CSB and SJU Innovation Scholars present commercialization plan for NASA technology
CSB and SJU Innovation Scholars present commercialization plan for NASA technology
Publish Date: 2026-03-07 10:56:00
Source Domain: www.csbsju.edu
Five students from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University presented their commercialization recommendations for a NASA biomedical technology innovation to NASA technology transfer officers on Feb. 24 in Minneapolis, marking the culmination of their work in the 2025-26 Innovation Scholars program.
The following CSB and SJU seniors represented the team:
- Madisen Carter from Billings, Montana (chemistry and biology major)
- Tatum Leibke from Lino Lakes, Minnesota (biology, pre-med major; Hispanic studies minor)
- Ben Reddan from Chaska, Minnesota (biology, pre-med major; psychology minor)
- Wyatt Robertson from St. Paul, Minnesota (global business leadership major; pre art auctioneering, global languages and culture and English writing minor)
- Wyatt Schaeffer from Clearwater, Minnesota (biology major; chemistry minor)
Working at the intersection of science, health care and entrepreneurship, the multidisciplinary team of five CSB+SJU students spent four months tackling a challenging NASA-developed biomedical tech transfer project in which they analyzed the commercialization potential of a portable unit for metabolic analysis (PUMA) designed to detect hypoxia to ensure health and safety of astronauts, pilots, divers, miners and first responders.
Led by University of St. Thomas MBA student Melissa Rose, the team completed extensive research, developed recommendations, prepared its final report and polished its final presentation for NASA technology transfer officers.
Innovation Scholars is a nationally recognized experiential learning program that engages teams of liberal arts students in the complex processes of translational medicine, taking an idea “from the bench to the bedside.”
Project sponsors include Mayo Clinic, early-stage biomedical and health care companies, and NASA.
The Innovation Scholars program (formerly known as Mayo Innovation Scholars) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. CSB+SJU…
