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- Posted Thursday October 18, 2012
TGen's and NAU's Dr. Paul Keim named AZBio's 2012 Bioscience Researcher of the Year
Dr. Keim honored Oct. 23 in Phoenix for work in pathogen genomics, microbiology and biodefense
October 18, 2012
Dr. Paul Keim, Director of the Pathogen Genomics Division
of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the
Cowden Endowed Chair of Microbiology at Northern Arizona University
(NAU), will receive the 2012 Bioscience Researcher of the Year
award from the Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio).
"Dr. Keim was nominated by members of the Arizona Bioscience
Community and selected by an independent, statewide panel of
leaders for this recognition of his research and innovation in the
field of pathogen genomics and microbiology," said AZBio President
and CEO Joan Koerber-Walker.
His award will be presented at the 7th annual AZBio Awards on Oct.
23 at the Phoenix Convention Center. An industry showcase and
student discovery session are scheduled from 3-5:30 p.m., and the
awards gala is from 6-9 p.m.
"AZBio's recognition of Dr. Keim is extraordinarily well
deserved," said TGen President and Scientific Director Dr. Jeffrey
Trent. "Paul's unique achievements in interpreting the microbial
genomes of pathogens - both those that naturally cause disease, but
also those made into weapons by terrorists - are of profound
importance. His research, coupled to his dedications to his
students and to the cause of public health globally, place him in
the upper echelon of premier scientists, and puts Arizona on the
map in this critical growing area of research."
Dr. Keim is a world-renowned expert in anthrax and other
infectious diseases. At TGen and NAU he directs investigations into
how to bolster the nation's biodefense, and to prevent outbreaks -
even pandemics - of such contagions as flu, cholera, E. coli,
salmonella, and even the plague.
"Our science has been completely transformed by the rapid
advancements of technology. Now, TGen's job is to rapidly advance
our science to make great impacts on human health. We have that
ability, therefore, we feel that we have that responsibility," said
Dr. Keim, a Professor at TGen and Regents Professor of Microbiology
at NAU.
Dr. Keim also is Director of NAU's Microbial Genetics &
Genomics Center, a program that works with numerous government
agencies to help thwart bioterrorism and the spread of
pathogen-caused diseases.
Since 2004, he has been a member of the federal government's
National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). He helped
draft national guidelines for blunting bioterrorism while elevating
ethical standards and improving the quality of scientific research.
Dr. Keim's work at the NSABB includes recently serving two years as
the acting Chair.
While TGen this year celebrates a decade of progress, TGen's
Pathogen Genomics Division, also known as TGen North in Flagstaff,
is celebrating five years of protecting human health though genomic
investigations of some of humankind's most deadly microbes.
"Paul Keim's work ranges broadly - from plague in prairie dogs, to
cholera in Haiti," said NAU Provost Laura Huenneke. "Here at NAU,
literally hundreds of students, both undergraduate and graduate,
have participated in that research and launched from there into
successful careers. His research group has also grown into the
strong partnership between the university and TGen North - a huge
economic development dividend for Flagstaff.''
With the recent completion of its Phase III expansion in the
Flagstaff Airport Business Park, TGen North now covers 11,000
square feet, 2.5 times as big as when it opened in 2007.
Besides its Biosafety Level 1 and 2 laboratories for handling
pathogens and conducting molecular epidemiologic and forensic
analysis of infectious agents, TGen North also has access to the
extensive Biosafety Level 3 facilities on the nearby NAU campus,
and the comprehensive genomic research facilities of TGen's
headquarters in Phoenix.
Dr. Keim's lab was involved in the investigation of the 2001
anthrax attacks. Anthrax samples from the U.S. House and Senate
buildings were rushed under heavy guard to Dr. Keim's laboratory
for analysis. At the time, the FBI didn't have a biosafety Level 3
lab. Dr. Keim's lab became the major repository for anthrax samples
gathered for comparison by the FBI from across the globe.
TGen North collaborates with local, national and international
universities, biotech companies, security agencies, health care
providers, public health departments and other institutions in its
quest to protect human health.
TGen North's newly developed tests include: rapid detection assays
for MRSA (a drug-resistant form of Staph that kills more Americans
than HIV); highly virulent strains of E. coli; and Valley Fever, an
important cause of pneumonia and neurological diseases in the
Southwest. Other TGen tests can detect antiviral resistance in new
influenza strains, and antibiotic resistance in a large number of
strains of hospital bacteria.
About AZBio
AZBio - The Arizona BioIndustry Association - is comprised of
member organizations in business, research, government, and other
professions involved in biosciences. AZBio supports the members of
the Arizona bioscience community by providing access to the key
resources, connections, and information that support their ability
to Connect, Collaborate, Innovate and Succeed thus supporting the
growth of a thriving economic ecosystem for Arizona's Bioscience
Industry.
Press Contact:
Joan Koerber-Walker
AZBio President
480-779-8101
[email protected]
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at
TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. For more
information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contacts:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
Cynthia Brown
NAU Office of Public Affairs
928-523-0611
[email protected]