NSU Horizons Winter 2008 - 2009

spotlight A quiet and unassuming gentleman who prefers a business suit over a lab coat is now responsible for Nova Southeastern University’s fast-growing research. Gary Margules, Sc.D., a brilliant research administrator formerly with the University of Miami, played a vital role in boosting that institution’s research to the national level. Now at NSU, Margules brings decades of research experience and a desire to lead the university on the road to research prominence in his new role as the vice president for research and technology transfer. In this position, Margules oversees $48 million in externally funded research projects from NSU’s many colleges. The funding, which is constantly growing, comes from various sources (including the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Science Foundation, National Oceanic At- mospheric Administration, and private foundations) for faculty research in areas ranging from cancer medications, stem cell replace- ment teeth, and coronary heart medications to coral reef restoration, hurricane predictions, and substance abuse management—just to name a few. Margules, who is tasked with directing research and expanding funding resources, is also responsible for obtaining patents and turning research into commercial products, a process known as technology transfer. 18 horizons NSU’s Top Research Officer Making New Discoveries By Julie Levin and Ken Ma “When I heard about NSU’s plans to expand its research with great conviction and commitment, I knew it was a solid opportunity for me to be a part of this exciting venture,” said Margules, 57, who became NSU’s top research officer in January 2008. “NSU is a highly respected institution that’s building something significant with its invest- ment in research.” Part of that investment in- cludes the university’s plans to build the Center for Collaborative Research, a 208,000-square-foot wet research laboratory that will be adjacent to NSU’s Health Profes- sions Division on its main campus near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At more than $70 million, this state-of- the-art lab, where chemicals and drugs are tested, will be an inter- disciplinary center for medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and ocean- ographic research. The research facility will be one of the largest wet laboratories in Florida, and it will also house the U.S. Geological Survey, which is partnering with NSU, University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University to work on the Greater Everglades Restoration project, the largest public works program in U.S. history. Margules is hoping to use his expertise to help guide NSU’s research to the next level, and in doing so, bring further esteem to the university’s academic mission. “Research enhances every component of a university’s mission, including education, patient care, and public service. It’s important we cultivate it in a progressive manner that will benefit everyone,” he said. Man of Science A lifelong student of science, Margules understood the value of research at an early age. His love for the natural world helped him earn a bachelor of science degree at the University of Miami. He later earned both an M.S. degree and a Doctor of Engineering Science degree in chemical/bioengineering from Columbia Univer- sity in New York City. Filled with a vast amount of technical knowledge and expertise, Margules became a high-level research administrator at companies such as Semmed Medical Ventures of Ohio, Pfizer Hospital Products Group of New York, and Cordis Research Corporation in Miami. He eventually left the private sector in 1992 and joined the University