UNMC researcher James Turpen, Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 23 researchers who will be honored at an April 6 ceremony for UNMC’s 2009 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.
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James Turpen, Ph.D. |
- Name: James Turpen, Ph.D.
- Title: Professor and vice chairman for education in the department in genetics, cell biology and anatomy
- Joined UNMC: 1983
- Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
Describe your research in laymen’s terms.
The objective of the Nebraska INBRE Project is to develop research capacity for the state. UNMC is the lead institution on this multi-institutional project that includes eight undergraduate colleges and two community colleges.
How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
The project contributes by fostering the development of research infrastructure for the state. This infrastructure includes both technological and human resources. For example, the project supports the development of multi-user core facilities such as Proteomics and DNA Microarray at UNMC and Bioinformatics at UNO. We also support the purchase of electronic subscriptions to major biomedical journals through the McGoogan Library of Medicine. The INBRE Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to become involved in cutting edge research and determine whether or not a career in biomedical research would be a good choice for them. As of this semester, 14 former INBRE Scholars are enrolled in Ph.D. programs at UNMC.
Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?
By the growth and maturation of the research enterprise on the undergraduate and graduate campuses and by development of the INBRE Scholars. To quote one of our graduating scholars, “this program was a life changing experience.” As an educator, providing opportunities to help students succeed is very rewarding.
List three things few people know about you.
- I dissected my first frog before an audience in a tent while at a Boy Scout Summer Camp.
- I began teaching biology as a lab instructor while in high school.
- I am an enthusiastic Corvette owner.