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Texas voters joined in showing their support for thistransformation of higher education. On Nov. 3, 2009,state voters—including 78 percent of El Pasoans whoparticipated in the election—approved Proposition 4 toestablish the National Research University Fund. The fundwill provide incentives to universities that meet criticalbenchmarks toward achieving national prominence asmajor research universities.This bold commitment to higher education byTexas voters and the state legislature comes at a timewhen many other state governments, from Arizonato California to Florida, have responded to the severeeconomic downturns they face by dramatically reducinginvestments in their public universities. By contrast, Texasis building on its ambitious “Closing the Gaps” studentparticipation and success goals by turning its attentionto increasing the number of universities across thestate whose heightened level of research and graduateeducation will assure Texas’ competitiveness and qualityof life in the global economy of the 21st century. Andwith continued hard work and support of our alumni andfriends, UTEP will surely be one of those universities!“We can all be very proud of theprogress we’ve made, and confidentthat it is providing us the momentumrequired to achieve UTEP’s goal ofbecoming a Tier One University.”—Diana Natalicio, Ph.D.President,The University of Texas at El PasoDiana NatalicioUTEP PresidentResearch Guide 11

Biomedical Engineering12 The University of Texas at El Paso

Physicians andEngineers Engagein ResearchCollaborationsWith the recent opening of the first four-year medicalschool on the U.S.-Mexico border, biomedical engineeringresearch at UTEP is growing stronger than ever.UTEP faculty are collaborating with teaching physiciansat the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas TechUniversity Health Sciences Center in El Paso on a varietyof bioengineering projects.For example, Tao Xu, Ph.D., assistant professor ofmechanical engineering at UTEP, is working with DanielTerreros, M.D., professor of pathology at the Paul L.Foster School of Medicine, on a project that aims to reducethe cost and improve the performance of nerve guideconduits. Constructed of nano-sized fibers, the conduitshold promise for the repair of injured nerves.Other projects led by UTEP engineers are breaking theboundaries between medicine and machines. At UTEP’sW.M. Keck Center for 3-D Innovation, researchers areusing rapid-prototyping technology to build tissueengineering scaffolds and models of organs and bonesfor surgical planning. And in the Laboratory for HumanMotion Analysis and Neurorehabilitation, engineeringexperts are improving diagnosis and treatment for peoplesuffering from nerve disorders and injuries.UTEP’s momentum in bioengineering research iscreating great opportunities for students interested inthis cutting-edge field of study: new master’s and Ph.D.programs in biomedical engineering are in the works.Research Guide 13

Biomedical EngineeringTao Xu, Ph.D.Thomas Boland, Ph.DBioprinting ExpertiseNew arrivals provide leadership for cutting-edge research programsBy attracting talented researchers in the field oftissue engineering, the UTEP College of Engineering ismaking impressive strides in building its new biomedicalengineering programs.Thomas Boland, Ph.D., an expert on bioprinting—theuse of inkjet printers to make three-dimensional livingtissue—joined UTEP as a professor of metallurgical andmaterials engineering in the fall of 2009. Boland came byway of Clemson University, where he was instrumental indeveloping Clemson’s bioengineering program. Bolandwill serve as the future director of UTEP’s biomedicalengineering programs. A master’s of science and Ph.D.in bioengineering are expected to be offered in the nearfuture.“Dr. Boland brings the necessary experience andresearch credibility to get those programs off to agreat start,” said College of Engineering Dean RichardSchoephoerster, Ph.D.Another recent arrival is Assistant Professor ofMechanical Engineering Tao Xu, who earned his Ph.D. inbioengineering from Clemson University. Xu also is anexpert in bioprinting and medical-device fabrication, andhas begun collaborative research projects with physiciansat the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas TechUniversity Health Sciences Center at El Paso.Xu and Assistant Professor of Mechanical EngineeringConnie Gomez, Ph.D., an expert on the design andfabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering, will leadthe new interdisciplinary Biomodeling and BiodesignLaboratory in the College of Engineering.Connie Gomez, Ph.D.14 The University of Texas at El Paso

