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Rehabilitation sciences strengthens research efforts by Ruth G. Hardy College of Health Professions The arrival of a new chair and new faculty has energized the focus on research efforts in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Culminating with the hiring of a new department chair last fall, faculty are actively pursuing research opportunities and funding proposals. James S. Krause, Ph.D.., envisions his department achieving recognition as one of the top five nationally for research in the rehabilitation sciences, and has a plan to make it happen: Foster research collaborations both locally and nationwide Develop a solid research infrastructure Enhance the faculty’s research qualifications through a combination of mentoring existing faculty and hiring outstanding new faculty. This new focus is not just about expanding the body of knowledge in the rehabilitation sciences. Enhancing research efforts in accordance with Krause’s plan will, in turn, enhance the department’s ability to meet its primary mission: educating future rehabilitation sciences professionals and preparing them to be leaders in their field.  Krause has a successful history of competing for extramural research grants and he currently has three federally funded grants on aging, mortality, and community integration after spinal cord injury. He comes to MUSC from Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, where he served as a behavioral scientist and directed the research component of the Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems. He also currently serves as Scientific Director of the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund. The fund was established by the state legislature to promote research that will ultimately improve the quality of life for spinal cord injury survivors in South Carolina. Jennifer Horner, Ph.D., J.D., assumed the directorship of the Communication Sciences Disorders program in July 2002. In addition to teaching, Horner currently is a consultant on a research project entitled, “Research Integrity in ASHA: Education and Publication,” which is funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This project represents collaboration on a national level with Sharon Moss, Ph.D., of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the grant’s principal investigator. Assistant professor of occupational therapy, Hon Yuen, Ph.D.,  is a researcher dedicated to investigating lifestyle improvements. Since arriving in August 2001, he has initiated four grant projects, two of which examine using exercise to alleviate fatigue for female patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Yuen’s other grants are community-based projects involving collaborative efforts with other MUSC researchers. Michele Norman, Ph.D., a speech language pathologist, joined the department in July 2002. One of Norman’s research projects, funded through the National Institute on Aging, investigates language differences between African-American and Caucasian elderly.  Norman also collaborates with Yuen on one of his community-based grants to improve oral health in African-American adolescents with diabetes.  Students in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences benefit in many ways by attending programs nationally recognized for their educational and research contributions. They receive first-hand exposure to nationally funded research projects, learn research methodology, actively participate in projects, and have opportunities to present papers at national conferences, These students are making significant contributions to improving quality-of-life issues in their profession.     Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.