This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The overall goal of core A within the RCMI is to extend and further develop excellence in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics by hiring three new junior faculty members. Specifically, we proposed to 1) Extend our existing strength in Computational Biology (Aim 1); and 2) Extend faculty with essential skills in Bioinformatics (Aim 2).As indicated in the last progress report, searches for the first two RCMI faculty candidates were completed in the spring of 2006, and at the time of the previous progress report, we indicated that negotiations were underway with our two top candidates. We are pleased to report that both candidates, Dr. Fidel Santamaria and Dr. Kelly Sutter have, in fact, joined our faculty and have settled into their laboratories in the new BSE building. Both have become very active users of both the RCMI computational core and the RCMI imaging core.In the fall of 2006, the Department of Biology authorized a new search for an additional RCMI junior faculty in Computational Biology. In addition to resources from the university, this search is specifically for the last of 3 requested RCMI positions in this grant. The search was conducted in the winter of 2007. A total of 38 applications were received from which 7 candidates were selected for interviews which were held in February through April of 2007. Offers have now been made to the top candidates. Negotiations are currently underway with this candidate. At this point we anticipate that this candidate will accept the offered position. Space for faculty offices and labs has been allocated in the new Bio Science Engineering Building which was occupied in December of 2005. This building also houses the new Computational Biology Facility (also supported by the RCMI: see second year progress report for core D). As for the previous two successful hires, it is clear that the existence of this state-of-the-art facility as well as the RCMI imaging core has added considerably to the attractiveness of UTSA to this candidate. Future PlansWithin the next month we intend to finalize the recruitment of the last of three RCMI hires. At that point the RCMI faculty development core will have completed its obligations. Monies from this core will continue to support the salary and start-up requirements of the hired faculty.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 181 publications
