE holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering and MSE in Biomedical Engineering.
Associate Director, Business Development
Prior to joining FFMI, Emilija worked for the U-M Rogel Cancer Center since 2006. She brings over 10 years of experience working with oncology clinical trials.
Emilija received her M.D. from the Medical School at the University St. Cyril and Methodius in Macedonia.
Prior to joining FFMI, Emilija worked for the U-M Rogel Cancer Center since 2006. She brings over 10 years of experience working with oncology clinical trials.
Emilija received her M.D. from the Medical School at the University St. Cyril and Methodius in Macedonia.
Associate Director, Business Development
Prior to joining FFMI, Shelby worked with both FFMI and the Cancer Center through her participation in the Research Administration Fellowship Program based in the Medical School Office of Research.
Shelby completed her Ph.D. and Postdoctoral research training in cancer research at the University of Michigan.
Prior to joining FFMI, Shelby worked with both FFMI and the Cancer Center through her participation in the Research Administration Fellowship Program based in the Medical School Office of Research.
Shelby completed her Ph.D. and Postdoctoral research training in cancer research at the University of Michigan.
Industry Alliance Manager, Business Development
Prior to joining FFMI, Ingrid worked at the Hospital for Sick Children in industry partnerships and commercialization, and the University of Windsor’s Office of Research and Innovation overseeing the health research portfolio.
Ingrid completed her Ph.D. in molecular biology and M.B.A. at the University of Windsor.
Prior to joining FFMI, Ingrid worked at the Hospital for Sick Children in industry partnerships and commercialization, and the University of Windsor’s Office of Research and Innovation overseeing the health research portfolio.
Ingrid completed her Ph.D. in molecular biology and M.B.A. at the University of Windsor.
Program Manager, FCVC Innovation Program
Ashley Schork joins FFMI after spending over six years working at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute (LSI) administratively managing several research centers in the areas of structural biology, cryo-electron microscopy, drug discovery, and high-throughput screening. Prior to the position at LSI, Ashley worked at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health providing administrative support to NIH and PCORI funded nephrology studies.
Ashley has both her BA and a Masters in Non-Profit Management from DePaul University.
Ashley Schork joins FFMI after spending over six years working at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute (LSI) administratively managing several research centers in the areas of structural biology, cryo-electron microscopy, drug discovery, and high-throughput screening. Prior to the position at LSI, Ashley worked at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health providing administrative support to NIH and PCORI funded nephrology studies.
Ashley has both her BA and a Masters in Non-Profit Management from DePaul University.
Commercialization Education Program Coordinator
Katherine joins FFMI from the Center for Academic Innovation (CAI), where she served as a Learning Experience Design Student Resident and Online Student Services Fellow during her graduate program. Prior to her work at CAI, she worked at U-M’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions where she was involved in developing training opportunities and materials.
Katherine holds a bachelors, masters, and graduate certificate from the University of Michigan.
Katherine joins FFMI from the Center for Academic Innovation (CAI), where she served as a Learning Experience Design Student Resident and Online Student Services Fellow during her graduate program. Prior to her work at CAI, she worked at U-M’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions where she was involved in developing training opportunities and materials.
Katherine holds a bachelors, masters, and graduate certificate from the University of Michigan.
Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund Analyst
Previously, Nimisha worked as a Venture Intern at Foundation Venture Capital Group (New Jersey Health Foundation) and as a Senior Fellow at the Rutgers Technology Transfer Office.
Nimisha has a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from UC San Diego and a Master of Science in Physiology and Integrative Biology from Rutgers University. She is set to defend her PhD in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences this August from Rutgers University.
Previously, Nimisha worked as a Venture Intern at Foundation Venture Capital Group (New Jersey Health Foundation) and as a Senior Fellow at the Rutgers Technology Transfer Office.
Nimisha has a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from UC San Diego and a Master of Science in Physiology and Integrative Biology from Rutgers University. She is set to defend her PhD in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences this August from Rutgers University.
Senior Administrative Assistant
Charlotte comes to FFMI from Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation MedRehab, where she was an administrative assistant for the ACU manager.
Charlotte holds a master’s in health administration from Southern New Hampshire University, and an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.
Charlotte comes to FFMI from Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation MedRehab, where she was an administrative assistant for the ACU manager.
Charlotte holds a master’s in health administration from Southern New Hampshire University, and an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.
Innovation Fellow - Commercialization
Prabhvir is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Radiology, and s a part of the research lab of Dr. Nicholas Burris, Director of Aortic Imaging at Michigan Medicine.
He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Cambridge in 2020, and went on to complete his clinical internship in England’s National Health Service.
Prabhvir is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Radiology, and s a part of the research lab of Dr. Nicholas Burris, Director of Aortic Imaging at Michigan Medicine.
He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Cambridge in 2020, and went on to complete his clinical internship in England’s National Health Service.
Innovation Fellow - Business Development
Shruti is a postdoctoral research fellow studying how kinase inhibitors influence protein translation in breast cancer cells.
She received her PhD in 2020 from the Technion-Israel Insitute of Technology located in Haifa, Israel. Prior to this, she obtained her masters in biotechnology and bachelors degree in life sciences from India.
Shruti is a postdoctoral research fellow studying how kinase inhibitors influence protein translation in breast cancer cells.
She received her PhD in 2020 from the Technion-Israel Insitute of Technology located in Haifa, Israel. Prior to this, she obtained her masters in biotechnology and bachelors degree in life sciences from India.
Venture Analyst Intern - Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund
Prior to joining FFMI, DJ worked for Nuvasive, a medtech company specializing in spine surgical devices, where his role primarily focused on R&D in the enabling tech side of the business.
DJ received his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State and is currently earning his MBA at U-M.
