Grants to WMU approach $3 million mark in November, December

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Grants to Western Michigan University nearly hit $3 million in November and December, WMU trustees learned at their Jan. 22 meeting.

Grants for public service topped other categories, nearly reaching $1.5 million. Grants for research closed in on $1 million, while grants for instruction came in at $588,025.

The largest public service grant was for $579,757 and was awarded by Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Services to Dr. Carol Sundberg, director of the WMU Center for Disability Services. The grant will be used to provide daily living, communication, behavior control and social skill services to developmentally disabled adults.

Notable research grants included a $416,816 award from the National Institutes of Health to Dr. James R. Springstead, assistant professor of chemical and paper engineering, to determine the underlying biological mechanisms that lead to heart disease. In particular, Springstead's research is focused on measuring the biological activity of oxidized phospholipids and oxidized fatty acids, which have been shown to initiate inflammation and eventual lesion formation in arterial linings.

Other significant research grants included a $199,369 award from the Michigan Primary Care Association to Dr. James A. Henry, professor of social work and co-founder and project director for the WMU Children's Trauma Assessment Center. The continuation grant will be used to integrate trauma-informed practices into primary health care and develop an integrated transdisciplinary school-based health center program.

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