The Armstrong Fund for Science

Press Release

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE May 15, 2007

Contact: Barbara Pearson, 413-545-2706

ARMSTRONG FUND FOR SCIENCE SUPPORTS
BOLD VISIONS IN THE LIFE SCIENCES AT UMASS

AMHERST , Mass. – The first UMass Amherst Armstrong Fund for Science awards have been given to an immunologist and materials scientist. Janice Telfer of the Veterinary and Animal Science department and Harry Bermudez of the Polymer Science and Engineering department, both assistant professors, will work on life sciences related projects in the areas of stem cells and drug and gene delivery vehicles, implants, and sensors, respectively. They were recognized at the campus's annual Research Recognition dinner on May 15 and funding will commence in July 2007.

John and Elizabeth Armstrong established the Armstrong Fund for Science in 2006 to recognize researchers with aggressive research visions. “Elizabeth and I want to promote major scientific advances in society by supporting researchers with bold vision, documented credentials, and a passion for results,” says John Armstrong, who is a trustee of UMass, co-chair of the Trustees' committee on Science, Technology, and Research, and vice president of the UMass Amherst Foundation Board of Directors. Grants are made from this fund, administered by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, on an annual basis using a competitive proposal process. “ We were really struck that there is so much interest!” notes Elizabeth Armstrong on the enthusiastic seventeen proposals submitted for this program in its inaugural year.

A major criterion for the award is the researchers' willingness to challenge conventions in their field. The research should represent a new initiative: either a bold, new line of research, or the application of prior research to a field that has no precedent for it. Junior faculty and women faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines were encouraged to apply. “We greatly appreciate the Armstrongs' generosity and confidence in our institution and faculty,” says Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Paul Kostecki. “Giving our faculty opportunities to excel in their research is an extraordinary gesture. The Armstrongs are visionary and exemplary members of our community,” continues Kostecki.

Dr. Telfer's project investigates the adult stem cells responsible for forming blood and other cells in the immune system. According to Telfer, “These stem cells are the key players in bone marrow transplants, the most commonly used stem cell therapy used to treat disease today.” She has already identified an important protein factor [Runx1] which expands the capacity of the blood forming cells. When applied to bone marrow transplants, this work has the potential to make them safer and more effective.

Dr. Bermudez' work also aims to improve the treatment of disease. "Tumor cells,” he explains, “often modify their surfaces to avoid or delay the body's immune response, but they can still be identified by the presence of different formations of chemicals, especially peptides." Bermudez intends to create a “library” of cell surface patterns, so that diseased cells which have disguised their surfaces can be quickly recognized and treated.

As part of the program requirements, both projects will have public lectures at the end of their duration.

For more information, see www.umass.edu/research/armstrongfund.html

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