Feb. 4, 2005

COLLEGE STATION –Thomas E. Spencer, Texas A&M University assistant professor of animal science, has been named recipient of the Young Investigator Award in life and social sciences. The award is given by Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.

The award and a $5,000 honorarium will be presented in November during Sigma Xi's annual meeting in Seattle. Spencer has also been asked to present a brief lecture on his research and its implications for the community.

According to Patrick Sculley, executive director of Sigma Xi, the award "recognizes researchers in the early stages of their careers whose outstanding contributions best exemplify the ideals of Sigma Xi." Life and social sciences are recognized on odd-numbered years and physical sciences on even-numbered years.

Dr. Fuller Bazer, distinguished professor and O.D. Butler chair in animal science at Texas A&M, nominated Spencer for the award.

"Dr. Spencer is truly an exceptional young scientist who has developed an outstanding independent research program. (His) intellectual background, technical expertise, imagination, dedication and organizational skills are such that he is already recognized as a leader in reproductive biology and endocrinology," Bazer said.

Spencer earned a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree from Auburn University. In 1995 he earned a doctoral degree in physiology of reproduction from Texas A&M, and in 1997 completed postdoctoral studies at Baylor College of Medicine in molecular and cell biology.

Spencer developed the "uterine gland knockout" ewe model. He initiated a research program derived from this model to discover hormonal, cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating uterine gland development.

According to Bazer, the findings from Spencer's research are expected to advance the knowledge of events leading to abnormal uterine function in women, such as endometriosis and fibroids.

"Dr. Spencer's record of achievement in research is exceptional," he said, "and he has earned the recognition that he has received to date."

Spencer is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Endocrine Society, Prenatal Research Society, Society for Reproduction and Fertility, Society for the Study of Reproduction and Sigma Xi. He serves on the editorial boards of Biology of Reproduction, Reproduction, and Reproduction in 2004.

He is the recipient of a National Research Service Award from National Institutes of Health, the Outstanding Young Animal Scientist Award-Research from the American Society of Animal Science, and the New Investigator Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction in 2004.