(BLUEFIELD)--As a biomedical researcher, Dr. Ethel Gordon has studied transplantation immunology as a cure for diabetes and developed virus vaccine models to prevent Hepatitis C virus infection. Joining the Bluefield State College faculty last month after spending the past seven years working in the Diabetes Division of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the personable scientist is combining her love for teaching with her lifelong interest in research.

"I've been interested in the biomedical field for as long as I can remember," she explained during a recent interview at the former chemistry lab on BSC's Bluefield campus. Currently holding three science-based degrees, Gordon will bring a wealth of scientific experience and professional energy to the College. "The position at Bluefield State College interested me because it created the opportunity to establish my own laboratory and lead the College into biomedical research," she added.

Earlier this year, Dr. Patrick Muldoon (a chemistry professor at BSC), received notification that the West Virginia Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (WV-BRIN) had approved his grant application to add a biomedical research faculty member to the College's School of Arts & Sciences. "Dr. Gordon is an extremely talented, qualified individual," Muldoon observed. "Through her work here, students' research opportunities will be enhanced. Students who conduct research develop a better understanding of the process and expand their career options as a result."

Dr. Gordon worked with internationally famous immunologist Dr. Emil Unanue during her research experience attending the Harvard University Medical School. She subsequently became involved in vascular cell biology at a Harvard teaching hospital. "I decided to continue my academic pursuits, because I wanted to return to microbiology projects," she recalled. "I had conducted microbiology research in the Biotechnology industry while obtaining a masters degree at Northeastern University, developing several virus vaccine models."

She earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular genetics from Rutgers University and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Upon graduation, she spent the following two years at Lindsley Kimball Research Institute in New York, during which she designed an immunology system to determine the efficiency of DNA vaccines as a means of protection from hepatitis-C viruses.

For the past seven years, Dr. Gordon has worked in the Diabetes Division at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. "I conducted diabetes research with Dr. Aldo Rossini, Chief of the U.Mass Diabetes Division," she noted. "I was able to conduct research that explored the immunology and genetics of diabetes, while also researching transplantation immunology-- seeking a potential cure for diabetes through the transplantation of pancreatic islets." She has two research manuscripts in active preparation.

Although BSC is not currently a research institution, Dr. Gordon will continue to conduct research. She has applied for WV-BRIN and WV Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (WV EPSCoR) grants that could help acquire additional research equipment for the College.

"I enjoy teaching," she continued. "I appreciated the opportunity to participate in a lecture series and mentoring position during National Institute of Health summer programs at U.Mass, where students who were either economically disadvantaged or underrepresented in science came to the University. These students were exposed to scientific and medical research,and their career options expanded significantly because of the experience. At Bluefield State College, I look forward to working with students as they develop academic and research skills."

Dr. Gordon and her eight year old daughter, Aiesha, have also appreciated the reception they have received upon their arrival in Bluefield a month ago. "I've been gratified by the warmth and friendliness of the people here," Dr. Gordon said. She can be reached by phone at (304) 327-4549, or by e-mail at: egordon@bluefieldstate.edu

September 12, 2003