From the A&M
System Health Science Center website
by Kay Kendall
Director of Communications
Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences and Technology
(Houston)—The Institute of Biosciences and Technology (IBT) at The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center recently received a pledge of $250,000 from the John S. Dunn Research Foundation.
The grant funds will purchase a 3-D laser scanning confocal microscope. The new visual imaging instrumentation will enhance IBT’s Molecular and Cellular Imaging Facility, which is located within its Center for Cancer Biology and Nutrition.
“IBT has made scientific advances in understanding cancer by creating more than 60 genetic lines of mice,” said Wallace L. McKeehan, director of IBT’s Center for Cancer Biology and Nutrition and holder of the John S. Dunn Chair at IBT.
“The new integrated imaging system will allow rapid visualization and analysis of tissues at the highest levels of resolution,” he said. “IBT scientists will be able to run parallel experiments at the highest levels of automation, giving quantifiable results quickly and efficiently on site. The John S. Dunn Research Foundation has been instrumental in developing IBT’s research programs through its generous gifts since they began in 1992. Their new grant support will strengthen our future research activities.”
Prominent Houston businessman John S. Dunn, Sr., created the foundation in 1977. Dunn actively managed his insurance agency and mortgage banking firm until his death in 1982 and was a founding board member of First State Bank of Bellaire, University State Bank and University Savings Association. He also served on the boards of Hermann Hospital and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital.