Two UCLA chemists selected as 2018 Pew scholars

UCLA chemistry professors Hosea Nelson and Jose Rodriguez have been selected among 22  Pew scholars in the biomedical sciences for 2018. The honor provides funding to outstanding young researchers whose work is relevant to the advancement of human health. The scholars, who were selected from 184 nominations, will receive four-year, $300,000 grants to advance their explorations of biological mechanisms underpinning human h ealth and disease.UCLA and UC San Diego each has two 2018 Pew scholars in the biomedical sciences; no other university has more than one.“These scientists have shown the boldness and creativity that drives great discoveries, and Pew’s unrestricted support will help them follow the facts wherever they lead,” said Rebecca Rimel, president and CEO of the Pew Charitable Trusts. “We’re proud to invest in this gifted group at a p ivotal stage in their careers when funds to pursue new concepts and methods can be scarce.”Hosea NelsonNelson, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, focuses his research on the discovery of chemical reactions that will enable the efficient and environmentally benign syntheses of fuels, materials and medicines. He and his research team take an interdisciplinary approach, exploring chemical concepts that combine organic synthesis, inorganic chemistry and molecular biology.His laboratory is working to develop artificial systems that can catalyze chemical reactions in response to gene activation inside cells. His...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news