How did you end up in Charleston?

I’ve been a fundamental, basic science researcher in neuroscience my entire career. I came to MUSC about 16 months ago and I’m honored to serve in the role of Vice President for Research and to also be a Professor of Neuroscience. My laboratory studies brain circuits that underlie learning, memory loss, and aging, and we look at mechanisms of diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease. We use animal models to try to understand what goes wrong in the brain with the goal of making discoveries that will help patients in the future.

I came to MUSC for many reasons, and one is because of its strength in neuroscience research. MUSC is known nationally and across the globe for its work in addiction, both at the basic science, fundamental discovery level, but also in clinical treatment. So as a neuroscientist, MUSC has been on my radar my entire career. When the opportunity to lead the research enterprise became available, I was eager to compete for the role and again feel honored to serve in that role now. I tell people that it’s the perfect job in the perfect place. I don’t feel like I have a job – I can’t wait to come to work in the morning, and I’m never ready to leave at the end of the day. MUSC is an amazing environment with a group of individuals that are full of passion and energy for the work they do.

Is CHS on the map yet for life sciences? If so, give an example of engagement. If not, what’s missing and how can we get there?

I mentioned that MUSC was always on my radar because of the strength in neuroscience, but within clinical research, clinical trials are an area where MUSC is also well known. That’s a life science sector that’s certainly growing in the Charleston area, and MUSC is working with companies to make clinical trials happen. Our infrastructure is an amazing asset for this work. We have an incredible team in our Biomedical Informatics Center lead by Dr. Les Leonard. MUSC also has the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute (SCTR) that supports researchers. SCTR has developed a platform called SPARCRequest that helps institutions better support researchers. SPARCRequest is used across the country by 10 institutional partners with 26 affiliates. I think recognition of these strengths, both at MUSC and in Charleston, has helped the area become the focus for companies interested in partnering with our researchers and patients for clinical studies.

How has the life sciences/healthcare scene grown in CHS? Any clusters emerging in your opinion? Where’s the opportunity for new talent?  

One of the areas people might not be aware of is our expertise in immunotherapy. The Hollings Cancer Center, which is funded by the National Cancer Institute, continues to grow in this area by using immunotherapy and CAR-T therapy to treat difficult cancers. We recently received FDA approval for one of our newest therapies, so we’re true experts in this space and continue to invest and grow in that area. After a very promising first year of a clinical trial to study a therapeutic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion for treatment of type 1 diabetes, MUSC researchers have received full NIH renewal of the initial, contingent grant, with an additional $3.2 million awarded for four more years. The team is studying this treatment to positively impact the lives of those with type 1 diabetes. Our plan is to make these kinds of therapies available across the state and beyond.

We also have growing strength in precision medicine and precision health. The In Our DNA SC community research project is happening through a partnership with Helix, a leading population genomics company, to screen 100,000 South Carolinians for genetic mutations that can impact health. This project is going to help us discover new mutations that cause disease and help us understand other ways we can improve patient care, like what medicines may work for one person and not another. It will lead to new discoveries here at MUSC that can be applied nationally and across the globe. It’s also an opportunity for companies that want to move to Charleston to collaborate with us and grow this precision medicine space.

Are there any misconceptions about your field? 

One of the big lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic was the level of skepticism of science in the public. I always say that as a researcher my goal is to discover, and that means always learning and always seeking new information. As an academic medical center with a mission to understand disease and find cures, we have to ensure we’re communicating about the value of biomedical research – how it helps our family members and friends who are suffering from disease. If we can help everyone understand the value of science and discovery, we can ensure that research is a partnership and benefits as many as people.

 What is your favorite thing to do in Charleston?

Only one thing? There are so many! Charleston is a beautiful place to live. I haven’t been here long, and I already feel at home here. I feel like I’ve always been here. The food is amazing. There’s no question. Charleston is known for that. Another thing that I enjoy is walking the footpath across the Ravenel Bridge over the river. It’s a wonderful way to see the city and to get some exercise. I try to make time to do it every weekend.

Questions about working in Charleston? Connect.

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