K-State biochemistry professor, anatomy and physiology professor receive the Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award

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Sources: Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan, 785-532-6939, smk@k-state.edu;
and Philine Wangemann, 785-532-4863, wange@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Thursday, November 30, 2006

COMMENCEMENT
K-STATE BIOCHEMISTRY PROFESSOR, ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY PROFESSOR RECEIVE THE COMMERCE BANK DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE FACULTY AWARD

MANHATTAN -- Two Kansas State University professors whose research is known nationally and internationally are receiving the Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award.

Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan, professor of biochemistry, and Philine Wangemann, professor of anatomy and physiology, will be recognized at the K-State Graduate School commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, in Bramlage Coliseum. Each will each receive a $2,500 honorarium. The awards are supported by the William T. Kemper Foundation and the Commerce Bancshares Foundation, and they are coordinated through the Kansas State University Foundation.

"This is the 12th year that Commerce Bank and the William T. Kemper Foundation have partnered with K-State to support the Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty Awards," said Tom Giller, community bank president, Commerce Bank, Manhattan. "It is an opportunity for us to show our support of the university and to assist its efforts in recognizing faculty members who excel in teaching, research and the mentoring of students."

Jon Wefald, K-State president, said it is encouraging to see how the partnership between K-State and Commerce Bank allows dedicated faculty to receive recognition for their accomplishments.

"K-State remains grateful for the generosity of Commerce Bank and its related foundations for their support in recognizing outstanding K-State faculty members like Drs. Muthukrishnan and Wangemann," Wefald said. "The work of these two exceptional researchers is known throughout the country and the world and speaks to the caliber of faculty at K-State. Dr. Muthukrishnan's pioneering work in biochemistry exemplifies K-State's contribution to the biosciences, and Dr. Wangemann's research continues a legacy of excellence at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. It is heartening to see two such deserving faculty receive the recognition they so rightfully deserve."

Muthukrishnan is known internationally for his contributions to insect and plant molecular sciences. In the 26 years he's been at K-State, Muthukrishnan and his associates have cloned several genes involved in plant defenses against fungal pathogens and insect pests, scoring several "firsts" in plant and insect gene cloning. Muthukrishnan holds a patent on the use of a biopesticide, and he and his collaborators have developed varieties of crop plants and other plants more resistant to pests and disease. His laboratories examine characteristics of genes in the red flour beetle, and his research has been supported by more than $5 million in extramural funding.

Muthukrishnan, recipient of the William L. Stamey Award for Excellence in Teaching from K-State's College of Arts and Sciences, has trained 10 doctoral students and 18 master's degree students at K-State. He earned his doctorate in his native India from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. He did his postdoctoral work at several other institutions in the United States before coming to K-State in 1980. Muthukrishnan has more than 140 refereed publications, is editor of the book, "Plant PR-Proteins," has served on various review panels for the National Science Foundation and has organized conference workshops.

Wangemann is recognized nationally and internationally for her contributions to the fields of otology, epithelial physiology and microvascular biology. Her research centers on fluid regulation and blood flow control in the inner ear. Detailed understanding of the inner ear is necessary for finding cures for auditory and vestibular disorders in both humans and animals. Wangemann has been awarded more than $3.3 million to fund her research. She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to numerous book chapters and routinely is invited to speak before national and international scientific audiences. Since 1988, Wangemann has mentored more than 15 students and postdoctoral fellows.