NNU awarded $187,000 grant

The National Science Foundation has awarded Northwest Nazarene University a grant of $187,000 to provide students with the opportunity for more in-depth research of human RNA structures.

The grant serves specifically for the advancement of the bioinformatics program—a sub area of computer science and biology.  The focus of the grant is on correcting errors in existing 3D RNA structure data through computerized programs, which allows more detailed analysis of these complex biological functions.

“This grant will allow us to continue to analyze RNA to help develop a better understanding of diseases in humans, plant life and animals, and to then create new drugs to help prevent or cure diseases in them” stated Dr. Xueyi “Frank” Wang, assistant professor of computer science at NNU.

Dr. Dan Nogales, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, commented “These NSF grants are very competitive and this award speaks highly to the quality of research that Dr. Wang is engaged in with his students.”