Two University of Nebraska Medical Center scientists, Ming-Fong Lin,
Ph.D. and Dan Monaghan, Ph.D., were recently recognized for their outstanding
work in research during the UNMC College of Medicine Deans Research Symposium.
Dr. Lin, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology,
received the College of Medicine Outstanding Investigator Award. His work
involves researching improved treatments for those with advanced prostate
cancer.
“We are trying to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate
tumor progression in various stages of prostate cancer,” Dr. Lin said.
“However our current research efforts are primarily focused on the advanced
form of the disease. It is a great honor to receive this kind of recognition.
It really acknowledges the work of our research team.”
The Outstanding Investigator Award recognizes the accomplishments of
faculty who hold appointments in the College of Medicine at the assistant
or associate professor level. Recipients of the award receive $1,000. Selection
of awardees is based on research accomplishments as evidenced by journal
publications and extramural research funding. The UNMC Research and Development
Committee conducts the final selection of the nominees for the award.
Dr. Lin joined UNMC in 1995. He received his doctorate from the State
University of New York, Buffalo, in 1983.
“The work of Dr. Lin and his group is representative of the College
of Medicine’s commitment to the understanding and treatment of prostate
cancer,” said James Linder, M.D., interim dean of the College of Medicine.
“I am proud to honor him with the Outstanding Research Award and commend
him for his accomplishments.”
Dr. Monaghan, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology,
received the 2000 J.P. Gilmore Distinguished Basic Scientist Award. His
research involves the study of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which
play a key role in the formation of memory and neuronal cell death. His
research has led to the identification of four subtypes of NMDA receptors
in the brain.
“It is hoped that these studies will lead to the better understanding
of the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory, and provide improved
therapeutic agents for the treatment of stroke and epilepsy,” he said.
Given in honor of Joseph P. Gilmore, Ph.D., former chairman of the department
of physiology and biophysics, the award recognizes the scientific accomplishments
of established investigators with primary appointments in the departments
of anatomy and cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, pharmacology
or physiology and biophysics.
“I appreciate this honor,” Dr. Monaghan said. “It is a nice feeling
to receive recognition from my peers for the type of research our research
group conducts.”
Dr. Monaghan joined UNMC in 1989 as assistant professor in the department
of pharmacology. He received his doctorate in 1985 from the University
of California in Irvine.
Recipients of the J.P. Gilmore Award are selected based on recommendations
from colleagues and published research.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment, solid organ transplantation and arthritis.
During the past year, nearly $31 million in research grants and contracts
were awarded to UNMC scientists, and UNMCs funding from the National Institutes
of Health increased by 28 percent, going from $16.2 million to $20.7 million.
UNMCs educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals
practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.