UTMB School of Nursing Biobehavioral Research Laboratory
Mission
The mission of the School of Nursing’s Bio-behavioral Research Laboratory is to support scientific inquiry related to the development and clinical translation of knowledge about biological, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence human health and quality of life. In more than 1722 square feet of lab space, nurse researchers, interdisciplinary colleagues, and students collaborate to design, conduct, and evaluate innovative bio-behavioral projects that address health concerns across the lifespan and test outcomes of interventions. To meet these challenges, the lab provides researchers with three double-sided workbenches, a SpectraMax plate reader, microcentrifuges, ultra-centrifuges, chemical fume hoods, speed vacuum lyophilizing system, cell culture bio-safety cabinet, incubator, PCR Thermocycler, Electrophoretic processor, Gamma Counter, autoclave, molecular grade water system, inverted and light microscopes, compressed gas and house vacuum lines, multiple computer work stations, software support, and a lab assistant. Freezers and refrigerators for sample storage at -20?C, -80?C, -135?C, and +5?C are provided. ◦C, -80◦C, -135◦C, and +5◦C are provided. (Virtual Tour)
Goals
- Provide a rich environment for the advancement of bio-behavioral health research
- Partner with the Center for Nursing Research and Evaluation for grants development
- Promote faculty development through mentoring and collaboration
- Facilitate interdisciplinary interactions with other bio-behavioral researchers on campus, across the nation, and around the globe
- Support the conduct of pilot work to seed future extramural funding
- Facilitate interdisciplinary interactions with other bio-behavioral researchers on campus, across the nation, and around the globe
Examples of Bio-behavioral Research at the School of Nursing
:Faculty members across UTMB’s programs and specialties have bio-behavioral research programs that examine these bio-behavioral research topics:
- Biomarker effects of acupuncture on autonomic and inflammatory responses to stress
- Longitudinal predictors of obesity in minority preschoolers
- Reducing overweight among WIC participants
- Stress and coping, mental and physical health after a hurricane disaster
- Labyrinth intervention and cortisol levels
For additional information, please contact:
Pamela G. Watson R.N., Sc.D.
Dean and Professor, School of Nursing
Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Centennial Chair
UTMB Vice-President for Education
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas 77555-1132
409-772-1510 Office
409-772-5118 Fax
pgwatson@utmb.edu