Biological Sciences News and Events
Below are news items and events related to the Department of Biological Sciences. These include announcments of new programs, student and faculty awards, and events like the annual "Biology Bash."
New Research and Education Programs in BioSecurity
Under the DHS Scientific Leadership Awards for Minority Serving Institutions grant program, in April 2009, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded a grant to Cal State L.A. titled BioSecurity Research and Education Programs at Cal State LA. The principal investigator for this award is Dr. Howard Xu, an assistant professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences. This three-year grant supports a (1) research program focusing on development of rapid detection technologies for bacterial pathogens including select agents and education, (2) the establishment of a BioSecurity concentration within the BS in Microbiology program, and (3) student research training and internships in biosecurity for the development of the future workforce in homeland security. See the BioSecurity program web page for more information.
New Training Program for Stem Cell Research
Cal State LA is a participant in a new government funded program called Bridges to Stem Cell Research which is part of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The goals of this program are to provide comprehensive stem cell training and research opportunities for qualified students and to give our large, ethnically diverse student populations a basic understanding of stem cell research. Internships are available for BS and MS students as part of their academic programs in one of 63 research laboratories and 4 non-profit institutions. Visit the CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research web site for more information.
New Master's in Biotechnology Program
Cal State LA is one of four California State University campuses scheduled to participate (pending final approval by the Chancellor's Office) in a new Program for Applied Biotechnology Studies: Master of Biotechnology (PABS-MBT). This innovative two-year program is designed to provide solid training in the science skills fundamental to the biotechnology industry and a sound background in essential business skills. Students with bachelor's degrees in molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics or business and an interest in working in biotechnology, medical device, or bioanalytics companies involved in these areas are encouraged to apply to the program. Pre-application forms are being accepted for Fall 2009. (Applicants cannot be admitted to the new program until final approval of the proposal is given by the State through the Chancellor's Office.) Visit the PABS-MBT web site for more information.
Biological Sciences Professor on the Discovery Channel
Dr. Nancy McQueen appeared on an episode of the Discovery Channel's "Sci-Trek" series called "Killer Germs." This episode was aired in May 2009. The following description of the episode appears on the Discovery Channel's web site: "They're invisible killers-and they're everywhere. See deadly bacteria and viruses up close. And travel with the world's leading microbe hunters as they attempt to locate and terminate these lethal organisms before they trigger the next pandemic." The episode is also available for sale on Amazon.com. Dr. McQueen's research is focused on the structure and function of Sendai virus proteins as they relate to viral pathogenesis. The goal of her work is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in viral infection.
Biological Sciences Alumnus in the Los Angeles Times
Cal State LA alumnus, Ms. Julie King, was interviewed in an article in the Los Angeles Times that appeared February 4, 2009. Ms. King, a senior wildlife biologist for the Catalina Island Conservancy, discusses her work on the conservation of the Catalina Island fox, an endangered species that is making a dramatic comeback. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Conservancy, the fox population has increased from a low of approximately 100 animals in 1999 to its current size of 784. Ms. King graduated with an Master's in Science degree in Biology in 2004.