Next-generation sequencing technologies are beginning to revolutionize pathogen genomics and infectious disease research. To assist UTMB infectious disease investigators in exploiting our recent investments in Illumina and Ion Torrent sequencing, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Naomi Forrester, PhD, to lead a new pathogen genomics effort in the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity. Dr. Forrester will be available to assist IHII investigators in designing experiments as well as analyzing sequence data. She will work closely with the sequencing facility staff as well as our Bioinformatics Program to optimize and customize data generation and analysis pipelines to meet the needs of individual infectious disease projects. Dr. Forrester has strong expertise in viral genomics, and will receive additional training in software to enable analysis of bacterial and parasite genomics, as well as transcriptomics.

Genomics Pilot Funding

The Institute for Human Infections and Immunity is pleased to announce the availability of seed funds for pathogen genomics and other infectious disease and immunology initiatives involving next generation sequencing. Applicants must be IHII members and may request a one-time award of up to $5,000 to cover reagents and sequencing costs in the Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility and/or the GNL Assay Development Service Division.

To apply, an abstract of no more than 400 words, along with a budget and biosketches of key personnel, should be sent to Dr. Andrew McNees (amcnees@utmb.edu). Applications should explain how the sequence data will be used to develop new projects or extend existing projects and lead to external grant funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Dr. Naomi Forrester in the IHII Pathogen Genomics Program for assistance in planning and budgeting their project. There is no deadline for applications, but the review of proposals will begin on June 15, 2012, and will continue until the available funds are exhausted. It is not yet known if additional funding will be available next fiscal year (beyond August 2012.)

Questions should be directed to Dr. Naomi Forrester.