The Daily Campus

Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Commentary

UConn has typically been called a party school or a basketball school. However, UConn's next moniker may be "research school," thanks in part to its highly advanced stem cell researchers.

In the past month, UConn has been in the news for creating two new stem cell lines. During Bush's presidency, a ban was placed on federal funding of stem cell research because of its ethical complications - but research at UConn never ceased. The state put together a plan of $100 million in research funding to last a decade, a big step toward advancement. Thankfully, it is looking like the millions have started paying off.

In addition, there is talk of President Barack Obama overturning the federal ban and providing funding for research once again. It has proved to be an effective way of creating jobs and has the potential to bring in funds itself, which every state is looking for right now. It's looking like Connecticut is a huge step ahead.

UConn is currently one of the four universities in the entire nation that has the capability of conducting stem cell research. It has attracted many accomplished scientists and trained interested graduate students who may not have had the opportunity to find new stem cells and this level of research technology anywhere else. The program has gained such a highly advanced status in only a few years.

Stem cell research is much more than you would expect from a typical state university. In UConn's graduate school, students have the opportunity to study with these renowned scientists. Students and Connecticut residents alike should fully appreciate the greatness this implies.

Regardless of whether you have any interest in advanced biotechnology and stem cells, you should still recognize the benefits of UConn gaining such prestige. Prestige can lead to more money and a greater pull for experienced faculty. It will also bring in students from all over the nation, and even the world, increasing the diversity and intellectual depth of the student body. Hard-earned success and well deserved publicity will also encourage the state to continue to invest in UConn, even during these hard times.

People come to UConn for basketball games, Spring Weekend and in-state tuition - but now they can come here for some of the most advanced research opportunities in the nation as well. UConn truly is more than we see on an everyday basis, and it is important to remember that even while you're sweating to death in Arjona because of the lack of air conditioning.

Students have one of the most important roles in continuing UConn's advance to the top, and we should support and represent our university to the best of our ability.

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