OHSU Researchers Shine: Innovations and Honors Abound in July

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is renowned for its dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. This commitment is reflected in the numerous awards, honors, and appointments bestowed upon its researchers and staff in July. Among the notable recipients are James Frank, Ph.D., and Megan Ruhland, Ph.D., who were awarded the PMedIC Innovation Grant for their collaborative project with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers.

The Precision Medicine Innovation Co-Laboratory Innovation Grant supports pioneering pilot projects that bring together OHSU and PNNL researchers. For fiscal year 2027, two $50,000 grants were awarded to OHSU and PNNL research teams. James Frank, associate professor of chemical physiology and biochemistry in the OHSU School of Medicine, and Vivian Lin, Ph.D., chemist with PNNL, received an award for their project, 'Development of Bifunctional Phytocannabinoid Probes for Proteome-Wide Target Identification.' This project aims to develop the first photo-affinity probe for CBD, which will help identify CBD-interacting proteins in living cells, ultimately unlocking the full therapeutic potential of CBD for treating seizures and inflammation.

Megan Ruhland, Ph.D., assistant professor of cell, developmental and cancer biology at OHSU, also received a PMedIC Innovation Grant for her collaborative work with Ljiljana Pasa-Tolic, Ph.D., lab fellow and physicist at PNNL. Their project focuses on advancing our understanding of complex biological systems, reflecting OHSU's commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation. These awards not only recognize the achievements of OHSU researchers but also underscore the institution's role as a leader in medical research and education.

Beyond these grants, numerous other OHSU researchers and staff members were recognized for their contributions to the medical field in July. The list of honorees includes Matt Chan, Andrew Wang, the OHSU Family Medicine Interest Group, Erick Turner, Xiaolin Nan, Nadine Mallak, Emily Van Houweling, Eric Lau, Nathan Pennock, Steven Mansoor, Lucia Carbone, Emily Voigt, Caralyn Labriola, Jacob Estes, Michael Axthelm, Brandon Wilder, the Claudio Mello lab, Michael Harris, Katelyn Byrne, Gregory Baker, Erin Kenzie, Melissa Wong, Logan Jones, Taylor Anderson, and Jeff Gold. These individuals demonstrate the breadth and depth of talent at OHSU, from clinical care and research to education and community engagement.

OHSU's robust research environment, coupled with its strong partnerships with institutions like PNNL, positions it at the forefront of medical innovation. The university's emphasis on collaboration, both within its walls and with external partners, fosters a culture of creativity and discovery. As OHSU continues to push the boundaries of medical knowledge, its researchers and staff remain dedicated to translating their findings into improved patient outcomes and better healthcare practices.

The recognition received by OHSU researchers in July serves as a testament to the institution's unwavering commitment to excellence in medical research, education, and patient care. As the medical landscape continues to evolve, OHSU stands poised to address the challenges of the future, driven by the innovative spirit and dedication of its faculty, staff, and students.