Professor and Director, Pacific Biosciences Research Center
University of Hawaii at Manoa
My scientific background includes over four decades of experience in biomedical research, over three decades studying the functions of selenium and selenoenzymes in health and disease, and two decades in leadership roles. I have maintained continuous NIH funding since awarded my first R01 in 1993, serving as PI on two R01s from 1997 to 2000, and on three R01s from 2000 to 2007. My leadership, mentoring and administrative experience at the University of Hawaii at Manoa includes 15 yrs as Cell & Molecular Biology Dept. Chair (2004-19); 16 yrs as Co-chair/Chair, CMB Graduate Program (2004-20); 6 yrs as PI of the UHM Research Centers at Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program (2011-17); 4 yrs as Director of RCMI Investigator Development Core (2017-21), and currently, PI of an NIH NIGMS Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) P20 grant titled the Integrative Center for Precision Nutrition and Human Health ($11 million over 5 years, awarded March 2022). In Oct. 2020, I was appointed Director of the Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC, estab. 1960, currently ~130 employees). PBRC has a rich history in innovative research, education and training. A major goal of the COBRE is mentoring junior faculty to independence. I consider mentoring and training researchers at all levels as the most important contribution I can make to the scientific community as a whole.