James Krause, Ph.D., and Lindsay Squeglia, Ph.D., earn top honors for the Governor's Award for Excellence in Science
Gov. Henry McMaster has recognized the work of Medical University of South Carolina researchers James S. Krause, Ph.D., and Lindsay Squeglia, Ph.D., awarding them the Governor's Award for Excellence in Scientific Research and the Governor's Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, respectively. Established in 1985, the awards honor those whose achievements and contributions to science in South Carolina merit special recognition and are examples of the quality and extent of scientific activity in South Carolina.
"To be recognized by Governor McMaster speaks volumes, not only about the types of research being done within our walls but about the caliber of the scientific investigators at MUSC," said Lori L. McMahon, Ph.D., vice president of Research. "To have two awardees this year is a true honor and is a reflection of the breadth of the research being conducted here."
The governor recognized Krause with the Governor's Award for Excellence in Scientific Research. When a diving accident left Krause with a long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) as a teen, it ignited his passion for research and discoveries to better the lives of those living with neurological injury. Krause's significant body of scientific work includes current longitudinal studies of health, community participation and longevity, including a 50-year study of SCI; prevention of opioid abuse after SCI; and employment throughout the work lifecycle for people with SCI, stroke and multiple sclerosis. The longitudinal 50-year study is the only one of its kind in the world and has helped to draw attention to the modifiable socioeconomic, social and behavioral factors to promote longevity after SCI.
Krause is a Distinguished University Professor and associate dean for Research in the MUSC College of Health Professions. He serves as director of the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurologic Conditions and scientific director of the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund, which provides funding for basic, applied and interdisciplinary studies of SCI. Under Krause's guidance, the fund has grown to more than $14 million, which is based on a $100 surcharge for every DUI conviction in the state, per state law, and has supported more than 100 research projects across South Carolina. To date, Krause has been awarded more than $30 million in extramural research funding, has published 243 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has made more than 300 presentations at national and international conferences and meetings. Many of the co-authors on these publications are trainees and early-career faculty of Krause's, a testament to his passion for mentoring and developing the next generation of scientists.
Prior to the 2023 Governor's Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, Krause earned many honors and awards, including:
- American Rehabilitation Counseling Association Award (ARCA), 1993 and 2010.
- American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Award, 2007.
- Apple Award from ASIA, 2009.
- National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (NARRTC) research awards for outstanding published manuscript, 2008, 2011, and 2017.
- MUSC Earl B. Higgins Award for Diversity, 2008.
- Medtronic National Courage Award – the only time it was given to a scientist in medical research.
- American Paraplegia Society Excellence Award.
- Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame Inductee.
Squeglia was recognized with the Governor's Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research. A native of South Carolina, she is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the MUSC College of Medicine and a licensed clinical psychologist. Squeglia's scientific research in mental health has been recognized at the local, national and international levels, including a recently awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award to collaborate with scientists in Australia. Her work focuses on understanding the effects of alcohol and marijuana on adolescent brain development, in addition to creating and enhancing treatments for substance-using youth. Squeglia's research is critical to helping to improve the lives and well-being of adolescents and families struggling with addiction and mental health problems in South Carolina and beyond.
Since joining the MUSC faculty in 2014, Squeglia has developed a robust record of accomplishment in terms of federal funding, scholarly productivity, achievements in education and mentorship and enthusiastic professional citizenship through service activities within and outside of MUSC. Passionate about creating opportunities for others, Squeglia created the High School Teen Science Ambassador Program at MUSC to engage high school students from diverse backgrounds in scientific research.
