Applied BioPhysics, Inc. an analytical instrument manufacturer in Troy, NY, introduces Sandra M. Wells, Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska as the first recipient of the Applied BioPhysics Early Career ECIS Grant Program. This program is intended to foster the prospects of young scientists to secure initial NIH funding of their health related research.

Dr. Wells research investigates the causes and mechanisms of lung disease. More specifically, it focuses on determining the physiological mechanisms underlying the pathology of asthma. The ultimate goal of her research is to identify new therapeutic targets for treating this widespread disease. She will explore the role of serotonin homeostasis in the pathophysiology of asthma.

Dr. Wells will utilize Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) to conduct cell measurements in lung epithelial cells in vitro and employ mouse models of allergic asthma to explore potential therapeutic strategies in vivo. It is expected that these studies will establish a key role for lung serotonin homeostasis in allergic asthma, revealing new therapeutic targets in lung disease.

Applied BioPhysics accepts applications to for the Early Career ECIS Grant on an ongoing basis. The grant provides support of researchers in the pursuit of preliminary data for their first R01, and thus applications should be submitted 3-4 months prior to the intended NIH submission date. Scientists applying for initial NSF funding are also encouraged to apply. Foreign scientists applying for initial funding from their own governments should send a letter of inquiry describing their status to Dr. Christian Renken for clarification of eligibility.