Osborne Named Finnigan Professor
Keck Graduate Institute has awarded the Robert E. Finnigan professorship to Jim Osborne, PhD, a professor of biophysical chemistry at KGI with specialization of protein biochemistry, diagnostic applications and laboratory automation.
"It is a great honor to be awarded the Finnigan professorship," Osborne said. "Dr. Finnigan's numerous contributions to life science during his distinguished career in industry fundamentally changed the analytical instrument marketplace. He is an ideal role model for scientists and engineers pursuing careers in the life science industry. "
The Robert E. Finnigan Professor of Applied Life Sciences was established in 2002 by Doug and Shawn Mackenzie in honor of Shawn's father, Robert Finnigan, a pioneer of instrumentation for mass spectrometry and chromatography.
"Professor Osborne has been an outstanding addition to our faculty and we are simply thrilled to appoint him as the Finnigan professor," said James D. Sterling, PhD, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty.
Sterling added: "Our students benefit from Osborne's deep knowledge of clinical diagnostics, including the relevant sciences, technologies, business practices, and market trends. As director of the Center for Biomarker Research, he is applying his vast experience to the discovery of disease biomarkers that will accelerate and improve the diagnosis of disease."
Formerly corporate vice president of the Advanced Technology Center for Beckman Coulter, Inc., Osborne joined KGI as a visiting faculty member in July 2008 and became a full-time member of the faculty in 2009.
Osborne's recent achievements include receiving a three-year, $600,000 "Partnerships for Innovation" grant from the National Science Foundation to establish the Center for Biomarker Research, which is dedicated to education and applied research activities that expand knowledge and development of biomarkers as a tool for diagnostics, drug development and the practice of medicine in the 21st century.
By Jessica Chang