At WSU, our faculty make contributions to the research enterprise every day of the year. These faculty are not only outstanding in their fields, but their research and creative practice reaches out from the university to the public we serve making real impacts on the lives of people in Washington and beyond. Each month the Office of Research will highlight some of our talented faculty discussing their research and creative practice in their own words.
Kuen-Ren (Roland) Chen, associate professor
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, WSU Pullman
What are you currently researching?
Our research group focuses on innovating manufacturing technology to help improve healthcare safety, efficiency, and outcomes. This includes the fabrication of microneedle arrays for drug delivery using 3D printing as part of the manufacturing process as well as developing a scalable manufacturing process for fabricating personalized pills with custom dosage and drug combination.
What major eye diseases would the technology developed through your research treat?
One application of the microneedle arrays we are developing is for treating age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which are the leading causes of blindness in the United States. These diseases affect the back of the eye making drug delivery more challenging. Currently, patients with these diseases are getting monthly intravitreal injections, and we aim to provide an alternate treatment option requiring a lower treatment frequency while being minimally invasive.
What advice do you have for researchers looking to commercialize their innovations for the marketplace?
Develop a technology or product that you can sell but not sell the technology or product you developed. It is paramount to understand and address the market needs rather than forcing your own idea to the market. Having a good business mentor would go a long way in this journey.
It is paramount to understand and address the market needs rather than forcing your own idea to the market.
Kuen-Ren (Roland) Chen
What impact will your research have on society?
If our microneedle technology is successful, by lowering the required treatment frequency, we can reduce the burden on patients and the healthcare system, especially for those who live in rural areas and must travel a long distance to be treated.
What drew you to WSU?
I am drawn to Washington State University for its vibrant research environment as well as the convenience of living in a small college town. My family also enjoys the abundance of outdoor activities in the area.
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