Alexander Mazin, PhD, from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has received a $900,000 Faculty Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) award from The University of Texas System.
Dr. Mazin was recruited by UT Health San Antonio in spring 2021 as part of a $6 million award from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), whose purpose is to create and accelerate groundbreaking innovation in cancer research.
A tenured professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, Dr. Mazin is a critical contributor to the Cancer Development and Progression Program at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson. The Mays Cancer Center is one of four National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers in Texas and the only one in South Texas.
Dr. Mazin’s research focuses on the mechanisms of genome repair in human cells. These mechanisms are often disrupted in some pathologic conditions, especially in cancer. “We are trying to better understand these disruptions so that we can develop new treatments that kill the cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy cells and tissues,” Mazin said. “The STARs award funds will be utilized to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to create a new collaborative research hub in our department and school, which will help train a new generation of scientists in the area of genome repair.”
“Our goal is to help us to advance our research to a new level and support our goal of maintaining UT Health San Antonio’s position as a leading institution in biomedical research both nationwide and worldwide,” Dr. Mazin said.
The STARs program was initiated in 2004 by The UT System Board of Regents to help attract and retain the best-qualified faculty. Multiple types of STARs award support the enhancement of UT System institutions across Texas.