(Posted August 19, 2003)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College recently signed an agreement with the Windber Research Institute in Windber, Pa. to collaborate on research projects and grant opportunities. In addition, the institute?s scientists will have the opportunity to lecture at Juniata.

?We are looking forward to a wonderfully productive partnership,? says Juniata President Thomas R. Kepple. ?In addition to our professional ties, this agreement will be a great opportunity for our students to pursue internships and employment. It is also an example of how central Pennsylvania can leverage the strength of each other for the benefit of the region ? together we have exceptional science capacity.?

The Windber Research Institute is a biomedical research facility that was founded to find cures for genetic and metabolic diseases. Nicholas Jacobs, President and CEO of the research institute, explained that this partnership represents ?another step forward in our efforts to assist colleges, universities and academic medical centers in their quest to find cures for cancers and heart disease.?

The facility?s scientists collect, classify and store a wide range of biological samples and then analyze them. Using cutting edge genomic and proteomic techniques, samples are studied at the cellular and molecular level to identify unique DNA or protein profiles that are associated with specific disease states. This is made possible by the application of high throughput assay systems and the application of bioinformatics and computer methods available at the Windber facility.

The institute?s research areas include tissue banking, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, bioinformatics and proteomics. Windber Research Institute is located on the campus of the Windber Medical Center.



Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.