Biology professor named Pew Scholar

Shen

Jingshi Shen, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the department of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and since February 2010, an associate member of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Cancer Cell Biology Program, has been honored as a Pew Scholar and will receive a four-year grant to further his research. The $240,000 award will be used to study cell biology and membrane transport.

Shen's research focuses on understanding exocytosis, or how cells direct the contents of vesicles out of the cell membrane. Imbalances in the system can cause disease.

The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences identifies and invests in young investigators of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health. The program provides support that enables scientists to take calculated risks and follow unanticipated leads to maximize the benefits of their research for society. Scholars also gain inclusion into a select community of scientists that includes three Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows and recipients of the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award. Now in its 25th year, the program has invested more than $125 million to fund over 460 scholars.