MolGen Selected for Honor at Wright-Patterson

The department of molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology has been selected for an Excellence Award by the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The department will be among the honorees at an awards luncheon Friday, Jan. 27, at the Wright Patt Club.

The department was honored for a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense that allowed government researchers access to UC laboratory facilities. According to the award citation, "Over this period, researchers have coupled with UC to establish and execute over $15 million in research dollars and redefined research programs to be competitive with other world-class institutions in Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) work., systems biology, next-generation image analytics, human radiation protection, human biosignature characterization and novel sensor development.”

In addition to the molecular genetics department, the award cites Sandra Degen, PhD, current interim chair of the department, for assistance in her former role as vice president for research; Gary Dean, PhD, associate professor of molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology and Biosafety Level 3 facility director; Jane Strasser, PhD, associate vice president for research and director of research compliance and regulatory affairs;  Debi Galloway, associate vice president for research; Marcia Espinola, director, Biological Safety Office;  Erin Dunn, biological safety specialist and Institutional Biosafety Committee administrator; and administrative professionals Elizabeth Kelly, Rebecca Martins and Haley Smith.