Utah Tech University receives National Institutes of Health flagship research grant

$1 million federal award supports groundbreaking research on rare childhood neurological disorder
while expanding student research opportunities

Utah Tech University has received its first National Institutes of Health research grant, worth more than $1 million, creating more opportunities for student learning, workforce development and scientific discovery in the Southern Utah community.

The $1,010,605 award will support a research project led by Dr. Hung-Yu Shih, assistant professor of biology, focused on advancing the understanding of 4H leukodystrophy, a rare childhood neurological disorder for which no effective treatment currently exists. The disease affects brain development, the formation of myelin (the protective coating surrounding nerve fibers), dental development and sexual hormone production.

“Receiving National Institutes of Health funding of this caliber affirms the quality of work being conducted by Utah Tech University faculty and demonstrates that our students participate in nationally competitive research while receiving the hands-on, career-focused education that defines our regional polytechnic mission,” Utah Tech University President Shane B. Smeed said. “Widely regarded as one of the nation’s most competitive forms of biomedical research support, earning this grant proves our university community is a national leader in talent, dedication and collaboration.”

The project involves conducting research on zebrafish to investigate how deficiencies in multiple POLR3 genes contribute to the development and progression of 4H leukodystrophy. By integrating genetics, CRISPR genome editing, functional genomics, bioinformatics and small-molecule screening, the research identifies compounds with therapeutic potential.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this award is the opportunity it creates for our students to conduct meaningful, hands-on research while contributing to the search for answers and potential treatments for patients and families affected by 4H leukodystrophy,” Shih said. “Students will contribute directly to research that has the potential to improve our understanding of a devastating childhood neurological disorder while developing the technical and professional skills needed for future careers and advanced education.”

The research prepares Utah Tech students for careers in science, biotechnology and healthcare. Undergraduate and graduate students work directly with faculty mentors and gain hands-on experience in genome editing, molecular biology, bioinformatics, data analysis, scientific communication and professional research practices.

“The NIH grant award is a major accomplishment for Utah Tech, Dr. Shih and the Utah System of Higher Education,” said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoff Landward. “It’s an example of the innovation coming from our regional institutions, giving Utah Tech students the chance to build research experience while supporting the Southern Utah community and Utah’s future workforce.”

The project was reviewed through NIH’s flagship R01 research grant process and was ultimately funded as an RF1, an R01-equivalent award that provides multiple years of funding up front to provide greater stability and flexibility while reflecting the institutes’ confidence in the scientific merit and potential impact of the project.

“Traditionally, this level of NIH award is associated with large research-intensive universities and academic medical centers, making Utah Tech University’s success particularly noteworthy,” Dr. Donald Plumlee, dean of Utah Tech’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said. “This award validates the talent of Dr. Shih and our students while demonstrating that Utah Tech can meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery in ways that directly support student learning and regional economic growth.”

Donors, state partners and university programs helped lay the foundation for this award. Support from the Atwood family helped establish critical research infrastructure and expand student opportunities while the Adelmarie Murphy Fellowship in Functional Genomics & Bioinformatics and the Paula and Rich Jardine Fellowship in Functional Genomics & Bioinformatics provided financial support that enabled students to participate in functional genomics research and gain hands-on experience in this emerging field.

Additionally, Talent Ready Utah, a division of the Utah System of Higher Education, and the Deep Tech Talent Initiative helped build the talent pipeline and academic foundation needed for this research.

“Utah’s investment in the Deep Tech Talent Initiative made this success possible,” said Vic Hockett, Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah. “With the Legislature’s support, Talent Ready Utah worked alongside Utah Tech and industry partners to give students more opportunities to build skills in high-demand fields.”

This multifaceted support translates to opportunities for Utah Tech students to participate in research at a level rarely seen at regional universities.

“This prestigious achievement demonstrates the power of Utah Tech University’s polytechnic approach in which our students don’t simply learn about science in a classroom, but actively contribute to discovery,” Utah Tech Provost Dr. Michelle Sabick said. ” As the project moves forward, Utah Tech students will play a central role in the research effort, contributing to discoveries that may one day advance treatments for 4H leukodystrophy while gaining valuable experience that prepares them to become the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, innovators and community leaders.”

To learn more about Utah Tech University’s research on 4H leukodystrophy, visit biology.utahtech.edu/shihlab.