Alfred Taubman was not only generous in funding stem cell research at the University of Michigan; his gift also created an endowment that will support its research for generations to come. It provides funding for scientists known as Taubman Scholars at U-M, including laboratory scientists as well as physicians with active clinical practices who form part of its unique faculty membership – something no other institute offers.
Taubman was well known for his generous donations to both University of Michigan and shopping malls, but his passion centered on what could fit onto a microscope slide: human stem cells. “He hated seeing people suffer,” says Eva Feldman of U-M’s Neurology Department who is leading an unprecedented human trial using stem cell therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These trials may demonstrate whether injecting stem cells may protect neurons that degenerate in ALS patients to stop or slow progression.
Taubman also supported researchers seeking cures for breast cancer, obesity and rare genetic conditions affecting thousands of people globally. “Taubman provides these scientists the time, freedom and resources necessary to pursue fruitful lines of inquiry that other funding sources cannot or won’t support,” according to James O. Woolliscroft, dean of the medical school and Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine.
To meet that objective, the institute strives to offer researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities. A key part is the new Taubman Student Services Center: a 42,000 square-foot building which will house student support functions, state-of-the-art library services and study spaces designed specifically for learning. As its inaugural campus facility designed using living laboratory approaches which test various green design concepts and technologies that have measurable environmental impacts.
At U-M Medical Campus, Taubman Student Services Center is easily accessible by both car and bus. Parking spaces can be found in P-2 and P-3 parking structures on Medical Center Drive as well as Rogel Cancer Center; please refer to our Maps & Directions page for details about getting here.
To learn more about the Taubman Institute, please visit our website.
Sunita collaborates closely with research teams to assist in the onboarding process for research studies. Her extensive knowledge of clinical research systems allows her to provide them with optimal support, so that they can concentrate on doing their work instead. Sunita fills an indispensable role at the Taubman Institute that is hard to replace. Before joining us, she worked in U-M’s Health Information Technology department managing clinical trial management and laboratory information systems teams. Furthermore, Sunita brings over 15 years of experience working on human resource management systems; including large-scale implementations for global corporations as well as complex HR system designs. Sunita earned her Bachelor’s degree at U-M.