We are pleased to announce the recruitment of two new BMB faculty. Dr. Jun-yong Choe will join us effective January, 2008. Dr. Choe studies the structure-based mechanism of the lactose permease, glucose transporter, and other sugar transporters using x-ray crystallography combined with an array of biochemical and biophysical approaches. Dr. Kyoung Joon Oh joined the department in May, 2007. Dr. Oh’s research focuses on the use of EPR to elucidate the interactions and spatial relationships between the protein components that mediate apoptosis. In addition to setting up his own independent research program, Joon is establishing a University EPR center that will contain state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Congratulations go to: Dr. Eric Walters, who is part of the team of scientists that designed and synthesized a new drug for the treatment of drug-resistant HIV infections. Darunavir (Prezista®) was recently approved by the FDA and represents the first treatment that is effective against the growing number of drug-resistant strains of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS (More Info). Eric also has been granted a six month sabbatical at the University of Chicago beginning January, 2008 where he will study the molecular dynamics of membrane proteins (More Info).
Dr. Carl Correll for receiving a new 4 year NIH grant and Dr. David Mueller for receiving a competitive renewal of his NIH grant, both beginning April, 2007.
Dr. Marc Glucksman for receiving a new NIH subcontract and for co-authorship of a book entitled “Underground Clinical Vignettes - Biochemistry”.