Meharry Medical college proposes the continuation of its Research Centers of Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology. The overall goal of the Center is to continue a strong research effort in membrane biology as a vehicle through minority junior high, high school, and college students can develop strong interest in a science career. In addition the center will continue to develop strategies to strengthen partnerships with industry and academic. Research results have shown an explosion of knowledge which elucidates the molecular mechanisms and structures that are responsible for complex processes such as cell growth and division, metabolism, differentiations, and development. More significantly, the new methods that have developed concurrently with this knowledge provide a way to manipulate molecules and observe biochemical changes in living systems. The project meets the major goal of the Minority Research Centers of Excellence (MRCE) program: to increase the minority presence in science and engineering by making substantial resources available to upgrade the research capabilities of strong and productive minority institutions. This project will allow the institution to continue to use research as a tool to increase the effectiveness of related science and engineering activities for minority group in its region. In addition, the project will provide opportunities for minority faculty and students at Meharry and nearby institutions to engage in meritorious research that leads to publications in refereed journals.
