New Faculty Hired by the Initiative
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Bruce EatonPh.D. University of California. BerkeleyResearch: Chemical GenomicsDr. Eaton has pioneered innovative ways to synthesize complex "libraries" of RNA and DNA, and then use these libraries to discover new catalysts. These include RNA molecules that catalyze difficult organic reactions, or nucleate inorganic nanocrystals of different shapes and sizes. Dr. Eaton holds 28 U.S. patents issued and 73 pending. His inventions have driven the development of six biotechnology companies, including three in Colorado. |
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Rob KnightPh.D. Princeton UniversityResearch: Genomics and BioinformaticsDr. Knight develops new computational approaches to understand how genes for particular functions are distributed among organisms and environments. Analysis of the composition of genes and genomes, and, in particular, mechanisms that promote horizontal gene transfer, provides insight into how pathogens evolve to infect humans and into how different lineages of organisms adapt to both natural and artificial environments. |
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Melissa MahoneyPh.D. Cornell UniversityResearch: Biomaterials for Tissue RegenerationDr. Mahoney's goal is to promote tissue regeneration in the central nervous system. By developing polymer-based protein and cell delivery systems for embryonic stem cells, neuronal cells may be regrafted and replenished. Such materials can eventually be used for transplantation to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury. |
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Amy PalmerPh.D. Stanford UniversityResearch: Biosensors for Single Cell ImagingDr. Palmer uses "genetically encoded" biosensors, which visualize metals and enzyme activities within single cells by emitting light when bound to or perturbed by their targets. She has invented sensors for cellular calcium, and is developing new sensors for zinc and protease enzymes that go awry in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. |
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Christian RaetzProfessor and Chair, Department of Biochemistry, Duke University; Member, National Academy of SciencesResearch: Pathogenesis of bacterial infections, development of antibacterial antibioticsDr. Raetz has discovered new genes encoding enzymes that produce endotoxins, which are toxic, natural compounds found inside bacteria, and upon infection produce fever, inflammation, blood coagulation, and endotoxic shock. He also studies the catalytic mechanisms and structure of these enzymes, and designs small-molecule inhibitors of endotoxin biosynthesis with novel antibiotic activity. |
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Hang (Hubert) YinPh.D. Yale UniversityResearch: Protein engineering for targeting membrane receptorsDr. Yin designs peptides that target transmembrane regions of membrane proteins. He has invented new peptidomimetic reagents to control blood clotting by modulating membrane receptors on platelets. |
CU-Boulder Professor Marvin Caruthers Gives $20 Million To Boost Biotech Building, Bolstering Collaborative Research
