University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM) second-year student, Connor Centner, Ph.D., has been awarded the KYNETIC (Kentucky Network for Innovation and Commercialization) grant as a Principal Investigator for his groundbreaking work in biomedical technology.

KYNETIC, funded by the National Institute of Health’s Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) program supports innovative health care-related product development projects led by faculty, staff, students, and trainees from Kentucky colleges and universities. The program accelerates the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies that address unmet human health needs.

Before enrolling in the ULSOM, Centner earned his Ph.D. in Translational Bioengineering from the University of Louisville and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of Radiology at the University of Chicago (UChicago). While at UChicago, he was a member of the Comprehensive Cancer Center that focused on advancing next-generation histotripsy – a noninvasive, non-thermal ultrasound technology used to destroy tumors. His expertise in this emerging field earned him the prestigious F. V. Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, recognizing his work as one of the few specialists worldwide in histotripsy.

Centner is now focused on commercializing his histotripsy technology, which has the potential to revolutionize cancer care. “It is truly an honor to be the recipient of the KYNETIC grant as I continue working towards the commercialization of this cutting-edge technology,” said Centner. “The support provided by KYNETIC will have a significant impact on the future of cancer treatment.”

KYNETIC accelerates the introduction of projects like Centner’s by developing technological infrastructure, allocating funding for product definition studies, offering access to experts and mentors, offering entrepreneurial skills development, and assisting in the development of commercialization strategies.

“Dr. Centner is an exceptionally talented young scientist, and his work in translational science holds tremendous promise,” said Olivia Mittel, M.D., associate dean for Student Affairs. “The potential impact of his technology on patient outcomes is profound.”

ULSOM is proud of Dr. Centner’s achievements and commitment to improving health outcomes. Congratulations, Dr. Centner, for your remarkable contributions to the future of medicine!