S P O T L I G H T : BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROFESSOR AND
S P O T L I G H T : BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE CHAIR DR. DAVID BAKER
PROFESSOR DR. SUJEAN CHOI
Baker says the key to solving societal issues through neuroscience is collaboration.
Choi was used to large research institutions where scientists competed for space and resources. The culture and environment at Marquette was a breath of fresh air.
In addition to his faculty responsibilities and research, he co-founded Promentis Pharmaceuticals, a startup company developing novel compounds for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, specifically schizophrenia. “We’re using some of the most powerful techniques in neuroscience to understand the underlying causes of diseases like schizophrenia and developing treatments that will someday directly improve patient care,” he says.
We’re using some of the most powerful techniques in neuroscience to understand the underlying causes of diseases like schizophrenia ...
Equally rewarding for Baker is the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduates. Like every researcher in the department, he has several undergraduates working in his lab and enjoys the time he spends in the classroom. “As a scientist, it’s important to look at things from a broad perspective,” he says. “Teaching allows me to take a step back and gain that perspective — it’s an important feature of the position.” 9
“I came here for more balance and a stronger emphasis on research,” she says. Her research program examines the role of the brain in altering hunger, food intake and body weight. Her lab is studying two main areas: mechanisms underlying appetite suppressants and regulation of energy homeostasis in an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus. “We have a perfect culture for collaboration here,” she says. “We’re not in competition with each other, which means we can work together to compete for more external research funding.” For Choi, this collaborative culture also allows her to focus on bringing neuroscience to the public through teaching and mentorship.
Neuroscience is not just for giant brains and ivorytower academics.
“Neuroscience can be thought of as elite, boutique science,” she says. “Neuroscience is not just for giant brains and ivory-tower academics. Neuroscience needs to become more commonly thought of and accessible to everyone.” 9
The National Institutes of Health approved a $400,000 grant for Drs. David Baker and SuJean Choi to examine a novel cellular mechanism in the brain. By examining the previously understudied mechanism, which involves a membrane protein that transports glutamate in a non-traditional manner, the pair and their teams can formulate a better understanding of the underlying pathology of diseases like addiction and schizophrenia.
20 |
marquette university college of health sciences magazine 2013