From the Labs
Houston, Texas
Volume 5, Issue 6
August 2006

Briefs

Neuroscientist awarded for spinal cord injury research

A spinal cord injury scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston was recognized for outstanding contributions to the advancement of spinal cord injury repair at the American Spinal Injury Association annual conference.

Stephen Davies, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurosurgery at BCM, was presented with the Erica Nader award, given every year in recognition of breakthrough research by an investigator in the field of spinal cord injury research.

The prize was awarded for Davies' 2004 published findings on a molecule called decorin, which was shown to suppress scar formation and promote nerve fiber regeneration when infused into spinal cord injuries in rats.

Stem cell scientist cited for leukemia research

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has recognized a stem cell scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for outstanding contributions to the advancement of blood cancer research.

Margaret Goodell, Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics at BCM and director of the college's Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center was one of five scientists nationally to receive the annual Stohlman Scholar Awards.

Goodell's research focuses on hematopoietic stem cells, which reside in the bone marrow and replenish the blood. She has been investigating the way in which stem cells are maintained in the bone marrow, studying the genes that regulate their ability to generate more stem cells and produce new blood cells. Her long-term goal is to identify ways to expand stem cells out of the body and to make bone marrow transplantation safer and more effective for a wider variety of patients.

Baker heads National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Carol J. Baker, M.D., professor of pediatrics, molecular virology and microbiology and head, section of pediatric infectious diseases, was elected president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases for a two-year term. She was also appointed to a four-year term on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Huston named American Board of Allergy and Immunology director

David Huston, M.D., professor of Medicine – Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, has been elected to serve a six-year term on the board of directors of The American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He has also been named chair of The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Program Directors Assembly.