The College of Nanoscale
Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany announced
today that CNSE Professor Yubing Xie has been selected to receive a prestigious
grant from the National Science Foundation ("NSF") for transformative
research and education that utilizes nanotechnology to understand and control
the interactions between cancer cells and neighboring cells, with the potential
to revolutionize traditional detection, monitoring, and treatment of breast
cancer.
The $400,000 grant was awarded through the highly distinguished Faculty Early
Career Development ("CAREER") Program, an NSF initiative that supports
junior faculty who exemplify the role of scholar-teacher through outstanding
research, excellent education, and the integration of education and research
within the context of the strategic mission of their organizations.
CNSE Assistant Professor of Nanobioscience Dr. Yubing Xie will lead a research
team that will use a novel direct cell deposition method to understand and manipulate
cancer cells and neighboring cells at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels,
which is crucial to understanding breast tumor progression and promoting anti-cancer
drug development. This in vitro study of breast cancer cell-stem cell interactions
has the potential to transform traditional cancer research, which targets bulk
tumors and uses expensive animal models.
In addition, Professor Xie and her research team will employ a unique learning-through-research
approach to provide hands-on nanobiotechnology education and training for students
at the graduate, undergraduate and high school levels - including Albany High
School students participating in the NanoHigh Program - and leading to development
of a nanobiotechnology workbook for use in the high school and undergraduate
curriculum.
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of
CNSE, said, "On behalf of CNSE, I congratulate Professor Xie on receiving
this prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation, which recognizes
her innovative and pioneering work, and further demonstrates the UAlbany NanoCollege's
world-class educational and research capabilities in the critical field of nanobioscience.
I look forward to seeing the significant contributions of this important research,
as well as the unique educational opportunities it will offer to students of
all ages."
Dr. Xie said, "I am honored to receive this award from the National Science
Foundation, which will allow for innovative nanotechnology-enabled research
and education to support improved detection, monitoring and treatment of breast
cancer. I am especially excited to work closely with students from the NanoCollege
and at the undergraduate and high school levels to further this vital research,
and to help shape an educational curriculum that will ensure critical advances
in providing effective and affordable health care in the future."
Dr. James Castracane, Professor and Head of CNSE's Nanobioscience Constellation,
said, "It is a pleasure to congratulate Professor Xie on the receipt of
this esteemed grant from the National Science Foundation. This project will
serve to further enhance the groundbreaking research and educational outreach
that is embodied in the UAlbany NanoCollege's growing presence in the area of
nanobioscience."
The grant from NSF will provide support for the project over the next five
years. The long-term goal involves establishment of a world-class cellular nanobiotechnology
program at CNSE, which would provide sustained and growing contributions to
integrated research and education in the area of nanobioscience.