[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="441.0"] MSU's Mark Aupperlee, a postdoctoral researcher, reviews a breast cancer tumor under a microscope. Photo by G.L. Kohuth[/caption]

In the past 10 years, the cost of sequencing genomes has dropped dramatically. MSU is already capitalizing on the ever-increasing affordability of genomics to open many doors in plant and animal sciences. Scientists can pinpoint genes that allow plants to fend off drought and cold, while other research can improve animal breeding by using new genotypes.

Advances in genomics have also led to the creation of precision medicine for humans, which analyzes variations in genes, environment and lifestyle. Research in this arena will dramatically improve doctors’ ability to tackle autism, revolutionize cancer treatments and address myriad health issues. 

“The best research universities are adept at identifying and investing in promising new scholarship as it first emerges,” Hsu said. “Global Impact gives us an opportunity to do precisely that.”

For example, innovative faculty scholarship in accelerators, electromagnetics and computational physics will capitalize on the new U.S. Department of Energy-MSU Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and lead to new discoveries in energy as well as medicine. 

MSU’s engineering strengths in composite materials will have future impact on lightweight vehicles and stronger roads, while pioneering work in power electronics, biometrics and cybersecurity will keep self-driving cars, businesses and personal data safe. 

The new and enhanced research efforts brought forth by the Global Impact Initiative will also provide a rich learning experience for both undergraduate and graduate students at MSU. This, along with investments in senior faculty members to lead science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses, will increase the university’s stature as a center for STEM education. 

“Over the next three years we are making a significant investment, seeking to make dramatic institutional gains in a relatively short period of time,” said Youatt. “I believe the impact will be felt around the globe, and that we will reap the benefits right here in Michigan as we add to our already impressive list of researchers who call East Lansing home.”