NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes have tripled since 2019, with alcohol use a significant factor, especially among teens and college-age males. Researchers emphasize the need to address alcohol and substance use to reduce injuries.

The FDA's approval of Vertex’s Casgevy marks a milestone in CRISPR therapy, though most CRISPR-based therapies are still in early stages. Key advancements include improving gene-editing accuracy, efficiency, and delivery methods, such as alternative knock-in techniques and novel enzymes. Developing CRISPR platform technologies could streamline regulatory approval and expand therapeutic applications, potentially accelerating the development of cures for various diseases.

At the STRIPE Annual Meeting & Consensus Workshop, ASP announced the inaugural STRIPE Double Helix Awards, recognizing excellence in pharmacogenomics through collaboration and outstanding achievement. Recipients include Kristine Ashcraft, Cynthia Bens, Burns C. Blaxall, Philip Empey, Jose Estabil, Bernard Esquivel, Christine Formea, Blaine Groat, Daniel Hertz, Carrie Hoefer, Geoff Hollett, J. Shawn Jones, Raymond Lorenz, Ryan Nelson, Micheal Pacanowski, Jai N. Patel, Victoria Pratt, Bronwyn Ramey, Sharmeen Roy, Robert Schuck, April Schultz, Jeffrey A. Shaman, Sharon Shriver, Patrick Silva, D. Max Smith, Annette Taylor, Wrenda Teeple, McKenna Tennant, Kelly E. Caudle, Emily Cicali, Andrea Gaedigk, Houda Houchad, Pamala Jacobson, Teri E. Klein, Akinyemi Oni-Orisan, Natasha Petry, Bani Tamraz, Kristin Wiisanen, and Michelle Whirl-Carrillo. Organizations honored include the Golden Helix Foundation, Department of Veteran Affairs - National Pharmacogenomics Program, and Advocates for Universal DPD/DPYD Testing.

State Board of Higher Education sets March deadline for colleges to submit tenure review plan, with Lake Region State College as the only two-year campus currently conducting post-tenure review. Board member Casey Ryan emphasizes the need for improvements across all campuses, while Jeffry Volk opposes the report until policy changes are addressed.

Matthew Confeld, associate director of clinical research methodology at Worldwide Clinical Trials, discusses the FDA's history and drug approval process at South Dakota State University. His team supports biotechnology companies in clinical drug development, focusing on neuroscience, cardiometabolic, oncology, and immune-mediated diseases. Confeld's career in drug development stems from personal experience with epilepsy medication, and he encourages students to explore diverse career paths.

WPI's HaloITSM system, now in Phase II, offers services like Faculty Grade Change Requests and Student Enrollment Verifications via help.wpi.edu. Updates include transitioning Course Registration Permission Requests to Workday, ongoing configuration improvements, and potential interface changes on WPI Hub and HaloITSM. Feedback on the new system is appreciated.

UMB announces 2024 Founders Week Award winners: Dr. Adam Puche (Educator), Kathleen Hoke (Public Servant), Dr. Luana Colloca (Researcher), Dr. Joga Gobburu (Entrepreneur), and Nicol Tugarinov (Student) for their significant contributions and achievements.