The Center is multidisciplinary and serves as a nucleus for both clinical and basic science research as well as a network for collaboration in research. State-of-the-art molecular biology and microscopy equipment aid in this effort. Awarded an NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) grant, many faculty members are currently conducting research through federal, industrial and private foundation grants. The Center serves an educational role through the training of pre- and post-doctoral students and clinicians throughout Louisiana.