College of Medicine researchers receive support from Robert Luongo ALS Fund
Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine’s Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurology accepted a check for $25,000 from the Robert Luongo ALS Fund to support their research project.
Since 2010, the Robert Luongo ALS Fund has provided $160,000 in funding for College of Medicine ALS research. Current College of Medicine projects supported by these funds include:
- James Connor, PhD, distinguished professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Neurosurgery, is investigating a common gene variant that impacts disease progression in ALS patients.
- Xiaowei Su, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology and former trainee of Connor’s, is working to identify protein profiles in blood (including antibodies) that could provide clues about ALS progression in patients. The work could also lead to new treatment targets.
- Andrew Geronimo, PhD, assistant professor of neurosurgery, is working to assist ALS patients with communication by providing a technology for hands-free computer interaction.
“Our excitement and commitment to ALS research are at an all-time high,” Connor said. “The Luongo funds not only enable us to pursue novel lines of research into ALS, but, critically, they enable us to recruit young scientists and physicians to support their interests in ALS research.”
The researchers above declare no related conflicts of interest.
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.