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ABI Executive Director Dr. Carole
Cramer steps down from post
May 14, 2010
-- Dr. Carole Cramer, the founding executive director of the Arkansas
Biosciences Institute (ABI) at Arkansas State University, will step down
from that position, effective May 15. Cramer will remain at the
university as a full-time faculty member and redirect her energies to
research, teaching and other responsibilities as a university professor.
Dr. Michael Dockter, associate vice chancellor for Research and
Technology Transfer, will serve as the interim ABI executive director
until a national search for a replacement is conducted and the position
is filled.
“As founding director of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute at ASU, Dr.
Cramer has played an integral role in advancing our research mission,”
stated Chancellor Robert L. Potts. “Her leadership has been very
important to the Institute’s early success. We wish her well as she
transitions to full-time faculty status.”
The Arkansas Biosciences Institute was created as a research component
of the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000 and includes the research
efforts of five institutions through agricultural and medical research
in order to improve the health of the people of Arkansas. The five
institutions include ABI at Arkansas State University, Arkansas
Children’s Hospital, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture, and the University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences.
Scientists from these member organizations concentrate on scientific
research in agriculture, medicine and other related areas that will lead
to health improvement, especially in the area of tobacco-related
diseases.
“We want to thank Dr. Cramer for her leadership during the formative
stages of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and look forward to having
her as a full-time faculty member on our campus,” said Dr. Glen Jones,
senior associate vice chancellor.
Cramer came to ASU from Virginia Tech upon being named executive
director of ABI in 2004. Well-known in the field of biotechnology, she
is also recognized internationally as a leader in the area of plant-made
pharmaceuticals. She has done extensive research involving the use of
tobacco plants to produce therapeutic proteins and vaccine components
for medical and veterinary applications. Her previous discoveries are
expected to result in the first plant-made therapeutic protein to attain
FDA approval for human use later this year. Her return to a major
research focus will enable her to participate fully in this emerging
breakthrough.
“I am indebted to Arkansas State University for giving me this unique
opportunity for leadership and the confidence and support that was
needed to get this program started,” said Dr. Cramer. “I am proud of our
accomplishments and the cross-disciplinary collaborative research
environment that we have built. But, like all successful startups, the
future of ABI should now be served by passing this responsibility to
others."
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