At The Lundquist Institute, every breakthrough begins with a shared commitment to advancing life science, to innovation, and most importantly, to all of us locally and around the world who benefit from medical discovery. This week, that commitment was on full display as we welcomed US Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), to our campus.
Walking Through the Labs
Senator Cassidy’s visit began in the heart of our research enterprise: the laboratories where discoveries are born. Surrounded by the hum of equipment and the quiet focus of our researchers, the Senator witnessed the pioneering work of our scientists.
Ashraf Ibrahim, PhD shared details of his NIH-funded efforts to fight deadly fungal infections like mucormycosis and Candida auris, work that has the potential to save countless lives by reducing hospital deaths and easing the growing burden of drug-resistant infections on America’s healthcare system. In another lab, Michael Yeaman, PhD, MSc discussed his innovative approaches to overcoming the multidrug-resistant infection Acinetobacter, including related research that the U.S. Department of Defense has supported to help U.S. troops combat battlefield infections. These conversations reflect not only the urgency of today’s public health challenges but also the hope that science brings when paired with determination and federal support.
Gathering of Minds
After the lab tours, Senator Cassidy joined our CEO Joe W. Ramos, PhD, benefactor and TLI board member Melanie Lundquist, and many of our faculty members at a reception filled with energy and purpose. Researchers and leaders gathered not only to share their passions in direct conversation with Senator Cassidy but to chart the path forward for medical innovation.
For Joe W. Ramos, it was a moment to reconnect with Senator Cassidy from his cancer research work in Louisiana and to underscore how critical federal funding is in transforming community-driven needs into real-world solutions. For Melanie Lundquist, it was a chance to champion the power of authentic public-private partnerships that are essential for ensuring that scientific discoveries make their way from the lab bench to the patient bedside. And for Senator Cassidy, it was an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to partnership, recognizing and supporting the kind of groundbreaking research taking place every day at The Lundquist Institute.
A Shared Vision
Senator Cassidy’s visit to The Lundquist Institute was more than a tour. It was a testament to what is possible when science, policy, and philanthropy come together around common goals.
