By RANDY GRIFFITH
WINDBER — When George Iida first enrolled in the science program at Hokkaido University near his home in northern Japan, he was not sure what direction his studies would take him.
“In Japan, all undergrad students are required to take laboratory class,” Iida said.
That’s where he found his calling.
“I was very interested in the (lab) bench,” Iida, 48, said at Windber Research Institute.
“The bench is where the new findings come from.”
He focused in on biochemistry as he continued his education at Hokkaido, eventually earning his doctoral degree.
In 1988, he came to the University of Minnesota where he studied the molecular aspects of skin cancer in a post-doctoral program.
When he decided to move closer to the clinical realm of science, Windber’s emphasis on bringing the latest innovations from the lab bench to the patient bedside attracted him to Pennsylvania.
“I came here to set up the basic research platform for biochemistry,” Iida said. “It is set up for the study of the mechanics of breast cancer production.”
The idea is to find which protein molecules, or portions of the protein chain, cause cells to become cancerous and invasive.
“When we find these molecules or proteins, each piece has a function,” Iida said.
“What part facilitates migration? How does it work?”
Those are the questions Windber’s scientists are addressing for breast cancer.
After winters in northern Japan and Minnesota, Windber was a warm welcome on several levels, he said.
“I really like this,” Iida said. “I am very happy here. It is a totally different culture from the city.
“People are so nice. And it’s warm for me from Minnesota.”
Although he admits he has not been able to make many connections within the community, Iida said he’s content and enjoys golf outings with colleagues.
A group of Windber’s researchers are working with their former colleague, Richard Somiari, at Integrated Technologies & Services International, or ITSI-Biosciences, in Kernville.
The group has set up some collaborations with a goal of expanding the research atmosphere and generate opportunities for students.
One thing Iida didn’t know when he accepted the Windber job.
“When I came here I was very surprised at seeing there is no large book store like Barnes and Noble or Borders,” Iida said.
