Genetics institute welcomes new leader

BREWER – The Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health has welcomed David Smalley, a distinguished research scientist, to lead the proteomics group in its study of the structure and function of proteins.

Proteomics advancements are sources of great excitement in medical research. The identification of key proteins in cancer and other diseases can lead to the innovative commercial development of new diagnostic tests and disease-specific drugs.

Smalley says that he is thrilled to be in Maine and to have the opportunity to work with the latest research technologies available.

“The Applied Biosystems 4800 plus MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer is one of the most powerful tools available for protein discovery, and we have it right here,” Smalley said. He will be working closely with Touradj Solouki at the University of Maine, and Douglas A. Hinerfield at The Jackson Laboratory.