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Dept of Molecular Genetics |
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THE MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOLECULAR GENETICS INCLUDES:
THE DISCIPLINE OF MOLECULAR GENETICS Molecular genetics is a relatively new discipline that has emerged as a result of a of advances in the field of recombinant DNA and genetic engineering during the past 25 years. The ability to isolate, characterize and modify genes and introduce them into living organisms has revolutionized the entire field of genetics and much of biology as well. As a result of these breakthroughs, there has been a vast increase in our knowledge of the structure and mechanisms of regulation of genes from all organisms. According to Science magazine (Sept. 1992), scientists rate genetics and molecular biology as the most promising scientific specialty for opportunities during the next decade. Molecular genetics is highly interdisciplinary. It draws heavily upon recent advances in a wide variety of fields including biochemistry, microbiology, developmental biology, cell biology, medicine, and chemistry. Likewise, the results of research in molecular genetics have led to advances in many of these disciplines. For example, the ability to construct, insert and express custom designed genes in a variety of organisms is now beginning to have a major impact on agriculture. Advances in our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of many human diseases (including cancer, AIDS, metabolic diseases, obesity, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease) are attributable to molecular genetic approaches. Gene therapy has the potential to cure many diseases that may be difficult or impossible to treat using other approaches. The development of the biotechnology industry is based, to a large extent, on advances in the field of molecular genetics. Thus, even though the field of molecular genetics is relatively new, it has already had a global impact and will continue to be of central importance in the future of biology. MOLECULAR GENETICS AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY The Department of Molecular Genetics at The Ohio State University was formed relatively recently (1987). During its brief existence, the department has developed a strong reputation. Research in the Department of Molecular Genetics is focused on important, fundamental problems in genetics, cell biology and developmental biology which are being studied in a variety of eukaryotic model systems. These include plant and animal viruses, fungi, plants, worms, insects, amphibia, mice and humans. In spite of the diversity of model systems, all laboratories use similar genetic and biochemical approaches in their investigations, which has facilitated communication and collaboration between laboratories regardless of the organism being investigated. The quality of the faculty in the Department of Molecular Genetics is excellent. All of the faculty have active research programs and participate in educating graduate students in the classroom as well as in the research laboratory. The faculty have a strong record of funding from national agencies. The faculty publish papers in the top journals in the field and are invited to present their research at national and international meetings. Several faculty members are recipients of national research awards. Eleven excellent faculty members have been hired during the past ten years. All of the new faculty have established strong research programs and have attracted major national grant support shortly after their arrival. The strength and reputation of the our research programs have translated into a strong graduate program. The department also has a strong undergraduate program that provides excellent preparation for graduate or professional education or for careers in modern biology. OHIO EMINENT SCHOLAR, MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT INITIATIVES The Department of Molecular Genetics was awarded one of the initial Ohio Eminent Scholar positions in the State of Ohio. The departments receiving these endowed professorships were selected in a state-wide competition. The award reflects the overall quality and reputation of the faculty in the department as well as the importance of the research area to state-wide economic and educational needs. The position was initially filled by Dr. Alan Lambowitz and currently by Dr. Steven Osmani. The quality and centrality of the Department of Molecular Genetics was also recognized during the implementation of the Molecular Life Sciences initiative at The Ohio State University. The department was one of several programs at OSU that were selected for major enhancement. Funds provided by this initiative led to the hiring of four outstanding new faculty members (Park, Herman, Chamberlin and Hill). The Department was also the recipient of an award from the OSU Academic Enrichment initiative. This award facilitated the hiring of two exceptional faculty members (Leone and Weinstein) in the field of Human Cancer Genetics (in collaboration with the OSU College of Medicine and Public Health and the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center). Thus the department has established a strong, widely-recognized scientific reputation and plays a central role in the advancement of the molecular life sciences at OSU. |
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