Research AssetsW.M. Keck Center for 3-D Innovationresearch.utep.edu/wmkeck Tissue engineering Cardiovascular hemodynamics Imaging, modeling and manufacturingLaboratory for Human Motion Analysisand Rehabilitationhumanlocomotion.utep.edu Biorobotics Biomedical instrumentation and design Design, manufacturing and testing ofassistive devices Fabrication of biosensorsLaboratory for Industrial Metrologyand Automation Human motion analysis Biosensors Cybernetics and systems scienceMedical Imaging nformatics Medical imaging informatics Telemedicine Computerized biomedical imaging Molecular imaging biomarker analysisMedical ImagingInformaticsResearchers develop improved diagnostic toolsUTEP’s Medical Imaging Informatics laboratory,directed by Professor of Electrical and ComputerEngineering Wei Qian, Ph.D., focuses on the collectionand interpretation of data from medical imaging systems,such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),nuclear resonance imaging and ultrasound.In addition to designing improved computer-aidedmedical imaging diagnosis systems, Qian’s research teamis focusing on telemedicine, including remote imageguided diagnosis and treatment planning of cancers andother diseases.Another major research area involves breast cancer,which is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in Hispanicwomen. Qian aims to improve survival rates and qualityof life of cancer patients through the use of computerizedcancer biomarker analysis. This advanced technologyintegrates medical, cellular and molecular imaging datainto a computerized system to assist physicians indetecting, diagnosing and treating cancers.“Our imaging research will fill a niche inborder and Hispanic health by developingimproved ways for physicians to diagnoseand treat cancers.”—Wei Qian, Ph.D.Research Guide 15

Biomedical Sciences16 The University of Texas at El Paso

Targeting BorderHealth IssuesBiomedical research at UTEP is taking aim at cancer,HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other health conditions impactingour community on the U.S.-Mexico border.The nexus of many of these investigations can be foundat the Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), housedin UTEP’s new 45 million state-of-the-art BioscienceResearch Building.Established in 1992 with support from the NationalInstitutes of Health Research Centers in MinorityInstitutions (RCMI) program, the BBRC focuses oninfectious diseases, neuroscience and metabolic disorders,and toxicology.The RCMI program recently awarded the center anadditional five-year grant totaling 12.4 million, which willbe used to recruit additional faculty and post-doctorateresearchers.The BBRC’s core research facilities include laboratoriesfor analytical cytology, cell culture and statistics, plusfacilities for biomolecule characterization and DNAanalysis.Research Guide 17

Biomedical SciencesTargeted TherapyNew drug holds potential for treatment of Tand B cell leukemias and lymphomasA UTEP biochemistry research team led by Professorand Chair of Biological Sciences Robert Kirken, Ph.D., istesting a promising new drug for treating leukemias andlymphomas of T and B cells, white blood cells that play animportant role in the immune system.Kirken’s team has found that an enzyme primarilyexpressed in these immune cells, known as Jak3,plays a critical role in the uncontrolled division of cellscharacteristic of these types of cancers. Their drugtargets Jak3, inhibiting its activity and disrupting itsability to send cell growth signals down the biochemicalpathway, but not affecting other enzymes or cell types.“In laboratory testing, we have had encouragingresults—the compound was successful in reducing thegrowth of certain human leukemia and lymphoma celllines,” Kirken said. In animal studies, the drug is welltolerated and does not appear to elicit the side effects thatlimit the effectiveness of other compounds.Current treatment options for leukemia and lymphomainclude chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill cancercells. But healthy cells are affected as well, leading to anarray of adverse side effects, such as anemia, fatigue,nausea, diarrhea and hair loss.Kirken’s approach of using an enzyme inhibitor toselectively target this enzyme, which is not found intissues such as the stomach, heart, liver, kidney or brain,would mean that cancer patients may be able to avoid thenegative side effects associated with drug toxicity.“Jak3 holds promise as a uniquemolecular and therapeutic target forabating a number of immune-deriveddiseases.”—Robert Kirken, Ph.D.18 The University of Texas at El PasoFatty Acids andColon CancerResearchers look for effective drug targetsA research team led by Professor of BiologicalSciences Siddhartha Das, Ph.D., is investigating thebiochemical responses triggered by certain dietary fats,and their role in causing colorectal cancer.American diets, which are typically high in processedfoods made with vegetable oils and low in fresh fish,often have an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids, whichpromote an inflammatory immune system response thatleads to a variety of health problems, including colorectalcancer.Das’ group is exploring the link between dietary fat andcolorectal cancer by studying the behavior of a particularomega-6 fatty acid, known as arachidonic acid.“The synthesis and metabolism of arachidonic acidseems to play a major role in producing inflammatorymolecules responsible for uncontrolled cell growth thatleads to tumors of the colon,” Das said.Das is studying the cross-talk, or interactions,between certain enzymes that regulate the productionof inflammatory agents from dietary arachidonic acid.Excess synthesis of inflammatory molecules can lead totumor formation and malignancy. Das is working withpromising drug compounds that target the enzymes,reducing the production of inflammatory molecules.“The inflammation-reducingcompounds our laboratory is studyinghave potential as effective drugtherapies for colon cancer.”—Siddhartha Das, Ph.D.

