By Alexandra Macia
Special from UTPB
Biology professor and Director of the Biomedical Research Center Dr. Xuemin Xu is a new Advisory Committee board member for the Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative (TRC4).
TRC4’s mission is to “transform trauma care both on the battlefield and in the civilian sector.” The committee’s role is to oversee and support their launch at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.
“The new trauma care research center will be the first and only of its kind in the United States,” Xu said.
Their focus is improving trauma care in the United States. Regents of the University of Texas System and the Texas Legislature approved over $20 million in funding to establish TRC4, in partnership with the Department of Defense.
In addition to his work for TRC4, Xu is the director of the Biomedical Research Center at UTPB.
The new initiative at UTPB provides support to students and faculty in performing research, including training and mentoring.
“This center will greatly enhance the opportunity for students to engage in high quality biomedical research and train in the field of health and research sciences. The center will also provide a platform for research faculties to actively pursue individual and collaborative external grants, playing a facilitating role in their research endeavors,” said Dr. Xu.
He does all of this alongside making strides in his own research at the university.
Xu’s research investigates the molecular mechanisms under Alzheimer’s Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He utilized animal models and cutting-edge molecular technology to successfully identify a novel molecule that plays a significant role in ALS pathogenesis.
“Our groundbreaking findings not only enhance our understanding of ALS etiology and related neurodegenerative disorders, but pave the way for identifying innovative therapeutic targets capable of effectively treating or even preventing these debilitating neurological conditions,” said Xu.
The National Institutes of Health awarded Xu $2.33 million in funding over the next five years, thanks to his recent findings.
He says his research and presence on the TRC4 committee presents a valuable opportunity to represent UTPB and for collaboration.
“I am dedicated to promoting cutting-edge biomedical research and fostering related educational initiatives that significantly contribute to elevating our University’s ranking,” said Xu.
Student research opportunities at UTPB are available in biology and chemistry at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
