Faculty appointments at Baylor highlight research, clinical accomplishments

HOUSTON -- (August 9, 2006) -- The Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees has appointed four faculty members to endowed chaired positions.

Dr. Hugo Bellen, professor of molecular and human genetics and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, was named as the March of Dimes Chair in Developmental Biology. Bellen is the director of BCM's Program in Developmental Biology and is internationally recognized for his contributions to synaptic biology.

Dr. Amy Young, assistant professor of OB/Gyn, became the Henry and Emma Meyer Chair for Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Young has served as director of the OB/Gyn residency program, and her recent research focuses on the management of fibroid tumors.

Dr. Joseph Coselli, professor of surgery, was appointed as the Cullen Foundation Endowed Chair in his department. Coselli is chief of cardiothoracic surgery at BCM and chief of adult cardiac surgery at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital's Texas Heart Institute.

Dr. Mary Estes, professor of molecular virology and microbiology and medicine, was awarded the Cullen Foundation Endowed Chair in her department. Her research centers on the field of viral gastroenteritis, and she has conducted studies on viral gene function, molecular pathogenesis, and vaccine development.