NSF NRT-IPP: WIT+BU

NRT-IPP Overview

NRT-IPP is an NSF-funded Research Traineeship institutional Partnership led by Wentworth Institute of Technology in collaboration with Boston University.

NRT-IPP’s goals are to:

1. Establish a new MS in Bioengineering program that prepares students for biotechnology and biomanufacturing careers,
2. Provide trainees with hands-on research, technical training, and paid industry internships aligned with workforce needs, and
3. Develop a scalable, partnership-based model for STEM graduate education that integrates interdisciplinary research and industry engagement.

NRT-IPP Evaluation Overview

The overall  evaluation goals are to:

1. Assessing program implementation,
2. Measuring trainee preparation for biotechnology and biomanufacturing careers, and
3. Examining the effectiveness of research and industry training.

Education and Workforce Preparation

Evaluation includes assessing the curriculum, training activities, and professional development efforts that support trainee skill development and career readiness.

Research Training

Evaluation includes documenting trainee participation in interdisciplinary research and measuring gains in technical competencies across bioengineering focus areas.

Industry Partnerships

Evaluation includes examining the structure and impact of paid internships and cooperative education placements with biotechnology and biomanufacturing partners.

Program Implementation

Evaluation includes tracking how WIT and BU coordinate resources, governance, and best practices to deliver a cohesive training model.