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.

08/25/2026

Quick update on our tripod components project with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)!

After a few iterations of the design, our team in the HRBRC Prototyping & Integration Lab has successfully completed and delivered customized tripod components to NOAA's geodetic survey team.

These tripod components help NOAA's team of researchers conduct geodetic survey work across the country, contributing to maintenance of the coordinate system, GPS infrastructure, aviation, and mapping for emergency response and navigation.

We're excited to see these components in action and to continue our work with NOAA!

08/17/2026

The Aquaculture Information Exchange hosted the "Advancing Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture, Additive Manufacturing, & Autonomous Platforms" webinar on Tuesday, August 4!

As part of the regional collaboration on the GO Virginia initiative led by Virginia Institute of Marine Science, researchers and project scientists from Old Dominion University ODU's Office of Enterprise Research & Innovation (OERI), OERI's Virginia Institute for Spaceflight & Autonomy at ODU, and the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium (HRBRC) shared how autonomous platforms, 3D design, prototyping, and additive manufacturing are advancing aquaculture and strengthening Virginia's coastal economy.

From developing practical solutions that improve day-to-day farming operations to creating technologies that support research, collaboration, and industry innovation, the webinar highlighted the power of regional collaboration and cross-sector partnership. It's inspiring to see researchers, growers, and industry partners working together to turn emerging technologies into impactful, real-world solutions.

Thank you to Virginia Sea Grant and the Aquaculture Information Exchange for making this webinar possible, and to our presenters, Patrick, John, and Hector, for sharing your expertise and the incredible work underway!

If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHhR8XENtHM

08/03/2026

Meet the final expert leading the conversation in the upcoming AIE webinar, "Advancing Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture, Additive Manufacturing, & Autonomous Platforms," tomorrow at 1 PM!

John Shull is a Lead Project Scientist with OERI's Virginia Institute for Spaceflight & Autonomy at ODU and a collaborator on the GO Virginia initiative to advance shellfish aquaculture, led by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).

Bringing over 15 years of experience and expertise in artificial intelligence, simulation, extended reality, and interactive visualization to applied research, John's work explores how emerging technologies can solve real-world challenges.

John will share insights on autonomous vessels and the BlueBoat platform, and leveraging 3D prototyping and design to support daily aquaculture farming, monitoring, and operations. He'll also share his prototypes, which have helped repair and restore hundreds of oyster cages for continued use.

Join Hector, Patrick, and John tomorrow at 1 PM to learn about how rapid prototyping and semi-autonomous systems are driving support and innovation across Virginia's shellfish aquaculture industry and the coastal economy, and how regional collaboration and exchange is driving research and innovation in aquaculture!

🔗 Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/VdrTuQ6YRr22paAUYJBsLw

07/31/2026

Meet another expert leading the conversation at the upcoming AIE webinar, "Advancing Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture, Additive Manufacturing, & Autonomous Platforms!"

Patrick Ball is our Associate Director of Operations at the HRBRC, where he leads operations for advanced manufacturing, prototyping, and applied research initiatives that support healthcare, education, government, and industry. He is also a collaborator on the GO Virginia initiative to advance Virginia shellfish aquaculture led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science!

From creating custom prototypes and solutions for partners at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to developing medical trainers and models for partners at Sentara Health, the Virginia Health Sciences, and the Uniformed Services University, Patrick is passionate about using prototyping and additive manufacturing to turn innovative ideas into practical applications.

Patrick will discuss the workflow behind developing 3D oyster prints for oyster farmers and their applications in supporting farming operations and processes. He'll also share insights from the team's trip to Maine in June, where they met with other oyster farmers and regional partners to visit farms and marine institutes and discuss challenges and opportunities for the industry.

Joint Patrick, Hector, and other collaborators on Tuesday, August 4 at 1 PM to dive into the world of innovation in aquaculture, right here in Hampton Roads!

🔗 Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/VdrTuQ6YRr22paAUYJBsLw

07/30/2026

Meet one of the experts leading the conversation during the upcoming Aquaculture Information Exchange (AIE) webinar, "Advancing Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture, Additive Manufacturing, & Autonomous Platforms!"

