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Ma wins 2004 Norman Hackerman Award

by Ruth SoRelle, MPH

Peter G. Traber, MD (left) with Jianpeng Ma, PhD

Jianpeng Ma, PhD, an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, received the 2004 Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research from The Welch Foundation at a February luncheon. The award included a crystal “rising star” sculpture and $100,000.

A native of China, Ma was influenced to study science by his father, a mechanical engineer, and his mother, a chemist. He received his undergraduate degree in physical chemistry at Fudan University in Shanghai and a doctorate in chemistry from Boston University. He holds a joint appointment at BCM and the bioengineering department at Rice University, an example of the collaborative atmosphere that is permeating the Texas Medical Center.

His work is at the cutting edge of structural biology, studying the relationship between the form and structure of critical large biological molecules and molecular complexes. His work demonstrates how to use the techniques of computational biology to study methods by which chemical reactions are prompted and regulate within these big molecular complexes.

Ma said that when he came to Houston, The Welch Foundation gave him his first grant.

“That grant made my work possible,” he said. “Now I have won this award.”

The Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s oldest and largest sources of private funding for basic research in chemistry, presents the $100,000 award annually to honor young, up-and-coming scientists at Texas institutions. Recipients are recognized for expanding the frontiers of chemistry through their innovative research endeavors.

Created in 2001, the award pays tribute to Norman Hackerman, PhD, long-time chairman of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board.

“Dr. Ma is an outstanding research chemist as well as a dedicated educator,” said Foundation Chairman Richard J. V. Johnson. “He is a leader in his field and his persistence and diligence are an inspiration to his colleagues and students alike.”

Ma is fascinated by the structure-function relationship of biological molecules. He uses computer simulation as one tool to explore this connection. One of his major breakthroughs occurred when he found a way to simulate protein motion without knowing the exact coordinates and amino-acid sequences of protein structures. His research will help scientists better understand the chemical basis of causes for diseases.

“Dr. Ma sets broad boundaries and is not afraid to delve into complex research problems,” said Hackerman. “He is able to see connections that other people would overlook and his innovative methods for solving such problems have allowed him to glean useful information that will further our fundamental understanding of chemistry.”

The Houston-based Welch Foundation, founded in 1954, has provided almost $500 million in support of science.

In addition to the Hackerman Award, its endeavors are focused primarily on chemical research in Texas, including a research grant program; an annual research conference; grants to chemistry departments at small and medium-sized educational institutions in the state; funding of 42 academic chairs in chemistry; and provides support at Texas universities for a visiting lecture series by prominent chemists and a summer scholar research program for high school students.

The Foundation also bestows the annual Welch Award in Chemistry to honor chemists across the globe for their lifetime contributions to basic research.

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