Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium - HRBRC

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Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium - HRBRC

HRBRC’s objective is to address health disparitie

The Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium (HRBRC) is a state-sponsored partnership between Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Sentara Healthcare, and Norfolk State University. A dynamic community-based university research collaborative with a mission that drives health equity and economic strength in Eastern Virginia.

09/15/2025

You don't want to miss the Virginia Biotechnology Association's 10th Annual Women Building Bio 2025: Shaping Science, Shaping Futures Event on Wednesday, September 17th, at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia!

This is an opportunity to connect, engage, and learn with us and other life sciences professionals as we discuss expansive biomedical innovation.

Women Building Bio 2025 Events:

Opening Networking Reception
- September 16th, 5 PM - 7 PM
- The Hotel Roanoke

Conference
- September 17th, 8 AM - 4 PM
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Learn more and register soon using the link below:

https://members.vabio.org/events/wbb-2025

09/10/2025

At the end of July, we welcomed Dr. Michael W. Nestor, Board Director of the Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy-Research-Roundtable (GUIPRR), translational neuroscientist, and Chief Scientific Officer of Autica Bio, to speak at our fireside chat, "Why We Need the HRBRC: Local and National Perspectives Panel Discussion on Research Infrastructure and Strategic Investment.

During the panel, Dr. Nestor deliberated with leaders of the HRBRC, 757 Collab, and Hampton Roads community about the HRBRC's role in supporting and evolving the research and innovation landscape for Hampton Roads, and leveraging its unique, immediate network with local universities, health systems, and the startup community.

Working with GUIPRR creates a national platform for engagement & collaboration in the biohealth sciences and tech research and innovation ecosystem, and enhances exploration and awareness of evolving needs and opportunities.

Learn more about GUIPRR here: http://bit.ly/4macNwJ

09/09/2025

Meet Dr. Chetan Kumar, an Old Dominion University Research Scientist with the Joint Institute on Advanced Computing for Environmental Studies, whose research spans across machine learning and artificial intelligence development!

Dr. Kumar has extensive experience developing innovative approaches for flood prediction and modeling, which is vital to protecting communities, informing and improving emergency preparedness, and supporting resilience against extreme weather events.

Dr. Kumar has also contributed to projects in brain-computer interface analysis, privacy protection through adversarial learning, and multimodal modeling, showcasing the breadth of his expertise across AI and data science domains.

Explore Dr. Kumar's work using this link: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2755-7338

With experience in teaching, mentoring, and a strong commitment to applying AI for real-world impact, the HRBRC strives to bring together and fuel professionals like Dr. Kumar through collaborative, trans-disciplinary efforts that drive health, advancement, and innovation.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day!

Thank you to those working in all industries across Hampton Roads continuing progress and innovation locally, and beyond.

Take a moment to celebrate the dedication and hard work you bring to work everyday. We hope you enjoy your Monday off and thank those of you at work today.

Have a safe and restful holiday!

08/21/2025

Wrapping up summer internships at the HRBRC!

This summer, we welcomed five talented advanced computing and public health students who brought fresh energy, curiosity, and a passion for health and biomedical research to our consortium.

Over the last few weeks, students have worked with research faculty and scientists on mathematical modeling and simulation, computational approaches and methodologies, and across active social sciences, medical, and environmental health research projects.

Thank you to our summer cohort for your hard work and enthusiasm. Enjoy the start of the academic year; we're excited to follow your journeys!

08/20/2025

We're excited for the upcoming Virginia Biotechnology Association's 10th Annual Women Building Bio 2025: Shaping Science, Shaping Futures on Wednesday, September 17th, at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia!

Connect, engage, and learn with us and other life sciences professionals as we explore and discuss the latest in the biomedical field in the region and across the nation.

Women Building Bio 2025 Events:

Opening Networking Reception
- September 16th, 5 PM - 7 PM
- The Hotel Roanoke

Conference
- September 17th, 8 AM - 4 PM
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Learn more and register using the link below:

https://members.vabio.org/events/wbb-2025

08/12/2025

Our Partnering Organization spotlight this week is on the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University (VHS)!

Formerly Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), VHS builds on a longstanding legacy of educating clinicians, providers, and researchers while serving the Hampton Roads community. Since its formal integration with ODU last summer and through its strategic collaboration with Norfolk State University (NSU), ODU, and Sentara Health, VHS has expanded its mission and impact.

Now home to five colleges, Eastern Virginia Medical School, the Ellmer College of Health Sciences, the Ellmer School of Nursing, the EVMS School of Health Professions, and the Joint School of Public Health, VHS is helping shape the future of medical education, training, care, and research and innovation across the region and beyond.

VHS is committed to excellence in education, research, and patient care while fostering a diverse and collaborative community. With a strong ethical foundation, its goal is to improve public health outcomes and grow as a national leader in medicine and the health sciences.

