Wenhua Cao, research assistant professor of Industrial Engineering, and Gino Lim, Chair of Industrial Engineering, were notified to receive a research grant from Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The grant ($879,362) was awarded for a collaborative project on cancer research among three Texas academic institutions: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rice University and University of Houston (UH) for three years to begin in March 2016. The primary goal of this research is to understand biological and physical factors affecting response to proton therapy to improve its clinical effectiveness. Cao (UH PI) and Lim (Co-PI) will work with a graduate student at UH to carry out the research. Both investigators have had a track record of active research collaboration with partners at MD Anderson Cancer Center for a decade. CPRIT's grants are highly competitive and prestigious.
The CPRIT was authorized by Texas voters in 2007 to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in the state. CPRIT’s goal is to expedite innovation in cancer research and product development, and to enhance access to evidence-based prevention programs throughout the state.