Erin Bush with Department of Systems Biology Assistant Professor Peter Sims and College of Physicians & Sciences Dean Lee Goldman. (Photo: Amelia Panico)

The Department of Systems Biology is proud to congratulate Erin Bush on being selected for the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons 2016 Officer of Research Award. The award is one of six given annually to recognize select staff members for their outstanding contributions in the workplace. Recipients of the 2016 were recognized in a ceremony that took place at Columbia University Medical Center on January 12, 2017.

Erin is a staff associate in the JP Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center and a sequencing specialist working in the laboratories of Peter Sims and Andrea Califano. She has been helping to develop new next-generation sequencing techniques, focusing on low input and single cell DNA and RNA library preparation and testing. As the CUMC Newsroom reports:

Noted for her technical skill and professionalism, Ms. Bush was honored for her work in the Department of Systems Biology, where her time and expertise are split among three laboratories. At the Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, her efforts boosted efficiency at the sequencing core facility and enabled the core’s expansion. More recently, she helped develop an RNA-sequencing technology with the Califano and Sims labs that allows researchers to screen drugs for genetic effects at low cost and high throughput. The new technology is a promising tool for disease research and precision medicine and has led to multimillion-dollar federal grants within the department.

The P&S Annual Awards recognize one employee each in the categories of Management, Administration, Research, Clerical & Technical, Diversity, and Community Service.

Congratulations, Erin!