Lannutti Innovation Awards

In memory of John Lannutti, PhD (1959-2022), Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at The Ohio State University and foundational faculty advisor to the Chronic Brain Injury Program (CBI), the Lannutti Innovation Award recognizes one trainee each year whose work embodies the spirit of Dr. Lannutti’s interdisciplinary, innovative, and transformative research.

John Lannutti, PhD (1959-2022)

Professor Lannutti was a fixture within Ohio State's Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) since 1990, when he was hired as an assistant professor. Nearly every student in the MSE program over the past 32 years had the privilege of knowing him. John was gifted with a propensity to educate and research with purpose. His career is marked by the thousands of Ohio State students who were inspired by his thoughtful and enthusiastic approach to developing future materials science engineers.

Guidelines

Nomination & Eligibility

CBI Faculty Members (Mentors) may nominate one trainee (Nominee) from their lab per year who has engaged in outstanding interdisciplinary, innovative, and transformative research. Trainees may be at any level (undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral researcher) and their research must be within the scope of the CBI key research areas. To apply for the 2024 Lannutti Innovation Award, please submit a single PDF document collating the following items to cbi@osu.edu by May 31, 2024:

a nomination letter (maximum 2 pages) from the Nominee’s primary Mentor, describing the nature of the Nominee’s work and personal characteristics; a second nomination letter may optionally be provided from a co-mentoring faculty member
a statement from the Nominee (maximum 2 pages), describing their research experiences,professional goals, and personal approach to interdisciplinary, innovative, and transformative research
the Nominee’s CV/resume, and
a supporting document exemplifying the Nominee’s research, such as a peer-reviewed publication,abstract, thesis, or appropriate equivalent.

Review & Award

Members of the CBI Faculty Advisory Board will review submitted materials for each Nominee and select one Awardee. Reviewers will represent multiple Ohio State colleges and disciplines. Additional reviewers may include University leaders and representatives for Dr. Lannutti’s family. Each application will be reviewed for completeness and compliance, interdisciplinarity, innovativeness, impact, and overall excellence.

Awardees will receive a certificate and a $750 professional development award, which may be used for activities such as presenting at a conference (travel, registration, etc.), career development activities, or independent research. CBI requests Awardees to provide a report after one year to describe how this award has benefited their training and career.

Questions?

Please contact cbi@osu.edu to learn more about the Lannutti Innovation Award.

2024 Awardee: Shulin Chen

I am a doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering. My research focuses on developing bio-integrated electronic systems, including the “E-Taste” platform for virtual reality, aimed at enhancing sensory experiences and improving the quality of life for individuals with sensory impairments. I am extremely grateful to my advisor, Professor Jinghua Li, whose invaluable guidance not only helped shape and refine this innovative idea but also corrected its shortcomings. Her support throughout my research and the application process has been instrumental to my success, and I am deeply honored by this recognition.

I am very grateful for the opportunity provided by the CBI Lannutti Innovation Award, especially for the valuable feedback from the award committee on my submitted materials. Their insightful comments have helped me refine my research approach. This award motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my work and supports my ongoing professional development.