Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1501292
69 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E for creating real impact in the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of brain disease. Calling Great Falls, Montana, home for nearly 70 years, is part of what makes the Institute so unique as well as successful. The safe and welcoming environment behind our doors is only paralleled by the community which has shown its unwavering commitment and loyalty to us and our bold explorations. This means our team of over 30 employees benefit from a big-science career balanced by a small-town quality of life. In return, the Institute works to bring career paths, educational enrichment, community advocacy, and internship opportunities to foster the next generation of local scientists. On occasion over the years, the McLaughlin Research Institute has faced funding shortfalls that have challenged the staff to continue their research on a shoestring budget. Through their perseverance and dedication, and the commitment of the Great Falls community to support this valued institution, those challenges moved to the rear-view mirror as the staff and faculty rose above and ensured the research continued. In March of 2021, Renee A. Reijo Pera took the helm as president, only the fifth to lead the Institute since its founding, and the first female to do so. Under Dr. Reijo Pera's leadership, the McLaughlin Research Institute has added four faculty members, four research assistants, as well as three administrators. She has created valuable partnerships with Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Benefis, and has piloted multiple grant applications that if accepted, would provide foundational support to the Institute's operations. Additionally, McLaughlin Research Institute has expanded its vision and is currently signing up Montanans from across the state to potentially participate in clinical research. Historically, Montanans have been underrepresented in clinical trials focused on neurodegeneration but through the creation of a registry, we can create opportunities for participants to receive cutting-edge treatments and help advance improved diagnostics and therapies for all of Montana. Learn more about the HERO Registry for a Healthier Montana at mclaughlinresearch.org/hero. Operating with the highest level of integrity, expertise, and grit, the Institute team is actively contributing the foundation of knowledge to create medical advances that will prevent and cure devastating brain diseases around the globe. At the McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, we are delivering big research with big impact under the Big Sky – every day, for every human. The McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences supports individuals in addressing complex scientific problems, built on a legacy of innovative genetic research. Visit mclaughlinresearch.org to learn more. Brianne Laurin, Director of Development