A Novel ApproachCompound may be effective in treatinghormone-resistant cancersAssistant Professor of Biological Sciences MarcCox, Ph.D., is investigating a novel antiandrogen drugcompound for the treatment of metastatic prostatecancer.Patients with this disease are usually treated withhormone therapies aiming to lower androgen levels, a keystimulator of prostate tissue growth.“These androgen-deprivation strategies may beeffective in controlling disease for several years, butprostate cancers eventually develop resistance tohormone therapy, enabling tumors to progress,” Coxsaid. “Patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancershave limited treatment options.”Annually, approximately 29,000 deaths are attributedto prostate cancer in the United States, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Thus, there is a need for effective anti-tumor drugsfor hormone-resistant cancers. Cox’s drug compoundtargets a novel molecular mechanism associated with theregulation of the androgen receptor. The drug compoundshows promise as an effective and efficient inhibitor ofthe androgen receptor, with the possibility of less toxicside effects.“These androgen-receptor inhibitorsmay also lead to novel drugs withapplications in the treatment ofprostate cancer.”—Marc Cox, Ph.D.Research Guide 19

Biomedical SciencesScreen TimeInvestigator studies compounds’ anticancerand antimicrobial propertiesBiological Sciences Professor Renato Aguilera,Ph.D., an expert in cellular and molecular immunology,is leading efforts to test a large number of chemicalcompounds for anticancer or antimicrobial properties atUTEP’s Border Biomedical Research Center.Aguilera is director of the center’s Cell Culture andHigh Throughput Screening Facility, which houses anarray of state-of-the-art equipment that can test chemicalcompounds simultaneously on multiple organisms. In2006, Aguilera was honored with a prestigious Universityof Texas System Stars Award of 480,000. He usedthose funds to purchase high-end instrumentation for thefacility, including a high-throughput confocal microscopeand a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. He also recentlyreceived funding through the 2009 American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act to purchase an additional confocalmicroscope.“The confocal microscopes allow us to scan sectionsof cells, from the bottom to the top, for instance, to createa 3-D image,” Aguilera said. “Examining these stacks ofimages can show us in detail what effect a compound ishaving on a cell.”Aguilera has purchased large “libraries” of chemicalcompounds, which he is screening for anticancer andantimicrobial properties. A better understanding of thecompounds’ effects on cell structures could lead toimproved, targeted drug therapies for various diseases,Aguilera said.In addition to his research, Aguilera has earnedrecognition for his efforts to help minority studentsfind success in the biosciences. Aguilera is director ofthe Minority Biomedical Research Support-ResearchInitiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) and Supportof Competitive Research (SCORE) programs at UTEP.The federal programs bring millions of dollar in supportto increase the number of underrepresented minorities inbiomedical sciences and health professions.20 The University of Texas at El PasoResearch AssetsBorder Biomedical Research Centerresearch.utep.edu/bbrcCore Research Units Toxicology Infectious Disease Neuroscience and Metabolic DisordersCore Research Facilities Analytical Cytology Bioinformatics Computing Biomolecule Characterization Cell Culture DNA Analysis Statistical Consulting“The high-end equipment availableto researchers in UTEP’s Cell Cultureand High Throughput ScreeningFacility is at a level of sophisticationcomparable with any major universityin the U.S.”—Renato Aguilera, Ph.D.

