News Release

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August 18, 2005

Boise State Professors Who Conducts Biomedical Research Receives Inaugural Dean's Distinguished Professor Award

Boise State University biology professor Julia Thom Oxford, who conducts research that may someday help scientists find cures for ailments ranging from early onset arthritis to fetal alcohol syndrome, retinal detachment, cleft palate and cartilage degeneration in knees, was named the inaugural
recipient of the Dean's Distinguished Professor Award.

The award, established this fall by Duane and Lori Stueckle of Boise, provides supplemental salary in the five-figure range for an outstanding Boise State biology professor who is involved in research and teaching in areas with biomedical application, particularly in developmental biology, molecular biology, genomics, proteomics and cell biology.

Phillip Eastman, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, announced Oxford's selection to faculty and staff gathered Wednesday for the college's annual fall meeting.

"I'm very grateful to Duane and Lori Stueckle for recognizing the promise of biomedical research at Boise State," said Oxford. "Their investment will help Boise State gain the momentum needed to further enhance biomedical research capacity and expand and strengthen research capabilities, allowing our researchers to contribute even more to regional and national health needs."

Oxford has received $7.7 million in federal and state grants since joining Boise State's faculty in 2000. In addition to teaching courses in bioinformatics, vertebrate embryology, molecular biology and other subjects, she serves as the university's director of a statewide biomedical research network funded by the National Institutes of Health. Her lab supports about 10 graduate and undergraduate students who work under her supervision on a number of research endeavors.

"I've never worked with anyone who has given me so much confidence, and who is so supportive and excited about my work," said Sorcha Yingst, who earned a master's degree in biology from Boise State in 2003 and now works as a technician in Oxford's lab. "Julie works very hard and gives so much. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work with her."

Oxford's research involves investigating the function of molecules found in the "extracellular matrix," the material that surrounds cells and comprises a scaffold on which tissues like cartilage, bone and tendon are organized. These molecules play a critical role in skeletal development, cartilage regeneration and repair, and eye development, including the formation of vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance that makes up most of the volume of the eye.

When mutations in these molecules occur, birth defects such as cleft palate or deafness, or degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis or retinal detachment can result. Oxford's work is helping scientists gain an understanding of the mechanisms involved in these molecular mutations, a critical step toward someday developing drugs to prevent or treat these health issues.

Among Oxford's current grants are awards from the National Institutes of Health totaling $1.7 million for 'Type XI Collagen Isoforms in Skeletal Biology.'

Oxford earned a Ph.D. in biophysics and biochemistry from Washington State University in 1986. She then worked as a postdoctoral fellow and senior research associate at Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children and Oregon Health Sciences University. Prior to joining Boise State's faculty, Oxford taught and conducted research at OHSU and Colorado State University.

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Contact: Julia Oxford, Department of Biology, (208) 426-2395,
joxford@boisestate.edu

Media Contact: Janelle Brown, News Services, (208) 426-1790,
jbrown2@boisestate.edu 


Photo caption: Boise State biology professor Julia Oxford prepares samples
in her lab at Boise State University. The samples, which are from cartilage,
will be analyzed in a tandem mass spectrometer as part of research efforts
to identify predictive markers for arthritis.
 

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Last reviewed on Thursday, December 22, 2005