Wang's research involves studying the regeneration of damaged nerve connections by focusing on the regrowth of axons, or nerve fibers. His lab probes the function of important proteins in nerve cells by perturbing those proteins through a technique known as chromosome-assisted laser inactivation (CALI). Studying the effect of perturbation in live nerve cells reveals the function of those proteins, leading to a better understanding of their roles in the regrowth of never fibers. Such research helps in finding cures for nerve damages and spinal cord injuries.
Wang received his master's and doctoral degrees from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He was a post-doctoral and research fellow at Harvard University, under the supervision of Professors Thomas Shea and Daniel Jay. Wang has authored and co-authored numerous research articles published in journals such as Science, Journal of Cell Biology, Journal of Neuroscience and Biophysical Journal.
Wang, who became a Purdue Calumet faculty member in 1998, teaches courses for biology majors and serves as an academic advisor for pre-pharmacy and medical technology students. He involves undergraduate and graduate students in his research projects.
According to Wang, he believes that hands-on experience benefits Purdue Calumet students greatly.
"The experience provides the students with opportunities for understanding scientific processes and developing research skills along with critical thinking ability," he said.
His students have presented their work at university, state, and society scientific conferences.
In addition to receiving the grant, Wang also was named the first Discovery Park scholar. He spent four months during the spring 2006 semester collaborating with Purdue University Professor J. Paul Robinson, of Purdue West Lafayette's Bindley Bioscience Center. Data from this collaboration has been used for presentations and publications and will be used for obtaining additional research grants. |
