The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for the Study of Pain and Sensory Function
The UNE Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for the Study of Pain and Sensory Function was established in 2012 through funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The center’s mission is to significantly contribute to the scientific understanding of the neurobiology of chronic pain, facilitating the discovery and development of novel therapies. The primary focus of the center is to provide support to junior scientists as they establish individual independent research programs. Several COBRE-supported investigators have been successful in receiving extramural awards.
Aims
- Create a critical mass of neuroscience researchers necessary to sustain a vibrant and competitive research center. The center supports four promising junior scientists, administers a pilot project grant program to fund additional investigators, and provides start-up funds for the recruitment of new faculty.
- Expand neuroscience research infrastructure, providing core facilities that allow investigators to carry out cutting-edge research. Two core facilities, the Behavioral Core and the Histology and Imaging Core, provide researchers access to specialized instrumentation and equipment, as well as the training and expertise needed to use it. In addition, the Center is sponsoring the renovation of laboratory space specifically designed for the assessment of animal behavior.
Advisory Committees
The Center is pleased to enlist the advice and expertise of its internal and external advisory committees. The internal advisory committee is comprised of exceptional scientists and leaders from within the University of New England community. The external advisory committee includes internationally-recognized scientists who are leaders in the areas of sensory neurobiology, pain and drug discovery. Both committees will be essential in building a vibrant and competitive research center that promotes the health sciences at UNE.
Internal Advisory Committee
Jane Carreiro, D.O., Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vice President Health Affairs
Ian Meng, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine; Director of the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences
David Mokler, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology, Interim Chair, Department of Biomedical Science
Karen Houseknecht, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Research and Scholarship, Professor of Pharmacology
Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences
Michael Sheldon, P.T., Ph.D., Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
External Advisory Committee
James C. Eisenach, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology and Physiology & Pharmacology, Forest School of Medicine
Yves De Koninck, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Laval Université, Quebec, Canada
Jon Levine, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco
Frank Porreca, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona
COBRE Mentors
- Derek Molliver, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Biomedical Science Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Ian Meng, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine; Director of the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences
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Ling Cao, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Biomedical Science Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine
COBRE Consultants
- Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
News
New microscope brings cutting edge technology to UNE
A new 2-photon microscope will be a resource for students and faculty at UNE, as well as scientists across southern Maine. It provides new and...
UNE students, faculty and professional staff attend world’s largest neuroscience meeting
Sixteen faculty, professional staff and students from the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences (CEN) recently participated in the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting in...
Research by a member of Ling Cao’s laboratory published in neuroscience journal
A study led by Alexa Wakley, Ph.D., post-doctoral fellow in the Ling Cao laboratory, was recently published in eNeuro , an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal...