Upstate announces new award offered for mid-career research faculty members

SYRACUSE, N.Y. —Three Upstate Medical University scientists have been named to receive a new award established by the university to honor mid-career research faculty.

Recipients of the Jacobsen Scholar Award, announced this month, are David Amberg, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; Wendy Kates, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences; and Barry Knox, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and ophthalmology.

"The Jacobsen Scholar Awards begin to fulfill the Engaging Excellence recommendation that we focus on retention of outstanding faculty through recognition and reward," said Steve Goodman, Ph.D., Upstate's vice president for research. Engaging Excellence is an initiative launched by Upstate President David R. Smith in 2006 to create a strategic plan for the university.

The award considers an individual's grant-funding record as well as other mid-career measures. Individuals who have served on the faculty for four to 25 years are eligible. The annual award carries with it a cash award and funding for laboratory activities.

Combined, the three award winners hold more than $7.3 million in external funding and pursue research in diverse areas.

Amberg analyzes complex cytoskeletal interactions within cells and his work impacts Sickle Cell disease and other disorders. He resides in Tully.

Kates, of Syracuse, uses imaging to study neurodevelopment in individuals with genetic or psychiatric disorders. Kates lives in Syracuse

Knox studies the molecular basis of vision and blinding diseases. Knox lives in Marcellus.