FOREST CITY, July 6, 2017 –  A Waldorf University associate professor is spending his summer in Iowa City doing research with a University of Iowa faculty member.
 
Gary Coombs, associate professor of biology, is participating in the FUTURE in Biomedicine program at the UI Hospitals and Clinics, which invites a researcher from another institution in the state to spend eight weeks working with UI faculty member on a funded research project. 
 
“The program is a valuable experience for all involved. The UI faculty member builds connections with a scientist-educator elsewhere in the state of Iowa, and the visiting Faculty Fellow has new opportunities in a UI laboratory,” said Madeline Shea, PhD, director of the FUTURE in Biomedicine Program.  
 
Coombs and UI biochemistry professor Lori Wallrath are using fruit flies to model a rare form of muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in Lamin genes. 
 
This project will allow the researchers to apply what they learn to better understand the disease, and find pharmaceutical methods to improve a patient’s condition and quality of life.
 
About Waldorf University
Based in Forest City, Iowa, Waldorf University is a liberal arts institution that delivers engaging learning experiences through innovative residential and online instruction while providing students associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificates in organizational leadership, criminal justice, fire science, theater, education, biology and more.  Visit www.Waldorf.edu to learn more.