Technology Training & Case Competition

Frameshift is an academic initiative that combines an entrepreneurial spirit and translational growth environment to develop new therapies rapidly using immunoengineering technologies. This initiative showcases innovative biological advances at the intersection of immunology, engineering, and medicine.

This in-person three-day event that will teach trainees about JH-TIE technologies and potential applications, provide hands-on experience with relevant techniques, and develop new ideas about the application of these technologies in a team-based, hackathon-style competition. The workshop will be split into two portions. The first is seminars and hands-on lab demonstrations where participants will experience how to synthesize and use core TR&D platforms. The second is an entrepreneurial showcase where participants create and pitch a novel immunoengineering solution using a combination of the TR&D technologies.

Target Audience
Postdoctoral scholars and candidates pursuing research-intensive and clinically focused advanced degrees, including but not limited to those in Ph.D., M.D., and PharmD granting programs.

Dates
Event: July 22 – 24, 2024

Location
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Pava Marie LePere Center for Entrepreneurship.

Prize
Plaque to winning team

Event Flyer
Speakers Guest Judges
Jonathan Schneck, PhD Matt Lawler
Jamie Spangler, PhD Matt Tremblay
Joel Sunshine, PhD Scott Carmer
Youseph Yazdi

Frequently Asked Questions

What prior knowledge do applicants need to participate?

A knowledge of introductory immunology is recommended for participants.

Do I need to have an established team to apply?

Individuals are encouraged to apply! Teams will be formed to cover the scope of TR&D platform interests and training backgrounds.

What is the cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate in the event. Reagents, meals, and lodging (if required) will be covered for applicants selected to attend. Please note that lodging availability is at the discretion of the organizers and will be prioritized for non-local attendees.

I have an existing IP, can I incorporate this into the case competition?

While the program seeks to attract attendees from a diverse set of backgrounds, participants are encouraged to generate creative solutions in solving the prompts.

I am unable to attend the dates list, can I participate virtually?

Due to the nature of the program, we are unable to accommodate virtual attendees. However, we encourage those who cannot attend to register for upcoming virtual JH-TIE workshops.

Competition Topics with Unmet Clinical Needs Team Therapeutic Approaches
Rheumatology: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Local Reprograming of Autoreactive B Cells
Oncology: Glioblastoma Mutliforme EGFR Mutation Screening for Adoptive Cell Therapy

Dual Nanoparticle and CART-T Cell Therapy Targeting EGFRv3

EGFR-Targeting Cisplatin Lipid Nanoparticles
Neurology: Monocyte Drive-Stroke Monocyte-Targeting PD-L1 Conjugated Nanoparticles

Bispecific Trem2-PD-L1 Antibodies

The winning team was, “Combinatorial Treatment with Dual Targeting Nanoparticles and CAR T Cells to Treat Glioblastoma.” Team members included Yuyi Zhu (University of Maryland), Geoffrey Rouin (Penn State University), Noha Ghonim (University of Maryland), and Sara Crane (University of Maryland).