T32 Application Details | Health Research Institute

The MTU Health Research Institute T32 in Health-Integrated Technologies provides financial support and a structured curriculum to equip trainees with the essential skills necessary for a successful career in health research.

Application Checklist

Michigan Technological University follows a direct admission system for its PhD programs, which means that you will need to join a specific faculty member’s research lab from day one. The review process for all applications will start on December 1st, 2026. To ensure as smooth an application process as possible, we advise all applicants to follow the following steps:

Review the list of Preceptors below and their descriptions of open lab positions. Contact the Preceptors directly with your intent to submit to the HRI T32 program. Include in your email (1) your CV, (2) why you are interested in their open lab position, (3) your specific availability for a remote interview.
Following a remote interview, your Preceptor will indicate which PhD program you should apply for when you apply through the MTU graduate school. Apply to the Graduate School immediately following the go-ahead from your potential future advisor, including the following in your application’s statement of purpose: (1) that you’re an applicant to the HRI T32 program and (2) that you’ve spoken directly with your potential future advisor.
Complete the T32 Application Form, including the following materials:
- CV (Curriculum Vitae) that includes your current undergraduate GPA and description of relevant research or work experience.
- Personal Statement (2,000 character maximum). Specifically highlight examples of the following in your statement:
  - Innovation: A creative approach you took to solve a problem
  - Dedication: A time you persevered through a challenge
  - Team Dynamics: An instance where you successfully collaborated with others and contributed positively to a group goal
- Research and Career Plan (3,000 characters maximum). Specifically mention the faculty member that you are interested in working with.
Your Preceptor will submit a nomination form on your behalf that will include the following materials:
- Description of the open position
- Future plans for funding
- Fitness of your application for the position

2027 T32 Faculty Preceptors (open positions)

Participating Faculty

Weihua Zhou, Applied Computing
The Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Informatics is recruiting a PhD student to help develop CathReady, an AI-powered mixed-reality simulation platform aimed at improving training, assessment, and ultimately patient outcomes in cardiac catheterization. The student will conduct research in computer vision, vision-language models, multimodal learning, and human-AI interaction to enable automated procedural analysis and explainable competency assessment. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in computer science, particularly in computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, or immersive technologies (VR/AR/XR).
Sangyoon Han, Biomedical Engineering
The project investigates how Natural Killer (NK) cells sense and respond to the mechanical stiffness of tumor targets, linking molecular clutch dynamics at the NK-tumor interface to cytotoxic signaling and "mechanical memory" in killing efficiency. The student will use live-cell imaging, traction force microscopy, and FRET-based biosensors, combined with a 3D tumor-on-chip platform, to dissect how mechanical cues shape immune cell function. We are looking for a student with a strong interest in immunology or cell biology and some quantitative/computational aptitude (e.g., image analysis, biophysics, or engineering background).
Chunxiu (Traci) Yu, Biomedical Engineering
Our project is to develop AI/TinyML-based closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems for Parkinson’s disease by integrating neural signal processing, machine learning, electrophysiology, and adaptive neuromodulation. We are seeking motivated students with backgrounds in biomedical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or related fields. Strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB and an interest in interdisciplinary computational and experimental research are preferred.
Shiyue Fang, Chemistry
Students admitted to our research group through the NIH T32 program may focus on organic synthesis, molecular biology, or both. They may choose one or more of the following research projects: (1) Developing new methods for the synthesis of epitranscriptomically modified RNAs and studying the biology of modified mRNA, miRNA, tRNA, and other types of RNA. (2) Designing and synthesizing nucleotide-based prodrugs, evaluating their in vitro bioactivity, and developing novel methods for nucleotide drug delivery. (3) Developing new chemical methods for the direct synthesis of ultralong DNA and RNA segments. (4) Developing new organometallic reactions, and solving other challenging organic synthesis problems.
Marina Tanasova, Chemistry
The project will explore the GLUT5-specific imaging scaffolds as basis for developing PET-imaging agents. The project will rely on a combinatorial use of molecular modeling and synthesis chemistry towards identifying potential molecular scaffolds.
Caryn Heldt, Chemical Engineering
The Heldt Bioseparations Lab focuses on the continuous manufacturing of viral particles and understanding the stability of viral vectors. These vectors can be used as vaccines or medicines to treat common and rare diseases. Most students in the lab study Chemical Engineering.
Jiehong Guo, Civil And Environmental Engineering
A graduate research position is available in Environmental Engineering at Michigan Technological University, with research focused on identifying the DNA adducts and urinary biomarkers of human exposure to emerging contaminants. The student will gain experience in sample preparation and advanced mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) application. Applicants with a background in environmental chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, environmental engineering, or a related field are encouraged to apply.
Kevin Trewartha, Psychology and Human Factors
Our current research is focused on the impact of aging and cognitive impairment in the earliest stages of dementia on the neural mechanisms involved in adaptive motor behaviors. The projects use robotic technology to assess cognitive contributors to upper limb reaching movements and functional near infrared spectroscopy to measure concentrations of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the brain during task performance. This work is aimed at improving our understanding of behavioral and brain changes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

T32 Faculty Preceptors

Participating Faculty

Weihua Zhou, Applied Computing
Paul Goetsch, Biological Sciences
Robert Larson, Biological Sciences
Xiaoqing Tang, Biological Sciences
Sangyoon Han, Biomedical Engineering
Hoda Hatoum, Biomedical Engineering
Smitha Rao Hatti, Biomedical Engineering
Jingfeng Jiang, Biomedical Engineering
Bruce Lee, Biomedical Engineering
Chunxiu (Traci) Yu, Biomedical Engineering
Christo Christov, Chemistry
Shiyue Fang, Chemistry
Tatyana Karabencheva-Christova, Chemistry
Haiying Liu, Chemistry
Marina Tanasova, Chemistry
Ashutosh Tiwari, Chemistry
Caryn Heldt, Chemical Engineering
Yixin Liu, Chemical Engineering
Jiehong Guo, Civil And Environmental Engineering
Ishi Keenum, Civil And Environmental Engineering
Qinghui Chen, Kinesiology And Integrative Physiology
Carolyn Duncan, Kinesiology And Integrative Physiology
Zhiying(Jenny) Shan, Kinesiology And Integrative Physiology
Jaroslaw Drelich, Materials Science And Engineering
Sriram Malladi, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Kevin Trewartha, Psychology and Human Factors