SC EPSCoR/IDeA

The goal of the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research  Excellence (INBRE) is to increase the NIH research capacity of the state by programmatic expansion and networking of research activities of faculty and students at academic institutions through the state.

These SC INBRE goals will be achieved through faculty expansion at the three research universities in South Carolina: Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.  These Mentor Institutions work closely with the four 4-year institutions that are at an earlier stage, but at the frontline in South Carolina, in developing their research activities:  The College of Charleston, Furman University, Winthrop University and Claflin University.  Twenty-four 4-year institutions in South Carolina with bachelor degree programs in chemistry and biology participate in SC INBRE as Outreach Institutions.

Main Goals of SC INBRE-

(1) Providing access to resources for support of research activity at all institutions in SC;

(2) Provide training and resources for preparation of competitive grant proposals; and

(3) Develop competitive grants programs to involve faculty at Mentored and Outreach institutions, and provide a unique opportunity to enhance productive interactions among academic institutions throughout the state and thereby accelerating growth of biomedical research activities in the state.

SC INBRE Cores

South Carolina INBRE is divided into two main cores to promote specific activities within the network. 

Bioinformatics Core
The Bioinformatics Core provides facilities and services for the collection and interpretation of data from research performed by scientists at the participating institutions.

Outreach Core
The Outreach Core provides opportunities for those researchers and institutions not directly receiving support from the INBRE grant through programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Program and the Post-Doctoral Academic Career Development Program.

Current Opportunities

Summer Undergraduate Research in at Furman University
Furman is pleased to announce an opportunity for summer undergraduate research in physics, biology, chemistry and psychology.  As a part of a five-year award, Furman University will provide: Research salaries of $5,000 (NIH-INBRE, tax withheld) OR, summer stipends of $4,500 (no tax withheld) to students from other SC institutions participating in 10 weeks of full-time research.  Research will take place between May 17 through July 23. (Starting/ending dates are flexible with permission of the research advisor. ).  Participants work directly with Furman faculty members in exciting areas of biomedical research based on background and interest.  A primary goal for all participants will be presentation at a regional or national meeting (travel funding also provided), with the additional possibility of coauthorship on refereed publications. Students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply.  For an application or additional information, please contact Ms. Sydney Wood at Furman University (sydney.wood@furman.edu).  Also, view the brochure here.

Tenure-Track Biochemistry Assistant Professor at Winthrop  
The Department of Chemistry at Winthrop University (http://chem.winthrop.edu/) invites biochemist applications for an assistant professor of chemistry position. Application deadline is December 20, 2009. Materials received after the deadline will be considered if an acceptable candidate has not been found.  

This is an opportunity to work in a growing department at a top tier regional university that focuses primarily on quality undergraduate education. The selected applicant will work with the Department’s two other biochemists and eight chemists to mentor undergraduate research and to teach courses in support of Winthrop’s ACS Biochemistry Degree Track.  

The selected applicant will immediately become a target faculty member in Winthrop’s acclaimed NIH INBRE program for faculty development that provides funding for research supplies, for student and faculty summer stipends, and that reallocates a portion of the teaching load to focus on undergraduate research. We are particularly interested in applicants with a strong biochemistry experimental background who are passionate about undergraduate research mentorship, particularly students from underrepresented groups.  

Qualifications include Ph.D. in biochemistry or related discipline, passion for mentoring undergraduate research, expertise to teach biochemistry and general chemistry; potential for undergraduate teaching; recent research publications; and expertise in area that matches interests and complements current strengths. Email letter, CV, transcripts, teaching philosophy, teaching interests, undergraduate research interests, and 3 recommendations to chemistry@winthrop.edu by December 20, 2009

Recent Events

2009 Southeast IDeA Regional Meeting
November 9-11, 2009
The 2009 Southeast IDeA Regional Meeting, hosted by the South Carolina INBRE, was held in Charleston, South Carolina on November 9-11, 2009.  This three-day meeting offered presentations by NCRR staff and IDeA faculty, staff and students.  http://www.scepscoridea.org/SoutheastIDeAMeeting.

Oversight

Oversight for the activities performed as part of the INBRE grant are overseen by two committees:  the External Advisory Committee, comprised of researchers and administrators from non-IDeA jurisdictions, and the Steering Committee, comprised of leadership from the participating Mentor and Mentored institutions.

Research Projects

The presentations below were given at the 2008 SC INBRE Research Symposium.  They highlight some of the research being performed by INBRE researchers in South Carolina.

Material on this site is based upon work supported by the National Institutes of Health Grant Number P20 RR-016461 from the National Center for Research Resources.  Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the South Carolina EPSCoR/IDeA Program and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Institutes of Health.