Thomas H. Rosenquist, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research at UNMC, has announced that Paula B. Turpen, Ph.D., has accepted the newly created position of associate vice chancellor for research. She will assume her new post March 1.
“I am extremely pleased that Dr. Turpen has accepted this new position,” Dr. Rosenquist said. “Her professional credentials include experience with the academic aspects of research and teaching, as well as the commercial aspects of product development, quality assurance and quality control. This unique history will make her extremely valuable to this office, as the UNMC research enterprise moves ahead.”
Dr. Turpen received her bachelor of science degree in biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and her doctor of philosophy degree in biology from Penn State University. Between 1984 and 1991, she was a post-doctoral fellow and then a faculty member in the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy.
“The idea of becoming involved in the business of academic science is really intriguing and this is an exciting time at the medical center” Dr. Turpen said. “I’d like to facilitate the transfer of scientific discoveries into the business community and help identify funding opportunities for campus researchers that match university goals.”
Since 1991, Dr. Turpen has served as director of the Laboratory of Cell Stabilization in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, focusing on the preservation of cellular information, specifically protein antigens and nucleic acids. With Dr. Turpen directing the research, the laboratory has developed numerous products that are in commercial use.
In addition to serving as general back-up to Dr. Rosenquist for the various functions of the vice chancellor, Dr. Turpen’s activities will emphasize the development of research resources and the development and implementation of the research strategic plan, as well as interaction with Sponsored Programs Administration and the Intellectual Property Office.