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Nursing school gets first genomics lab of its kind

Written by Matthew Reagan

Thursday, 24 January 2008 07:58 PM

The School of Nursing will introduce its latest research venture, the Genomics Translational Research Laboratory, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday.

The laboratory is the first of its kind in the nation for a university’s nursing program, research associate dean Carolyn Cason said. It consists of actual gene and DNA study apparatus but, more importantly, will function as an environment for practical application of the research.

“It means we will be able to make ongoing significant contributions to the improvement of the health of society,” she said.

The university received $500,000 from the UT System for the research program, a partnership between the psychology, nursing and biology departments. Pickard Hall will house the project and will employ several instructors, researchers, and clinical professors.

Genomics is the study of the complete set of DNA in an organism. Patricia Newcomb, the program’s science director, said she hopes to use the findings on the front lines of medicine.

The significance of genome and genetic research lies in its importance in health concerns, such as disease prevention and particular medical issues, including illness prevention, and recognizing potential health risks in newborns, Newcomb said.

“Genomics includes the relationship between susceptibility and disease states and can address how nurses take care of patients,” she said.

The program will also give students a chance to get firsthand experience with modern research methods and procedures. Biology junior Shilloy Garman said she supports the program and thinks it could be a controversial issue.

“It is a good milestone for the university and a stepping stone for research,” she said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Monday Room 119 Pickard Hall.

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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 January 2009 04:35 PM )

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