Julie Kurth, Communication Manager
(480) 727-9386 | julie.kurth@asu.edu
June 18, 2007
Scientific Pioneer Named to Biodesign Institute Advisory Board
The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University recently named acclaimed cell biologist James E. Rothman, PhD, to its advisory board.
Rothman is a professor of physiology and cellular biophysics at Columbia University, director and founder of Columbia’s Center for Chemical Biology, and chief scientific advisor and senior advisor for biomedical research at GE Global Research.
Known for his pioneer work on cellular transport, Rothman is a recipient of the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the King Faisal Award. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and its Institute of Medicine.
The advisory board is an elite 13-member group chaired by Stephen Benkovic, PhD, who is the Evan Pugh Professor and Eberly Chair in Chemistry for Penn State.
“Dr. Rothman is one of those rare individuals who has been simultaneously successful in the distinct arenas of academic and industrial research operations,” said Dr. Benkovic. “His analytical intellect and breadth of knowledge make him a tremendous asset to our board.”
Members of the Biodesign Institute Advisory Board provide external reviews of the institute’s research, which helps Biodesign leaders assess its strengths and where improvements are needed.
“The board provides objective feedback from top thought leaders in their fields,” said George Poste, director of the Biodesign Institute. “Organizational isolation is the enemy of good science, and so we consider this type of exchange critical to our success.”
The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University improves human health and quality of life through its work in health care, energy and the environment, global public health, and enhanced national security. By fusing bioscience/biotechnology, nanoscale engineering and advanced computing, it takes a team-approach to accelerating discoveries to market. It also educates future scientists by providing hands-on laboratory research for more than 250 students per semester.