Renato Aguilera, Ph.D.Research Guide 21

Computational Science22 The University of Texas at El Paso

The BrainpowerBehind ComputerSimulationsScientists and engineers are turning to high-performancecomputers to help address extremely complex challenges—searching for oil, improving earthquake prediction andanalyzing weather, to name a few.The computer simulations necessary for these studiesrequire a specialized mathematical expertise—a disciplineknown as computational science.UTEP’s Computational Science Program, launched in2008, offers master’s and doctoral degrees in the field andis attracting a number of candidates with well-roundedmathematics and science backgrounds.“Computational science draws people who not onlyhave a computer science or mathematics background,but also people who are interested in biology, geology,mechanical engineering and other areas that use powerfulcomputer simulations to solve problems,” said LeticiaVelazquez, Ph.D., associate professor and director ofUTEP’s Computational Science Program.UTEP researchers have access to a number of highperformance computing machines and clusters oncampus. As a member of the UT System, UTEP also hasaccess to the Lonestar and Ranger supercomputers basedat the Texas Advanced Computing Center at UT Austin.As part of a true interdisciplinary program, researchactivities under the Computational Science Program’sumbrella include studies of tectonics and structuralgeology, computer operating system adaptation andoptimization, statistical bioinformatics and chemicalsimulations of materials.“These kinds of projects are veryimportant for UTEP, because manyof today’s research grants requireinterdisciplinary teams. Having thisprogram can give us an edge to winthose grant proposals.”—Leticia Velazquez, Ph.D.On the Web: academics.utep.edu/compsciResearch Guide 23

Defense Research24 The University of Texas at El Paso

A Leader in Defense,Homeland Securityand AerospaceResearchFor decades, the United States armed forces, theNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)and private industry have tapped the expertise of UTEPscientists and engineers on some of the most challengingdefense and aerospace-related projects.The strong relationships between these agencies andthe University have led to the establishment of a numberof centers and laboratories that offer excellent researchopportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.These facilities include the Center for Space ExplorationTechnology Research (cSETR), the Future Aerospace andTechnology (FAST) Center, and the Research Institute forManufacturing and Engineering Systems (RIMES).Taking advantage of UTEP’S border location, adjacent toFort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range, the Universityhas strengthened its partnerships with government andindustry through the UTEP Office of Strategic Initiatives,which oversees two important research centers on campus:the National Center for Border Security and Immigrationand the Center for Defense Systems Research.As faculty address important homeland security anddefense issues, they also strive to offer the best researchopportunities for their students. As the examples in thissection illustrate, UTEP is leading the way in preparingminority scientists and engineers for successful careers.Research Guide 25

Defense ResearchLaunching NewTechnologiesNASA Boosts Space Exploration Researchat UTEPIn 2009, UTEP became one of only six universitiesin the U.S. to be selected by NASA to host a Centerfor Space Exploration Technology Research (cSETR).The new laboratory, directed by Associate Professor ofMechanical Engineering Ahsan Choudhuri, Ph.D., will besupported by a 5 million grant from the space agency.The center will work closely with other NASA researchfacilities, including the Johnson Space Center in Houstonand the White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, N.M.,on advanced capabilities in environmentally friendlypropulsion technologies and the use of natural resourceson the moon and other planets to create spacecraft fueland other materials. UTEP faculty from the Co

UTEP offers 79 bachelor's degrees, 86 master's degrees and 16 doctorates—with more in development. UTEP also offers cooperative Ph.D. programs in pharmacy and nursing with UT Austin and the UT Health Sciences Center at Houston. UTEP is a key economic force in the Paso del Norte region that includes West Texas, Southern New Mexico and