Jordan Rowley, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, has been named the scientific director of UNMC’s Genomics Core Facility.
Dr. Rowley succeeds James Eudy, PhD, a molecular biologist who retired this month after serving as the core’s inaugural director for the past 24 years.
Today, the facility supports the research of more than 140 independent laboratories annually, which includes researchers from across the University of Nebraska System and other academic research institutions.
“I’m excited to facilitate the future of genomics research at UNMC,” Dr. Rowley said. “The Genomics Core is committed to making innovations in genomics effortless and affordable for each researcher — from enabling students to test their first hypotheses to working with established investigators on launching large-scale projects.
“We’re building a core that doesn’t just provide data, but partners with researchers to empower discovery. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Jim Eudy for his years of dedicated service and for laying the foundation on which we’re continuing to grow. This is an exciting new chapter, and we’re ready to help drive the next wave of breakthroughs.”
Housed in Durham Research Center II, the UNMC Genomics Core Facility provides genomic services on a fee-for-use basis to the academic research community, including Next Generation DNA Sequencing services utilizing Illumina technology, single cell genomics assays by 10x Genomics and Nanostring technology targeted gene expression assays.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Rowley as the new scientific director of the Genomics Core,” said Tess Kuenstling, PhD, assistant vice chancellor for research resources. “Dr. Rowley’s expertise and vision will strengthen the foundation built by Dr. Eudy and increase our capabilities to support cutting-edge research across the research enterprise.”
Dr. Rowley’s goals include making genomic technologies more widely feasible, cost-effective and sustainable. In addition, he wants to expand core capabilities to include long-read sequencing, native DNA methylation detection, chromatin accessibility assays and protein occupancy mapping. To increase researcher engagement and build institutional capability, he said, hands-on training and bootcamps in genomic methodologies and data interpretation will be offered.
“Through a combination of grant partnerships, educational outreach and customized service flexibility, updates to the Genomics Core will enhance affordability, broaden service offerings, and accelerate research partnerships at UNMC and beyond,” he said.
The Genomics Core has received support from several sources, Dr. Kuenstling said, including the National Institute for General Medical Science INBRE – 5P20GM103427-21 grant, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Support Grant – 5P30CA036727-36, and the Nebraska Research Initiative.