College of Agriculture opens genomics research center as part of compact plan
In today’s high-speed world, recent discoveries happen daily and Utah State University intends to be an involved participant.
In his State of the University Address, President Kermit L. Hall announced the newly renamed Biotechnology and Genomics Research Center.
This new center will be housed in the existing Biotechnology Building.
Bart Weimer, interim director of the Biotechnology and Genomics Research Center, said, “This is a new name to signify the new focus of genomics with an existing focus of biotechnology. The center is focused on service and education, but a new focus of research is being added.”
The new center will merge the current role of the Biotechnology Center with an increased emphasis in the area of genomics.
“Genomics refers to obtaining the DNA sequence of organisms, like humans, animals, plants and bacteria,” Weimer said. “The BGRC is focused on agriculturally important organisms – plants, animals and microbes.”
Noelle Cockett, dean for the College of Agriculture, said the research center will benefit USU students.
The center offers great opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research, she said.
“Information on these scientific projects is being incorporated into lectures and more attention is focused on USU creating a better image and greater impact for degrees obtained from USU,” she said.
The research center is a part of compact planning, which allows the university to allocate funds after an assessment of department viability, for the College of Agriculture.
Weimer said, “The College of Agriculture has an initiative for genomics in the compact plan – requesting equipment, faculty positions and seed grants.”
Weimer said the college is incorporating a bioinformatics and functional genomics focus for teaching and research.
“This will create new classes and opportunities for students to conduct undergraduate research and to interact with faculty.”
No new money has been allocated for the Biotechnology and Genomic Research Center.
Cockett said, “However, numerous requests from numerous sources have been initiated, such as the Utah Legislature, private donors and federal agencies.”
-stacipete@cc.usu.edu