The PACR supports collaborative research projects, outreach initiatives and education programs between scientists and educators in Seattle, Washington and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Faculty at each institution conduct collaborative research projects, and contribute to outreach and education initiatives in NM and WA. A conflict resolution policy was created specifically for individuals participating in this partnership. This policy applies to all investigators, post doctoral fellows, graduate students, training program participants, and staff supported by the Fred Hutch/NMSU U54.
The PACR Team in Seattle, Washington
Julian Simon, PhD
Dr. Simon researches the development of small molecules as mechanistic probes for cellular processes and as potential lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents.
Jean McDougall, PhD
Outreach Core Co-Investigator
India Ornelas, PhD
REACH Core Co-Investigator
Karen Peterson, PhD
RAISE Core Lead
The PACR Team in Las Cruces, New Mexico
As the state’s land grant institution, New Mexico State University has a presence in every county in the state through its branch campuses and Extension Service, allowing much of New Mexico’s population access to educational opportunities. NMSU’s main campus is located in Dona Ana County, which has a 65% Hispanic population.
With 62% minority enrollment, the NMSU undergraduate program is a minority-majority institution. Further, NMSU is the only Doctoral/Research University-Extensive ranked by the National Science Foundation with significant representation of both Hispanic and Native American students.
Graciela Unguez, PhD
Dr. Unguez’s research interests focus on the mechanisms responsible for the formation, plasticity, and regeneration of different components of neuromuscular and other electromotor circuits in adult vertebrates. Her lab uses electric fishes to study how the skeletal muscle program is modified to become the electric organ, that is, a non-contractile tissue specialized to generate electricity, and determine the role played by the nervous system in the differentiation of electrogenic cell types.
Ivette Guzman, PhD
Project Lead
Soyoung Jeon, PhD
Project Lead
Dejan Magoc, PhD
Project Lead
Merranda Marin, PhD
Co-MPI & Outreach Core Co-Investigator
Karen Plawecki, PhD
Project Co-Investigator
Mary Alice Scott, PhD
REACH Core lead
Michèle Shuster, PhD
RAISE Core Lead
LaJoy Spears, PhD
Project Co-Investigator
Tamara Stimatze, PhD
Project & Outreach Core Lead