|
The March of Dimes today announced it has awarded new grants to two North Carolina researchers. Scott Soderling, Ph.D., and Terry Lechler, Ph.D., both from the Department of Cell Biology at Duke University, have each received $150,000 to advance their studies. The grants are Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards, designed to support young scientists just embarking on their independent research careers.
The Duke University Department of Cell Biology and March of Dimes North Carolina Chapter are hosting a reception to honor the grant recipients on February 26, 2008, at the Nanaline Duke Building – Room 388 on the Duke University campus. Jane Massey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Office of the March of Dimes Foundation will be present to congratulate Dr. Soderling and Dr. Lechler.
Dr. Soderling’s work focuses on how a particular gene may contribute to mental retardation. Dr. Lechler is studying how certain genetic mutations may cause a wide variety of birth defects.
These new grants bring the total of current March of Dimes awards at Duke University to $1.5 million. The March of Dimes currently funds $3.3 million in research grants in North Carolina and the March of Dimes North Carolina chapter funds $335,504 in local Community Grants across the state.
Basil O’Connor was the first president of the March of Dimes. He served in that role from the organization’s funding in 1938 until 1972.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
|