Prior to joining FFMI, DJ worked for Nuvasive, a medtech company specializing in spine surgical devices, where his role primarily focused on R&D in the enabling tech side of the business.
DJ received his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State and is currently earning his MBA at U-M.
Hundreds of researchers across the University of Michigan are a part of our biomedical innovation ecosystem. Michigan Experts offers profiles for faculty at the University of Michigan, where you’ll find publications, social media activity, and potential collaborators among the world’s academic leaders and best.
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Project: Novel cell therapy targets premature ovarian insufficiency
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Project: Novel cell therapy targets premature ovarian insufficiency
Professor, Neurosurgery
Medical Director, Neurosurgery
Professor, Otorhinolaryngology
Project: Device to Help Stroke Patients
Medical Director, Neurosurgery
Professor, Otorhinolaryngology
Project: Device to Help Stroke Patients
Clinical Professor, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Medical Director, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Section Head, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Project: Nerve-Controlled Prosthesis
Medical Director, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Section Head, Pediatrics-Cardiology
Project: Nerve-Controlled Prosthesis
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Section Head, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Project: Device to Predict Preterm and Term Birth
Section Head, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Project: Device to Predict Preterm and Term Birth
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Services
Project: Prediction of Cancer Recurrences with Biomarkers
Project: Prediction of Cancer Recurrences with Biomarkers
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Project: Novel human developmental toxicity testing platform
Project: Novel human developmental toxicity testing platform
Professor, Transplant Surgery
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Project: C3d Immunotherapies: A Novel Platform to Treat Cancer
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Project: C3d Immunotherapies: A Novel Platform to Treat Cancer
Associate Dean, College of Engineering Office of Graduate Education
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Project: Novel targeted treatment for lung injury
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Project: Novel targeted treatment for lung injury
Professor, Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Associate Director of Academic Programs - Molecular and Physiology
Research Professor - Internal Medicine - Institute of Gerontology
Project: Seq-Scope - Providing finer spatial resolutions for basic and clinical researchers
Associate Director of Academic Programs - Molecular and Physiology
Research Professor - Internal Medicine - Institute of Gerontology
Project: Seq-Scope - Providing finer spatial resolutions for basic and clinical researchers
Professor, Internal Medicine - Infectious Diseases
Project: Novel treatment for osteoarthritis
Project: Novel treatment for osteoarthritis
Professor Emeritus/a, Otorhinolaryngology
Project: Michigan Tinnitus Device
Project: Michigan Tinnitus Device
Professor, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Service Chief, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Section Head, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Project: Nerve-Controlled Prosthesis
Service Chief, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Section Head, Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Project: Nerve-Controlled Prosthesis
Chief Clinical Officer, Michigan Medicine
Professor, Internal Medicine - Cardiology
Project: Novel Strategy Offers Improved Treatment for Arterial Plaque Calcifications
Professor, Internal Medicine - Cardiology
Project: Novel Strategy Offers Improved Treatment for Arterial Plaque Calcifications
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Project: EVOQ Therapeutics- Delivering immunotherapies to improve the lives of individuals fighting autoimmune disease
Project: EVOQ Therapeutics- Delivering immunotherapies to improve the lives of individuals fighting autoimmune disease
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North Campus Research Complex (NCRC)
Building 520, 3rd Floor
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800
Building 520, 3rd Floor
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800
Phone: 734-615-5060
Email: [email protected]
Fast Forward Medical Innovation is a unit of the Medical School Office of Research, where our mission is to foster an environment of innovation and efficiency that serves the Michigan Medicine research community and supports biomedical science from insight to impact.
Presented by the Clinical Trials Support Office, Orientation for Clinical Investigators provides faculty with an overview of information, resources, and tools necessary to comply with regulations related to clinical research, and will help efficiently navigate the University’s research enterprise.
This course will review what research is subject to FDA oversight, highlight the differences between OHRP and FDA regulations, learn the responsibilities of sponsors, investigators, and the IRB when conducting and reviewing research involving drugs and devices, and examine the requirements for conducting research with a drug or biologic/medical device.
Hosted by the Clinical Trials Support Office, "Ask the Expert" sessions are designed for faculty, study teams, and staff to meet statisticians and experts from the IRB, Office of Research Compliance & Review, MICHR’s IND and IDE team, Investigational Drug Service, and more.
Have a complimentary lunch and explore a new dimension of functional microscopy with Fluorescent Lifetime Imaging (FLIM).
Hosted by the Clinical Trials Support Office, "Ask the Expert" sessions are designed for faculty, study teams, and staff to meet statisticians and experts from the IRB, Office of Research Compliance & Review, MICHR’s IND and IDE team, Investigational Drug Service, and more.
This course will review the Not Regulated, Secondary Use, and Umbrella application types in eResearch and when these application types are applicable.
The Research Operations, Management & Strategy (ROMS) Fellowship sponsored by the UMMS Office of Research is now recruiting for the 2025-2027 cohort and is hosting an upcoming information session about the program.
This course will examine the additional regulatory requirements for conducting research involving pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, children, and prisoners, including the requirements for these populations in a research project and obtaining informed consent.
Hosted by the Clinical Trials Support Office, "Ask the Expert" sessions are designed for faculty, study teams, and staff to meet statisticians and experts from the IRB, Office of Research Compliance & Review, MICHR’s IND and IDE team, Investigational Drug Service, and more.
Office of Research
The Medical School Institutional Review Board (IRBMED) is pleased to announce that Kindra Cooper, J.D., has been appointed as the new director.
Office of Research
Fostering collaborations and partnerships at the international level
Office of Research
Don't miss your chance to participate in this project-based, experiential course designed to help academics launch new innovations, including medical devices/diagnostics, digital solutions, drugs, educational/training interventions, research tools, and many others.
