Faculty Spotlight: Successful Collaborations

Dr. Jeff MacKeigan, a leading researcher in MSU’s College of Human Medicine, is transforming how early-stage cancer drugs are discovered by teaming up with Atomwise, a pioneer in AI-enabled pharmaceutical development. Traditional drug discovery is notoriously slow and expensive, but with Atomwise’s AtomNet® platform—a deep learning system capable of screening billions of molecules virtually—MacKeigan’s lab can rapidly identify potential inhibitors that target cancer-causing proteins. These virtual “hits” are then validated in the lab to uncover promising paths for therapeutic development. With three research awards from Atomwise’s AIMS program, this collaboration exemplifies the power of blending academic expertise with cutting-edge industry technology. Together, they are not just accelerating the drug discovery process—they are shaping the future of precision medicine by building a smarter, faster, and more targeted approach to fighting cancer.

At Michigan State University, Dr. Mojgan Nejad is leading a research revolution—reimagining lignin, a naturally abundant plant polymer typically discarded as waste, as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based chemicals. In partnership with global companies AGC Vinythai and allnex, Dr. Nejad’s team is developing bio-based resins and coatings that eliminate the need for harmful compounds like bisphenol A (BPA). Her approach uses unmodified, commercially available lignins to create eco-friendly materials for applications in construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging. This collaboration is a powerful example of how MSU faculty and corporate partners can jointly drive innovation that is not only scientifically significant but also scalable and economically viable. It’s a compelling success story of how university research can translate into real-world impact—delivering greener, safer solutions for industry and society.

Early literacy gaps can shape a child’s entire academic journey—but what if teachers could identify reading challenges before they take root? That’s the mission behind PAWPrints, a groundbreaking early assessment tool developed by Michigan State University researchers Dr. Lori Skibbe and Dr. Ryan Bowles. Designed to detect key foundational literacy skills in preschoolers, PAWPrints pairs a custom children’s storybook with a targeted educator-led assessment to identify students at risk of future reading difficulties. With strategic support from the MSU Innovation Center and a publishing partnership with Ventris Learning, this innovative tool is now helping educators across North America intervene earlier—and more effectively—when it matters most.