EPIIC Quarterly
Faculty at Lawrence Technological University collaborate in a workshop break-out session to identify value propositions for a new industry partner. Image credit: Mark Brucki
How This EPIIC Cohort Trains Faculty to Engage with Industry
At Santa Clara University, students run mission control for NASA satellites—an eye-opening example of how industry partnerships can shape education. Now, through NSF’s EPIIC program, faculty workshops are helping campuses nationwide build the skills to forge and grow these partnerships.
Laura Treanor, President of Virginia Western, and Frank Shushok Jr., President of Roanoke College, sign a memorandum of understanding to launch a new bachelor’s in biotechnology. Image courtesy of Roanoke College.
Roanoke College Launches Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology

Roanoke College and Virginia Western are teaming up to launch a new bachelor’s degree in biotechnology—only the third of its kind in Virginia—creating a clear pathway from community college to careers in the state’s growing biotech hub.

Cal Poly Humboldt students create computer games in their first semester as an part of an introduction to technology course. Image courtesy of Bori Mazzag.
Building Bridges: Humboldt Pilots Tech & Data Networking Event

Cal Poly Humboldt is piloting a networking event to connect faculty, alumni, and local businesses around computing and data needs—aimed at jumpstarting collaborations that lead to class projects, internships, and stronger career pathways for students.

Connect with the EPIIC Community

Looking to connect with others in the EPIIC Community and learn more about ongoing efforts to build innovation capacity and form industry partnerships? Check out the EPIIC People Page. Here, you can search for colleagues by name, title, affiliation, area of expertise, location, and more.

Albion College Expands Industry Partnerships with TransPharm Collaboration

Albion College—part of the Connect Four Cohort—has launched a new partnership with TransPharm, a microbiology and infectious disease research organization. Led by microbiologist Ola Olapade, the collaboration is designed to embed real-world projects into courses, with students tackling challenges like improved sterilization while learning lab skills such as anaerobic culture. The effort builds on earlier partnerships with Ford and CreateMyTee.com.

Handy Resource

Looking to connect academia with industry? Check out Riipen, a digital platform that connects educators, learners, and employers to collaborate on real-world projects—bringing classroom learning directly into industry-relevant experiences and helping students build employable skills.