UNLV scientists whose work involves cancer research have joined together in the creation of the UNLV Cancer Institute.

Approved earlier this summer by the Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada, the institute will encourage more exchanges of ideas and information among the UNLV scientists in the Colleges of Sciences, Engineering, and Health Sciences who do cancer research, as well as with scientists at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

"The creation of this institute is an important step forward for UNLV," said university President Carol C. Harter. "For many years we have had faculty scientists doing intriguing cancer research. We expect the new institute to serve as a valuable think-tank for our cancer researchers while also making them more visible to the external community."

Chemistry professor Stephen Carper, who is the founding director of the institute, said, "We believe that by bringing all our cancer researchers together for monthly meetings at which our individual research projects will be discussed, we will generate a valuable exchange of data and theories. This sharing of information should aid us all in our research.

"Furthermore, we intend to reach out to colleagues who are on the faculty of the School of Medicine and ask them to join us," said Carper, whose own research is in the field of breast cancer.

"These collaborations, both on and off campus, will benefit UNLV students by providing them with increased research opportunities and by giving them the chance to have more interaction with working research scientists," he said.

"Involving students in research has benefits both for the students, who gain valuable hands-on experience, and for the faculty members who can profit from the students' enthusiasm.

"Creation of the institute also should have the benefit of making us more competitive as we apply for research grants,"said Carper. "As most people probably know, scientific research is largely funded by grants, and obtaining those grants can be challenging."

In addition to Carper, the founding members of the UNLV Cancer Institute and their primary areas of research are:

-- Lori Bruce, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, whose work is in the area of diagnostic imaging.

-- Abiodun Elegbede, assistant professor of chemistry, who works in the field of anticarcinogens.

-- Bingmei Fu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, whose research is in the field of drug delivery.

-- Steen Madsen, assistant professor of health physics, who does research in the area of photodynamic therapy.

-- Lydia McKinstry, assistant professor of chemistry, whose work is in the area of drug synthesis.

-- George Plopper, assistant professor of biology, who explores the field of cell migration.

-- Bryan Spangelo, associate professor of chemistry, whose research is in the area of neuroendocrine tumors.

Joining the eight later this month will be Ron Gary, a new assistant professor of chemistry, whose research is in the area of DNA repair.

"We anticipate that this group will expand to include additional members as we add colleagues from the medical school and as the number of research scientists at UNLV grows," said Carper.

For additional information on the UNLV Cancer Institute, call Carper at 895-4297.