Kevin Cummings, PhD, an assistant professor in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Biomedical Sciences, was awarded a 2016-2017 Dr. Richard Wallace Faculty Incentive Grant from the Mizzou Alumni Association (MAA).
“The 2016 grant is tied to new research we are doing in adult animals, examining how specific groups of neurons in the brainstem potentially contribute to hypertension in men,” Cummings said.
This award makes Cummings a two-time recipient of a Wallace grant. A similar award in 2011-2012 supported research examining how the central nervous system generates gasping during oxygen deprivation, work that is relevant to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
“I’m very grateful for the support of the MAA,” Cummings said. “The funds they have provided have helped us generate preliminary data used in applications to extramural agencies. In fact, the support in 2012 was critical for obtaining the American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant that I currently hold.”
MAA initiated the Wallace grant program in 1994 to recognize the creativity and productivity of faculty and to support their development. Since then, the alumni association has provided start-up funds to more than 275 faculty members for the initiation of research or professional development projects.
In the 2016-2017 academic year, MAA is making $50,000 available for faculty awards. Individual grants are limited to a maximum of $4,000, and the funding may be used for new or continuing research.