As Ohio State continues to expand its role in the commercialization of research, it is important to create an environment that facilitates and rewards research creativity and entrepreneurship. To support and stimulate entrepreneurial activity among Ohio State researchers, three university-wide innovator awards are presented as part of the Research and Innovation Showcase hosted by the Office of Research and Corporate Engagement Office. Join us in congratulating the 2020 Next Generation Innovator of the Year.
Devin J. Swiner, PhD Candidate
Watch a video on Devin Swiner’s development of a skin patch that can be used for Cystic Fibrosis screening.
Devin Swiner is a fourth year PhD candidate working under Dr. Abraham Badu-Tawiah at The Ohio State University. Her research is focused on developing a new ionization source for mass spectrometry using cellulose materials for applications in clinical diagnostics. At Ohio State, she serves as chapter president of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and as recording secretary for the Black Graduate and Professional Student Caucus. In these capacities, she is able to mentor students as they grow and develop during their programs, an effort that awarded her The Susan M. Hartmann Mentoring and Leadership Award in 2018. In her free time, she also co-runs a blog, #MacScientist, whose goal is to increase representation of black women in STEM fields.
Swiner earned her BS in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh.
The Next Generation Innovator of the Year award is open to postdocs along with undergraduate and graduate students. The award recognizes innovation and entrepreneurship that has contributed to the development or commercialization of a new technology. It may also recognize a trainee-initiated start-up company whose success is a result of entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.