Share thisBCM Researcher wins NIH New Innovator Award
HOUSTON -- (September 24, 2008) --
Dr. Jue (Jade) D. Wang, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, is one of 31 scientists nationwide to receive the 2008 National Institutes of Health Director's New Innovator Awards, a program to support young scientists early in their careers.
"We hope to gain a deeper understanding of the principles that control fundamental biological processes," said Wang. "The findings will be applicable for treating and preventing genetic diseases and cancers."
This is the second year for the NIH New Innovator Awards Program and the second year a BCM researcher has received it. Last year, Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was a recipient.
"This award not only recognizes the innovation and novelty of Dr. Wang's work, but the fact that it is the second in a row demonstrates the manner in which Baylor College of Medicine seeks and nurtures researchers whose work is at the cutting edge," said Dr. Peter G. Traber, president and CEO of BCM.
"Nothing is more important to me than stimulating and sustaining deep innovation, especially for early career investigators and despite challenging budgetary times. These highly creative researchers are tackling important scientific challenges with bold ideas and inventive technologies that promise to break through barriers and radically shift our understanding," said Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, director of the NIH.
The five-year, $1.5 million awards are reserved for young investigators.
The project will allow Wang to conduct research to identify new ways that the cell controls how DNA is copied, which will give insights into many diseases and treatments.
"We are very fortunate to have recruited Jade Wang to BCM in 2006. I am particularly impressed by her intellectual ability and by her energetic interaction with all those around her," said Dr. Arthur Beaudet, chair and professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM.
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