Jorge Torres, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCLA, has been named a 2013 Cottrell Scholar, based on his innovative research as well as his passion for teaching, said the head of Research Corporation for Science Advancement, which presents the award. The corporation, led by its interim president, Jack Pladziewicz, is America's oldest foundation devoted exclusively to science.
Torres proposes to integrate his research to advance scientists' understanding of mitosis, the process by which cells divide, into a new education course for chemistry and biochemistry undergraduate students. This course will encourage independent, critical thinking; provide opportunities to engage in research; and ultimately help students publish their findings in scientific journals.
Currently, biochemists’ ability to understand precisely how mitosis works has been hampered by a lack of highly selective chemical probes. Torres aims to address this issue. He and his associates have already identified a number of interesting compounds that inhibit cell division. In this project he will analyze the compounds and pinpoint which proteins they target. "This study will have an immediate impact on the field of cell biology by providing critical tools which can be used to dissect and increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms required for cell division," Torres said.
The Cottrell Scholar Awards, instituted in 1994, are named in honor of Frederick Gardner Cottrell, scientist, inventor and philanthropist. Outstanding early-career teacher-scholars at Ph.D.-granting institutions are accepted into the Cottrell Scholar program following a rigorous peer-review process. Only about 10 percent of those who apply are successful.
"Not every faculty member in a research university can do both groundbreaking research and lead teaching improvement — but the very best can," Pladziewicz said.
