Cluster focus

 

The Genomics Cluster formed the nucleus of faculty for the Genome Center of Wisconsin, and these faculty work and collaborate with others from across campus with an interest in genomics research. The field of genomics focuses on probing and understanding the collective function of all of the genes and proteins encoded in an organism’s genomic blueprint. This requires the development of new tools to explore the sequence and function of the genome, as well as new methods of analyzing the massive amounts of data that are generated in the process. Genomics has the potential to make significant impacts on human health and medicine, by promoting the rapid diagnosis of cancer, isolating the genetic basis for human diseases, identifying emerging pathogens, and promoting disease treatment and prevention. Accomplishing these goals requires the combined expertise of researchers in different disciplines. The Genome Center addresses this by bringing together researchers from diverse fields across campus, including botany, zoology, microbiology, physics, biochemistry, computer science, engineering, genetics, statistics and mathematics. The center helps to nurture genomics research on campus via its large base of affiliated faculty and by developing collaborations among different academic disciplines. The center and cluster faculty have developed critical technologies in areas such as high-density gene chips, mass spectrometry and optical mapping.

Cluster accomplishments

  • The Genomics Cluster continues to develop and teach interdisciplinary courses. 
  • The Genome Center coordinates the Genomics Seminar Series and Technology Forum.  With the support of a UW Cluster Enhancement grant, these talks bring domestic and internationally diverse speakers to campus. 
  • In January 2008, the Genome Center hosted The Genome Center of Wisconsin Synthetic Biology Retreat bringing together faculty across campus to forge synthetic biology ideas and interdisciplinary collaborations. 
  • The Genome Center’s two training grants, Computation and Informatics and Biology, CIBM, and Genomic Sciences Training Program, GSTP, both received 5 year competitive renewals in 07/08.  CIBM has 52 trainers for 14 predoctoral students, four postdoctoral students and 3 summer short tern trainees.  GSTP has 43 trainers to prepare new biologists trained in multiple disciplines to provide an integrated approach to solving complex problems in genomic research.
  • In summer 2009, the Genome Center, along with Medical College of Wisconsin, will be awarded a Center of Excellence in the Genomic Sciences grant that will facilitate understanding of the complex and integrated regulatory mechanisms affecting gene transcription by developing novel technology for the comprehensive characterization and quantitative analysis of proteins interacting with DNA.
  • The Cluster faculty has a combined annual budget of well over $6 million dollars.
  • The Genome Center faculty have 87 patents listed at WARF and are affiliated with 37 startup companies.

Cluster structure

The cluster faculty forms the core of the Genome Center’s 42 faculty and affiliate members who represent 18 departments and six schools/colleges. Cluster faculty meet on a monthly basis to review and discuss the direction of research, technology and collaborations. Under the umbrella of the UW Biotechnology Center (UWBC), the Genome Center and UWBC work together to be on the cutting edge of the latest scientific advances and technologies to strengthen the mission and goals of both Centers and the UW as a whole. 

Cluster coordinator, faculty and lead dean

  • Cluster Coordinator

Cluster Faculty

Lead Dean

  • Molly Jahn, Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences