MRDDRC Administration

Objective


The Administrative Core is intended to encourage high quality, cost-effective interdisciplinary research that is relevant to all aspects of mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The MRDDRC Administrative Core serves to facilitate communication and collaboration across disciplines and departments at several locations on the main campus and elsewhere (e.g., residential and community-based schools, on-site laboratories, partnering institutions, etc.).

Dr. William McIlvane  has been the Director of the MRDDRC since 1994.  He is internationally known for research on a broad range of topics relevant to MRDD. As the Administrative Core Director, Dr. McIlvane:

  1. Provides overall scientific and operational leadership to the MRDDRC, encouraging in particular the interdisciplinary and translational science that is central to its basic mission;
  2. Further develops and implements strategic and operational plans that will encourage program growth and continuing MRDD programmatic relevance.
  3. Works with the MRDDRC’s administrative staff to implement and maintain systems for effective monitoring of MRDDRC programs, Core operations, and departmental interfaces;
  4. Mentors MRDDRC faculty (especially junior faculty) in all aspects of professional development, including effective interactions with NIH and other grant review committees;
  5. Coordinates activities with relevant components of the University (e.g., Development Office, Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property, etc.)

Dr. Edward Ginns, Co-Director, is a leading authority on neurogenetics and neurodegenerative disorders and an author on over 100 publications.  Dr. Ginns works collaboratively with Dr. McIlvane to execute all of the functions as outlined above. In addition, Dr. Ginns has particular responsibility for translational neuroscience program development efforts.

Dr. Steven Treistman, Co-Director, is a neurobiologist interested in the neurobiology of alcohol action and other aspects of addiction, which presents a window into brain function, thus allowing the study of important phenomena such as neuronal plasticity and compulsive behavior. In collaboration with Drs. McIlvane and Ginns, Dr. Treistman will carry out all Core functions as described above and will also focus on expanding opportunities for MRDDRC faculty participation in UMMS education activities.