Following a series of workshops focused on sparking new research teams to generate funding opportunities with the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Research and Economic Development has awarded seed funding to four faculty teams. Each project will focus on pathogen-host interactions.
Nebraska research administrators and faculty selected (Arts and Sciences faculty in italics):
- Adherent and invasive coli in inflammatory bowel disease: an infection or an inside job?: Amanda Ramer-Tait and Andrew Benson, food science and technology; and Clay Cressler, School of Biological Sciences.
- Systems-driven personalized therapeutic intervention: Tomas Helikar, biochemistry; Deborah Brown, School of Biological Sciences; and Janell Walther, University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.
- Molecular mechanisms of synergy between the human host and gut commensal Bacteroides species against Candida albicans infection: Wayne Riekhof, School of Biological Sciences; Nicole Buan, biochemistry; and Ken Nickerson, School of Biological Sciences.
- Microbial isocyanide natural products in health and disease: Mark Wilson, biochemistry; Wayne Riekhof, School of Biological Sciences; and Nicole Iverson, biological systems engineering.
Nebraska Research’s Jumpstart began with a goal to engage researchers across disciplines interested in exploring new research partnerships and funding opportunities.
At a May kickoff event, more than 130 faculty participants identified many research questions in which they believed Nebraska could make a critical impact on biomedical, behavioral, social and educational science. Administrators narrowed this list of questions into three focus areas: pathogen-host interactions; biomedical engineering; and social, behavioral and educational research. Two subsequent workshops, facilitated by Knowinnovation, involved team forming, team building and idea development in the topic of pathogen-host interactions. Eight teams ultimately submitted applications for seed funding.
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