letterhead

NEWS Release

University News Service

P.O. Box 26170

Greensboro, NC 27402-6170

Telephone (336) 334-5371

Fax (336) 334-3418

(Posted 3-6-01)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Service Contact: Laurie Gengenbach, 336-334-5371

CELEBRATING THE FUTURE OF THE SCIENCES AT UNCG

GREENSBORO -- The new Science Building represents the latest -- and largest -- evidence of progress in UNCG's ongoing mission to invigorate its science programs -- a commitment undertaken five years ago.
Less visible are the numerous other initiatives and investments that have taken place. A few of the recent and significant projects to strengthen the University's science and technology programs include:

The Gene Microarray Applications Project (GMAP) - This project is one of the most important examples of the recent focus on genomics research at UNCG. By enabling biotech scientists to rapidly identify genes involved in specific biological processes, gene microarray technology promises to take the field of genetics from the horse-and-buggy era to warp speed. Through a commitment of resources and staff to this revolutionary technology, the University intends to make important contributions to this emerging field -- widely acknowledged as the most promising new frontier in the life sciences. The GMAP steering committee at UNCG was formed in 2000 to encourage meaningful research in this field, leverage investment, develop intellectual property and develop a training program to meet a growing demand for genomics experts. In doing so, the Gene Microarray Applications Project hopes to build a critical mass of talent and research and play an important role in the Triad's new economy.

Geographic Information Science (GIS) Program. This new post-baccalaureate certificate program, established in February, represents the largest program of its kind in North Carolina. Geographic Information Science combines databases, imaging technology, and visualization techniques to produce a layered system of maps that contain a wealth of highly meaningful information used in a wide range of fields including ecology, land-use planning, geology, industrial location, and environmental assessment. Demand is high in industry and government for skilled professionals in this rapidly-growing field. Offered by the Department of Geography, the program trains current professionals and those who wish to pursue careers in the field. They learn the use of spatial database software, cartography, remote sensing, research methods, statistical methods and GIS programming, design and applications. The Triad has several major companies specializing in GIS, or with offices of GIS, offering internships, research and career opportunities.

Research Greenhouse - A 3,000 square-foot research greenhouse, completed in 2000, now enables faculty and students to grow plants under carefully controlled conditions. It will be an important complement to the new Science Building's 1,500 square-foot teaching greenhouse. Supported by funding from industry and government agencies including NASA and the U.S Departments of Defense and Agriculture, genetic botanists at UNCG are exploring a wide range of new plants. Among these are drought and pathogen-resistant food crops, space crops, plants capable of detecting the presence of land mines or pollutants, and plants modified to monitor for bio-terrorist attacks.

Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling - Established in fall, 2000 it is the first and only program of its kind in North Carolina. A vital new force in health care, genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family. UNCG will graduate its first class in spring, 2002. During this full-time, two-year program, students combine classroom work with hands-on collaboration in area clinical genetics programs, including those at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill. Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply to the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) for Active Candidate Status and to sit for the ABGC Certification Examination.

Tech Transfer -- Plans are under way to establish an Office of Technical Transfer by June. It will be responsible for supporting inventions and research that can be patented and possibly turned into spin-off businesses. The office will be responsible for identifying and researching commercial applications for inventions and processes developed by University researchers. In the past two years, several innovations in the life sciences at the University have underscored the need for such an office. Research now under way at UNCG in genetics and in education is poised to produce marketable products, textbooks or school curricula soon after the office is established.

MS in Computer Science -- Established in 1999, the program is designed for both full-time students and working professionals. Most courses are offered evening or weekends. Current computer science faculty members have active research programs in database and knowledge-base systems, human-computer interaction, image processing, computational complexity theory, theory of computation, algorithms, and cryptography and security in computing.

Science Advisory Board -- Comprised of 15 representatives from Triad and Raleigh-area businesses, the board meets six times a year. It's purpose is to enhance the quality of the education and training that graduates of the science departments receive, and to make the science departments more relevant to the region's corporations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. Some of the board's activities include developing new internships for students, informing the community about the science programs at the University, and facilitating collaborative research partnerships between faculty and scientists in local corporations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.