As a dedicated Participating Organization of the HRBRC, VHS has been key in advancing initiatives in proteomics and genomics, maternal and fetal medicine, and the use of advanced computing in healthcare and public health. We’re proud to collaborate with VHS and celebrate its local, national, and global impact.

08/06/2025

Did You Know?

An infant's spine is c-shaped and contains more vertebrae than an adult's spine! Formed during fetal development, this c-shaped spine is flexible and helps maintain alignment, distribute pressure, support digestion, and regulate temperature, making it key to a child's growth and development, and therefore key in medical training and diagnostics.

The HRBRC teamed together with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Sentara Center for Healthcare Simulation and Immersive Learning to develop a realistic 3D-printed baby spine for use in training and practicing the infant lumbar puncture.

Using the Stratasys J850 3D printer at HRBRC HQ, the team created a clear silicon-encased model of the infant spine, which can accurately simulate the movement and separation of the spinal plates, offers realistic anatomical landmarks, and is even equipped for fluid aspiration.

This model will help shape the next generation of pediatric care providers, and it's just the beginning. Stay tuned as the team shifts gears to develop a full-body infant training model, and shout out to Patrick and Caleb for their work in the lab!

07/29/2025

On July 19th, a few members of our HRBRC team participated in Operation Smile's second annual STEAMCON event in Virginia Beach.

Events like this offer young minds a chance to explore the sciences, arts, math, and technology, engage directly with the cutting-edge technologies, and connect with professionals and creatives across industries all in a day's work.

At our table, we showcased our 3D scanner and prototypes and chatted with kids, families, and others about designing and prototyping advanced medical training models, helping to inspire the next generation of biomedical researchers.

We were especially honored to collaborate with Operation Smile, an organization whose work continues to make a meaningful difference both in our community and around the world, and share the experience with other vendors and organizations. We look forward to next year!

07/17/2025

Operation Smile's STEAMCON event is this Saturday, July 19th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Anthony L. and Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center in Virginia Beach!

Free and open to the public, we're celebrating the arts, sciences, technology, math, and engineering through interactive workshops, hands-on displays, inspiring talks, and lots of opportunities to connect.

Stop by the HRBRC's table to check out our 3D printed models and 3D scanning in action, and chat with a few of our team members!

With over 40 vendors and food trucks on site and over 300 families already registered, it's shaping up to be a full house and exciting weekend. Join us, and hope to see you there!

📍 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA
🕐 July 19th, 10 AM - 2 PM

🎟️ Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/operation-smile-steamcon-tickets-1316658223189

07/16/2025

Summer in Hampton Roads can bring high temps and serious humidity. Here are a few smart tips to help you and your family beat the heat:

💧 Hydrate - Early and often! Keep a water bottle with you and drink regularly even if you’re not thirsty. Consider replenishing electrolytes with packets like LMNT, Gatorade, LiquidIV, DripDrop, and others!

☀️ Dress for the heat - Wear light-colored, breathable, sweat-wicking clothing. Sunscreen is a must!

🏖️ Schedule your outdoor activity and beach time - Avoid direct sun exposure during peak solar hours, 11 am – 4 pm. And remember, peak heat lasts a bit longer, closer to 6 pm!

🏠 Hang out indoors - It doesn't hurt to spend time in air-conditioned spaces. Check out local libraries, museums, theaters, shops, and community centers, and check out the cooling shelters in the area.

🐾 It’s hot out there – and even hotter for your dogs. Walk them early or late, stick to shady sidewalks and grass paths, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion like heavy panting, red gums, or confusion. If you’re too hot, they definitely are. Don’t forget water for both of you! 💧

⚠️ Understand the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in humans - Warning signs can include headache, high body temperature, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, confusion, and rapid heart beat, among others. If you or someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, call for medical help immediately and take steps to cool down: move to a cool space, apply cool water or ice packs, remove excess clothing, and if fully conscious, drink water. Heat exhaustion and stroke are serious medical events. Learn more about each here: https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/extreme-heat

Stay cool and look out for one another! 🌊

07/07/2025

Farmers Market Series Part 3!

Fresh finds. Local, organic produce. We're wrapping up our series with a few must-visit stops! If you're shopping local this season, these belong on your list.

🥦 The Farmers' Market at City Park: Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8 am - 12 pm at 900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake, VA.

🥕 Buckroe Beach Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm at 100 S 1st Street Hampton, VA.

🌸 Ghent Farmers Market: Every first and third Friday of each month, 4 pm - 7pm at 730 Spotswood Ave, Norfolk, VA

Check out our previous posts to see all the markets we're shopping at this summer!

Address

1070 University Boulevard , Suite 2105
Portsmouth, VA
23703

Website

http://hrbrc.org/

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