From the Labs
Houston, Texas
Volume 8, Issue 8
October 2009

Briefs

Wang recognized for contributions to genetic research

Dr. Jue D. (Jade) Wang, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, is one of two geneticists to receive the 2010 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award. Named for British scientist Rosalind Franklin, the award recognizes ground-breaking contributions in genetic research and hopes to inspire and support new generations of women in the field.

Wang received the award for her work with bacteria. She will receive $75,000 over three years. Wang primarily focuses her research on DNA regulation and seeks to identify small molecules and proteins involved in replication and additional regulators.

The awards were announced recently by the Genetics Society of America, the American Society of Human Genetics and The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation.

BIPAI doctor awarded Chapman University's highest honor for service

Dr. Anthony Garcia-Prats, a pediatrician with the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative received Chapman University's highest honor – the Albert Schweitzer Award of Excellence – for his achievements in bringing quality medical care to the children of Lesotho and Tanzania.

Since its inception in 1982, the award has been presented to individuals or organizations that exemplify the spirit and philosophy of the late Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a philosopher, physician and humanitarian.

Former U.S. Sen. George McGovern presented Garcia-Prats with the award during a special ceremony at Chapman University Aug. 26.

Rosenberg, Lee receives NIH high-risk awards

Dr. Susan Rosenberg, professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM, is one of 18 scientists nationwide to receive a 2009 National Institutes of Health Director's Pioneer Award presented to exceptionally creative researchers whose work explores new directions that promise to solve often age-old problems.

Rosenberg will use her five-year, $2.5 million Pioneer Award to study how the genetic material in living cells becomes damaged, leading to mutations and often leading to cancer.

Dr. Brendan Lee, professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM, is one of 42 scientists to receive a 2009 NIH Director's Transformative R01 Award presented to researchers who introduce bold ideas that have the potential to transform the way we think about and conduct science.

Lee will use his five-year, $2.3 million grant to elucidate the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) – a crucial molecule in cellular metabolism – and the enzyme argininosuccinic acid lyase, which he hypothesizes may play an important role in many common diseases associated with alterations in this biological chemical.

Both awards were announced by Dr. Francis Collins, director of the NIH, during a special ceremony at the NIH Sept. 24. The awards are granted under the NIH Common Fund's Roadmap for Medical Research program which supports cross-cutting, trans-NIH programs with a particular emphasis on innovation and risk taking.