Partnerships in Science Entrepreneurship
The Institute for Science Entrepreneurship (ISE) was founded in December 2012 by Dr. David Horn, Professor of Biology, Dr. George Bennett, Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Casey Watson, Professor of Physics.
Since its founding, the ISE has helped foster a culture of science entrepreneurship in the natural and health sciences among faculty, students, and private enterprises throughout the Decatur community and beyond.
Sponsors
The success of the Institute would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Since its founding, the Institute has received funding and support from the following companies and organizations:
- Andreas Foundation through the Community Foundation of Macon County
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- Brechnitz Group of Raymond James
- Busey
- Caterpillar Decatur
- Coleman Foundation
- Decatur Memorial Foundation
- Decatur Memorial Hospital
- John Ullrich Foundation
- National Foodworks Services
- Parke Warehouses
- St. Mary's Hospital
- Tate & Lyle
- Wild Bird Feeding Industry
- Zevacor Molecular
- A private foundation and several anonymous donors
Faculty
- Dr. George Bennett: Dr. George Bennett is a Professor of Chemistry. He teaches a variety of courses including Elemental Geosystems, which counts toward the Environmental Studies major and minor, Introduction to Research, which includes a vocational exploration component, and organic chemistry lecture and lab. He has also consulted for several chemical companies.
- Dr. David Horn: Dr. David Horn is a Professor of Biology and has extensive experience working with private companies particularly in the wild bird feeding industry. David regularly teaches the courses Introduction to Science Entrepreneurship and Creating a Scientific Business Venture.
- Dr. Casey Watson: Dr. Casey Watson is a Professor of Physics. Although he specializes in astrophysics and cosmology, he has extensive experience with interdisciplinary research projects in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. He also performs a significant amount of community outreach activities including Public Observation Nights in Millikin’s Requarth Observatory.
Students
Millikin students have played a significant role in the ISE as Institute for Science Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Fellows, interns, and teaching assistants.
- Institute for Science Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Fellows: Students conduct applied research with science companies and Millikin faculty, and assist with ISE operations. Fellowships are offered during the school year and summer.
- Internships: The ISE has internships available for students to assist with ISE operations.
- Teaching Assistants: Students are able to assist with the science entrepreneurship courses that are taught each year.
For more information about the ISE, contact Dr. David Horn at 217.424.6392 or via e-mail at dhorn@millikin.edu.