Hector Garcia is the Director of Technology for Collaborative Spaces at Old Dominion University's Office of Enterprise Research & Innovation and a collaborator on the GO Virginia initiative to advance shellfish aquaculture led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

With expertise spanning virtual and augmented reality, scientific visualization, rapid prototyping, and advanced simulation systems, Hector has dedicated over two decades to developing immersive technologies for research, education, and workforce training, and has worked on related projects supported by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Naval Research, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Hector will highlight how innovative technologies like 3D printing, prototyping, and additive manufacturing are creating new opportunities to support and advance Virginia's shellfish aquaculture industry.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 4th, at 1 PM and register using the link below. The event is free and open to the public!

🔗 Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/VdrTuQ6YRr22paAUYJBsLw

07/23/2026

Caleb and Emily had a great time representing the HRBRC at Operation Smile's STEAMCON in June!

Throughout the day, they connected with students of all ages and their families, and discussed the versatility of design and prototyping in healthcare, research, and innovation.

We loved meeting so many curious and passionate students interested in health, research, and creative problem-solving.

We’re grateful to have participated for a second year and are already looking forward to next year!

07/17/2026

We're excited to have hosted another student in the HRBRC Prototyping & Integration Lab as part of the 2025-2026 HRBRC Academy Scholars Program!

This year, we placed five students from Chesapeake Public Schools with research mentors from the Joint Institute on Advanced Computing for Environmental Studies (JI-ACES) and prototyping mentors from the HRBRC Prototyping & Integration Lab.

Our most recent scholar worked with Patrick and Caleb on a variety of projects, honing design skills, working with different 3D printers, and gaining multidisciplinary experience while learning about prototyping and additive manufacturing in research, health, and industry.

Programs like Academy Scholars help inspire the next generation of STEM leaders through direct experience, mentorship, and exploration of emerging technologies and applied research.

07/08/2026

As part of the broader GO Virginia Region 6 initiative led by Virginia Institute of Marine Science, HRBRC's Patrick Ball joined Old Dominion University OERI's John Shull and regional partners on a fact-finding trip to Maine from June 22–27 to explore innovation in aquaculture.

The week brought together industry leaders, researchers, and community partners for dynamic discussions on the shared challenges and unique opportunities facing the aquaculture industries in Virginia and Maine. The team toured shellfish farms and marine research institutes, and explored new approaches to aquaculture farm maintenance, operations, and innovation.

One practical outcome? A simple yet effective prototype: 3D-printed replicas of the smallest and largest oysters, giving farmers realistic reference tools to support the culling process. It's a great example of how prototyping can readily and effectively solve immediate challenges while informing long-term innovation strategies.

These collaborative exchanges are essential to advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative aquaculture industry. By building relationships across states, we're strengthening opportunities for research, funding, and the continued advancement of aquaculture regionally and nationally.

07/07/2026

As part of our joint project with Sentara Health, Sentara Center for Healthcare Simulation and Immersive Learning, and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Patrick and Caleb revisited an earlier iteration of the medical box trainer.

The medical box trainer - intended for clinical education and training - suspends an anatomically accurate, flexible infant spine in transparent silicone, creating a hands-on model for medical students to use as they explore the anatomy and mechanics of the infant spine and prepare to perform related clinical and surgical procedures.

With a few small adjustments, Patrick and Caleb have sent these improved medical box trainers to physicians at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical education and training.

We're excited to see how the medical box trainer evolves!

06/23/2026

The HRBRC is excited to participate for a second year in World of Medicine: STEAMCON on Saturday, June 27th!

Hosted by Operation Smile, STEAMCON invites families to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) while learning how medicine and service help children and their families around the world receive life-changing care and health education.

Stop by the HRBRC's table to meet team members Caleb Ralph and Emily Martin, see our 3D scanning technology, and get a hands-on look at a variety of medical models and prototypes.

This event is free and open to the public, making it a great opportunity for learners of all ages to explore the dynamic world of healthcare, technology, and innovation.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 The Anthony L. and Hideko S. Burgess Int. Register today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/operation-smile-steamcon-tickets-1989399964848

We hope to see you there!

Address

1070 University Boulevard , Suite 2105
Portsmouth, VA
23703

Website

http://hrbrc.org/

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