Your Alma Mater — February 2020

By President Sharon L. Gaber

UToledo Experts are Tackling Today’s Problems

A number of current headlines are reminders of the important work our faculty researchers do to solve problems facing our world right now and into the future.

The news of the novel coronavirus reveals how unexpectedly public health challenges arise around the world. Fortunately, our researchers are collaborating to create innovative new vaccines and treatments. Dr. Steven Sucheck and Dr. Katherine Wall were recently awarded a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a vaccine against a drug-resistant bacterial infection called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Drs. Katherine Wall and Steven Sucheck work in lab on vaccine.

Dr. Katherine Wall, professor and chair of medicinal and biological chemistry, and Dr. Steven Sucheck, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, have received a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a vaccine for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Dr. Kevin Pan’s research suggests it may be possible to treat septic shock with novel uses of existing drugs. This type of work done in university laboratories helps advance our abilities to prevent and treat global health challenges.

Closer to home, Dr. Celia Williamson, executive director of UToledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute, recently partnered with the Lucas County Sheriff’s office to create the FOCUS: Runaways Youth Project, which helps prevent runaway youth from becoming victims of sex trafficking and drug addiction. Together, they’ve raised $250,000 to fund the program that is a collaborative effort among numerous public and private agencies and organizations.
These are just a few of the most recent examples of how the important work we do at The University of Toledo is making an impact in our community and across the globe.

Go Rockets!