Tue Sep 10 16:58:00 UTC 2024: ## SC State Professor Wins $715,803 NIH Grant for Prostate Cancer Research

**Orangeburg, SC** – Dr. Courtney Thomas, an associate professor of biochemistry at South Carolina State University (SC State), has been awarded a prestigious $715,803 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for her research on prostate cancer. This marks the first time in memory that an SC State researcher has received an independent National Institutes of Health (NIH) award.

Dr. Thomas’ research focuses on calreticulin (CRT), a protein found in epithelial cells, and its potential role in prostate cancer. Her project will investigate how CRT’s structure and location in the cell may contribute to the development of the disease.

“Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American males,” said Dr. Thomas. “This grant will provide an opportunity to explore research in the area of prostate cancer and build my career as an independent scientist.”

The grant represents a significant milestone for SC State, which is currently striving to achieve Research II (R2) status in Carnegie classifications. This designation would allow the university to compete for more federal and corporate funding for research-driven initiatives.

“We are very excited about this grant from NIH to Dr. Courtney Thomas, the first of its kind to SC State,” said Dr. Stanley Ihekweazu, dean of SC State’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation (STEM-T College). “This grant will be invaluable in helping SC State attract top faculty and students, and ultimately lead to the development of new graduate programs in STEM fields.”

The NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award will provide Dr. Thomas with five years of mentored research experience and training, allowing her to dedicate 75% of her time to developing her research career. The award covers her salary, research supplies, training, travel, publication costs, and stipends for student researchers.

Dr. Thomas’ research holds promise for improving our understanding of prostate cancer and ultimately leading to new treatments and prevention strategies. This grant is a testament to her dedication and expertise, as well as a significant step forward for SC State’s commitment to scientific advancement.

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