One of the most impactful and influential examples of how the University is leading the way in research excellence is the BioInspired Institute, an interdisciplinary institute whose members examine complex biological systems, developing and designing programmable smart materials to address global challenges in health, medicine and materials innovation. On this 'Cuse Conversation, James H. (Jay) Henderson, the new director of BioInspired, and Lisa Manning, the founding director, share how BioInspired embraces an interdisciplinary approach to research, discuss the importance of introducing students to research opportunities early in their academic careers and explain how BioInspired and Syracuse University are helping more women and students from underrepresented populations get involved in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. They also explore the Cluster Hires Initiative, preview the second annual BioInspired Symposium and explain how they became passionate about research.