Scripps Research Grant Supports Scientists and the Quest for Global Health Discoveries
As the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, ongoing scientific research is the key to the health of our global community. Our foundation is proud to support the research and development of future scientists through programs such as Scripps Research Florida and the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences in Jupiter, Florida.
Scripps Research serves as an anchor of scientific research in Florida, supporting the state’s standing as a scientific and economic leader in bioscience. The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research offers highly ranked graduate and postdoctoral programs developing future scientific leaders in integrative and computational biology.
A recent $500,000 grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation helped create a dedicated molecular image center and access to enhanced technology like cryo-electron microscopy imaging. This sophisticated technology will provide new knowledge to scientists regarding viruses, proteins, and other important biomolecules.
“With the literal emergence of the cryo-EM as a powerful high-resolution imaging method on the Florida campus, we have increased scientists’ access to equipment and training. We look forward to the detailed information it will provide in the years ahead, and we hope to accelerate the development of vaccines and drugs to combat diseases and conditions from Alzheimer’s to Zika,” said Tara Holcomb, senior director of philanthropy at Scripps Research.
Graduate students are now exposed to emerging technologies, such as the cryo-EM, and pursuing careers in structural biology. We are proud to support Naomi Bronkema as a Glenn W. and Cornelia T. Bailey Skaggs Graduate Student.
“Your generous donation allows graduate students like me to pursue our particular interests in life sciences,” said Bronkema. “As I have a particular interest in structural biology, I am currently rotating in the Farzan Lab, studying an RNA molecule which can have applications in vaccine design. My sincere thanks for funding research projects like this and my graduate studies.”
To learn more about Scripps Research and the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Studies, click here for more information.