Jan 22, 2014

SDB researcher gets honor

 

Editor’s note: Here’s a special news item that seemed to slip “under the radar” for well over a year. Dr. Bernie Yurke, husband of Pastor Jeanne Yurke, received a well-deserved recognition in 2012. This is from the Boise (Idaho) State University website:

Bernard Yurke has been named a Distinguished Research Fellow at Boise State for his unprecedented work in nanoscale science and technology research. Yurke has made a wide range of contributions to science in multiple disciplines over the years, including the development of new technologies for fabricating devices using DNA as a nanoscale building material.

The rank of Distinguished Research Fellow is the most prestigious academic appointment Boise State can bestow upon its research faculty.

“Not only is Dr. Yurke an accomplished researcher, he is an inspiring role model and mentor to all levels of scientists from high school students to graduate students to faculty members,” said President Bob Kustra. “He has brought innovation and change to Idaho and is very deserving of this new title.”

Considered one of the founders of the field of DNA nanotechnology, Yurke’s research accomplishments are long and distinguished. He has authored or co-authored more than 120 publications in multiple fields and holds 13 patents. He and his collaborators at Rutgers University were among the first to introduce DNA nanotechnology into polymer gels, which has created a new class of hydrogels that are now being used to examine cellular responses of spinal cord neurons, detect diseases and monitor drug release.

“The joy of discovery is what motivates me most,” Yurke said. “A great education depends on great faculty and that is exactly what we have here at Boise State. I am both honored and humbled by this new designation.”

 

Congratulations to Dr. Bernie for this honor!