Research
Associate Dean for Research
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Thomas Thekkumkara , Ph.D. Associate Dean for Research Office of Research, School of Pharmacy TTUHSC at Amarillo 1300 Coulter Amarillo, Texas 79106 (806)356-4028 Thomas.Thekkumkara@ttuhsc.edu |
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| Thomas Thekkumkara , Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Research and a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Chronobiology/Physiology from Kanpur University, India. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He then served on the faculty of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio and also of the Weis Center for Research at PennState University College of Medicine in Danville, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dr. Thekkumkara was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine/Cellular and Structural Biology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. His research interests include cellular and molecular biology of hypertension and diabetes with primary focus on angiotensin II receptor regulation and function. | ||
Responsibilities
Directs the Office of the Associate Dean for Research at the School of Pharmacy.
- Promotes basic and applied/translational research within the School of Pharmacy and with other research institutions.
- Promotes clinical research within the School of Pharmacy and with other institutions, including all regional campuses of TTUHSC.
- Works with the Dean and the Executive Committee to develop a strategic plan to support the growth of basic, translational and clinical research.
- Establishes relationships with other faculty within the HSC, VAMC, and other institutions to promote development of the research program.
- Fosters research by the School's faculty by maintaining a listing of funding opportunities, and by providing support to junior faculty on preparation of research grants.
- Advises faculty on institutional guidelines for conducting research at the School of Pharmacy.
- Advises and assists faculty on ACUC and IRB proposals, INDs, patenting, research contracts, and intellectual property.
- Promotes the establishment and development of Centers of Research Excellence within the School.
- Administers the School-wide programs to allocate research incentive funds including the Research Centers, Young Investigator Seed Grant Program, Centers of Excellence, Research Equipment Grants, etc.
- Organizes seminars and workshops on research funding and "grantsmanship."
- Organizes School-wide research seminars and symposiums to promote research collaborations within the School of Pharmacy
- Serves on the Executive Committee of the School.
- Serves as an ex officio member (appointed by the Dean) of the Research Advisory Committee.
- Serves on professional/scientific association nationally.
- Serves as a mentor for the junior faculty who need assistance to develop their own independent research program.
- Maintains an active scholarship program.
- Teaches in assigned courses.
- Serves on School and Institutional committees.