Sorensen Announces Research Grant for Illinois State University

NORMAL, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is joining the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to announce $74,000 to Illinois State University (ISU) to fund microbiology research. The aim of the research to find alternatives to antibiotics and help better treat infections. 

"I commend Illinois State University researchers for securing this critical funding that will help our region lead the way in biological research," said Sorensen. "Partnerships between universities and the federal government help Central and Northwestern Illinois realize its potential by investing in the talented minds at our local schools." 

“New antimicrobial strategies are badly needed as the spread of antibiotic resistance rapidly renders current antibiotics ineffective. Moreover, new drug development has not kept pace with the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. Due to the emerging antibiotic crisis, efforts are now focused on finding alternative treatment strategies,” said Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at ISU’s School of Biological Sciences. “These findings will guide our efforts to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. In addition, it prepares four students on both graduate and undergraduate level for a career in biomedical research and allows them to gain a meaningful research experience.” 

This funding will be used by ISU’s School of Biological Sciences to determine how some pathogens respond to certain antimicrobial medicines. Findings will inform treatment strategies that can better combat antibiotic resistance and treat infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 

The funding is being awarded from HHS’ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which supports research to better understand, treat, and prevent diseases. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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