About Us
The State of Texas through a Research Superiority Award,
invested $3 million in a collaboration between the Texas Heart
Institute (THI) in Houston, TX and the Texas A&M College of
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) to create the
world class Center for Cell and Organ Biotechnology (CCOB).
Led by Dr. Doris A. Taylor, director of Regenerative Medicine
Research at THI, the center includes scientists, engineers,
physicians, veterinarians, and business managers from both
organizations, and other colleges located at Texas A&M
University. Dr. Taylor draws from expertise at both institutions to
position the CCOB as a world leader in adult stem cell research,
organ transplantation, and personalized medicine. The health of
animals and people is inextricably linked and this unique center
advances both human and animal health.
About the Texas Heart Institute (THI)
THI, founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton
A. Cooley in 1962, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through
innovative and progressive programs in research, education and
improved patient care. Together, with its clinical partner, CHI
Health—Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, it has been ranked among
the top cardiovascular centers in the United States by U.S. News
& World Report's annual guide to "American's Best Hospitals"
every year since rankings began in 1991. The Texas Heart Institute
is also affiliated with The University of Texas (UT) System, which
promotes collaboration in cardiovascular research and education
among UT and THI faculty at the Texas Heart Institute and other UT
components. For more information on the Texas Heart Institute,
visit www.texasheart.org.
About the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences (CVM)
From its early beginning in 1916, the Texas A&M College of
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences served the livestock
industry in the State of Texas. Dr. Mark Francis, the first dean of
the college, is credited with proving that the tick was responsible
for Texas Cattle Fever - a disease that had plagued Texas cattle
ranchers since the late 1700s. Since that time, the CVM has grown
to one of the largest colleges of veterinary medicine in the United
States, and is home to internationally known faculty. Through
commitment to teaching, research, and service, CVM faculty, staff,
and students are making discoveries today that impact the health of
humans and animals worldwide. Visit the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences website for more information.
About the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF)
The TETF was a $200 million initiative created by the Texas
Legislature in 2005 at Governor Rick Perry's request and was
reauthorized in 2007. A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech
leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviewed potential
projects and recommended funding allocations to the governor,
lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. Governor Greg
Abbott replaced the TETF with the Governor’s University
Research Initiative in 2015.
