Biology Professors Awarded Funding for Research

2019 Bioinformatics Pilot Project and Developmental Research Project Programs Recipients Named

Aiken, SC (06/11/2019) — The South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, or SC INBRE, awarded research grants to two University of South Carolina Aiken biology professors.

Both Dr. Nathan Hancock and Dr. April DeLaurier received research assistance for the 2019-2020 academic year.

"I am very proud of these two accomplished researchers and am grateful for their dedication, expertise and commitment to the development of our undergraduate student-researchers in the Department of Biology and Geology," said Dr. Chad Leverette, interim dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering.

"Not only do they conduct relevant research but they ensure our students are engaged in the dynamic process of discovery."

As part of SC INBRE's Bioinformatics Pilot Project Program, Hancock received up to $10,000 for a year for his study, "Analysis of an RNA Silencing Mutant."

This program hopes to "stimulate interest in the application of genomics and bioinformatics methods by supporting research and student training throughout the SC INBRE and South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute networks," according to SC INBRE.

Hancock will work closely with undergraduate students who will assist with the research.

DeLaurier's funding is part of the SC INBRE Developmental Research Program, or DRP. She and her student-researchers will receive $50,000 for one year and can apply for more support after that.

Her focus is on "Genetic mechanisms underlying craniofacial skeletal development in zebrafish."

The DRP helps "promote the career development of faculty within the SC INBRE network. DRP proposals focus on biomedical science and fit within the broad scientific focus areas of SC INBRE: regenerative medicine, cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, and bioinformatics," according to INBRE scientists.

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