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- Posted Thursday December 19, 2013
TGen President Dr. Jeffrey Trent receives honorary degree from Northern Arizona University
Dr. Trent fostered partnership between TGen and NAU's Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Dec. 19, 2013 - Dr. Jeffrey
Trent, President and Research Director of the Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen), today receives an honorary
degree from Northern Arizona University.
Dr. Trent founded TGen in 2002 as a non-profit medical research
institute that is focused on applying advances from the Human
Genome Project to discover the molecular basis of disease,
identifying factors contributing to disease progression and
severity, and accelerating new drug development to advance clinical
treatments for patients.
He was pivotal in bringing opportunities in genomics and genetics
research to Flagstaff with the opening of TGen's Pathogen Genomics
Division (TGen North) and the partnership that created NAU's Center
for Microbial Genetics and Genomics.
TGen North opened in 2007 in the Flagstaff Airport Business Park,
and has since more than doubled its size. Support from local, state
and national leaders, including NAU President Dr. John Haeger, was
key to planning and launching TGen North, which has led to
significant scientific advancement and economic development in
Flagstaff.
TGen North scientists focus on diagnostic, analytic, forensic and
epidemiologic research related to deadly pathogens important to
medicine, biodefence and public health, including microbial
infections that contaminate our food and environment. These
activities are linked across TGen North's five research centers
for: Public Health and Clinical Pathogens; Microbiomics and Human
Health; Dangerous Pathogens; Pathogen Information; and Pathogenic
Fungal Genomics.
TGen North is led by Dr. Paul Keim, one of the world's foremost
experts in anthrax and other dangerous infectious diseases. Dr.
Keim is a professor of biology and the Cowden Endowed Chair in
Microbiology at Northern Arizona University (NAU). David
Engelthaler, the former Arizona State Epidemiologist and Arizona
Biodefense Coordinator, provides the day-to-day management of TGen
North.
The research capabilities of the lab include a variety of
PCR-based analyses, genetic sequencing, Biosafety Level 1 and 2
pathogen handling, forensic genetic analysis of biothreat agents,
and bioinformatic analyses. TGen North also has access to advanced
Biosafety Level 3 facilities on the NAU campus and the
comprehensive genomic research capabilities of TGen's headquarters
in Phoenix.
In addition to NAU, TGen North has many local, national and
international research partners, including universities, biotech
companies, security agencies, health care providers, and public
health departments.
Prior to forming TGen in 2002, Dr. Trent served for 10 years as
the Scientific Director of the National Human Genome Research
Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda,
Maryland. Under his guidance, NHGRI's Division of Intramural
Research became an internationally recognized research center in
human genetics.
Dr. Trent's research has provided important insights into the
genetic basis of cancer. He is the author of more than 300
manuscripts in the scientific literature, numerous book chapters,
invited reviews in the scientific literature, and hundreds of
invited lectures. He has received numerous honors and awards, and
has sat on the editorial boards of a dozen scientific publications.
He specializes in developing and integrating novel "omic"
technologies, supporting studies of molecular changes related to
the predisposition to and progression of human cancers and other
complex diseases.
Dr. Trent's faculty positions included: The University of Arizona,
where he was Deputy Director and Director for Basic Science of the
Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center; the University of Michigan,
where he held the E. Maisel Endowed Professorship in Cancer
Genetics, Professor of Human Genetics and Radiation Oncology, and
Deputy Director and Director of Basic Research for the Michigan
Comprehensive Cancer Center; and a continuing Adjunct Professorship
at Johns Hopkins University and Professor in the School of Life
Sciences at Arizona State University. He also is a Diplomat of the
American College of Medical Genetics.
And, he is a Member of: the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer
Center; the American Association for Cancer Research; the American
Association for the Advancement of Science; the American Society of
Human Genetics; and the American Society of Clinical
Oncology.
About 2,500 students will receive their bachelor's, master's and
doctoral degrees during ceremonies scheduled today in the J.
Lawrence Walkup Skydome on NAU's Flagstaff Mountain Campus.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
