COBRE

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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., College of Osteopathic Medicine as Dean and Vice President for 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., Professor of Pharmacology, Interim Dean of College of Pharmacy

Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

Michael Sheldon, P.T., Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Director, Department of Physical Therapy, Interim Provost 

External Advisory Committee

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

  • 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

COBRE Administration

Center Director

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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Center Coordinator

Jennifer Malon, M.S., M.P.H.
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Related Centers

Individual Development Plans