Core A: Administrative Core

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT: ADMINISTRATIVE CORE The Administrative Core is the driver for the planning and coordination of all activities within the University of North Carolina Superfund Research Program (UNC-SRP). It ensures that the research aligns with our overarching mission - to protect vulnerable populations from arsenic-induced disease using mechanistic and translational solution-oriented research. The role of the Administrative Core is to oversee and facilitate the conduct of work within the UNC-SRP to ensure responsiveness to the SRP mandates. In addition to fulfilling mandates of the SRP program, we implement research that is in line with the 2018-2023 NIEHS Strategic Plan. This Core oversees the nine other components of the UNC-SRP. Projects 1-2 use humanized mouse models to characterize key developmental windows of susceptibility to iA s-induced diabetes. Projects 3-4 advance the ability to predict iAs contamination in private drinking wells and develop innovative methods for enhanced removal to reduce iAs. Four Cores include the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC), Community Engagement Core (CEC), Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC), and Chemistry and Analytical Core (CAC). The UNC-SRP Director is Dr. Rebecca Fry, a Biomedical Researcher, who is supported in this role by Deputy Director Dr. Fernando Pardo Manuel de Villena (Biomedical Researcher) and Assistant Directors, Dr. Mirek Styblo (Biomedical Researcher) and Dr. Orlando Coronell (Environmental Engineer). Drs. Fry has extensive experience with administration and oversight of large research efforts, established leadership in successful mentoring, and scientific expertise relevant to the proposal. The leadership team has interdisciplinary expertise and experience contributes significantly to the goal of the Administrative Core is to foster an environment that stimulates innovative science and ensures that all UNC-SRP Projects and Cores work toward the overarching theme, “Protecting vulnerable populations from arsenic-induced metabolic dysfunction with a vision for exposure reduction and disease prevention.” The goal of the Core is achieved through three aims. First, we coordinate and monitor interdisciplinary research activities focused on arsenic reduction and metabolic disease/diabetes prevention. Second, we translate the research of the UNC-SRP to partners and end users. Third, we support community-engaged partnerships and train the next generation of environmental scientists. Combined, these aims ensure a thriving research program bolstered by substantive interaction with translation and community engagement partners, collectively focusing the UNC-SRP to achieve our mission.