USU Biochem Professor Named to NIH Review Section

Utah State University researcher Scott Ensign has been named a member of the Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section of the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Scientific Review.

During his term of service, which extends to June, 2011, Ensign will review grant applications submitted to the NIH, make recommendations on these applications to the appropriate NIH advisory council and survey the status of applicants’ research efforts in their fields of science.

 

“Members of NIH study sections are selected on the basis of their demonstrated competence and achievement in their scientific disciplines as evidenced by the quality of research accomplishments, publications in scientific journals and other significant achievements and honors,” said Toni Scarpa, director of the NIH’s Center for Scientific Review. “Dr. Ensign’s membership on a study section represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the national biomedical research effort.”

 

A professor in the College of Science’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ensign’s research focuses on investigation of microbial pathways of short-chain hydrocarbon oxidation and the biochemical, mechanistic and spectroscopic properties of the enzymes involved in these pathways. He is also a member of the multidisciplinary USU Biofuels Initiative research team.

 

Ensign, who joined USU’s faculty in 1993, was named the 2007 College of Science Faculty Advisor of the Year. He was also one of five faculty members campus-wide to receive this year’s inaugural Excellence in Instruction for First-Year Students award.

 

“Scott’s appointment to a NIH study section is a reflection of his outstanding achievements,” said Steve Scheiner, head of USU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “We applaud his well-deserved recognition and appreciate the efforts he’ll contribute through his NIH appointment over the next several years.”

 

The Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section reviews applications addressing the genetics, biochemistry, structure, physiology and behavior of bacteria. Research areas include genome organization and dynamics, gene expression and regulation, as well as protein synthesis and modification.

 

 

Contact: Scott Ensign [ensigns@cc.usu.edu], 435-797-3969