Advancing Science and Mentorship With New Distinguished Professorship Appointment

Ball State University has a longstanding focus on academic excellence and innovative, meaningful research. This year, a new distinguished professorship was created to highlight these values and put them into action, with Dr. Eric VJ Rubenstein being appointed the inaugural Thomas E. and Karen Bumb Lauer Distinguished Professor of Natural Sciences.

Dr. Rubenstein, professor of biology and co-director of Ball State’s Biotechnology Certificate Program, is the first to receive this honor, which has a five-year term. It is reserved for faculty members who are leading scholars in their academic fields and are dedicated to education and student engagement. This recognition highlights Dr. Rubenstein’s commitment to advancing research in cell biology and fostering a collaborative, research-driven learning environment for students.

“When I learned of this opportunity, I was very excited,” Dr. Rubenstein said. “All of the different aspects of my work are about integrating my research and teaching. My job is demonstrating scientific concepts and enabling our students to become scientific researchers. In my teaching and research, I involve students in the complete discovery process, from designing and conducting experiments to communicating the science we are doing together.”

A Legacy of Mentorship

Dr. Thomas Lauer, ’73, MS ’75, and Dr. Karen Bumb, ’74, have a deep history with the University. Sharing a passion for the sciences, both were biology majors with a minor in chemistry. They met as undergrads in an organic chemistry class and would continue their career paths in those areas. Dr. Lauer would return to Ball State to teach after earning his doctorate.

At the time, it was a drastic career change, having worked in the field for nearly 20 years—most notably with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. But it was a new path he felt compelled to pursue. Dr. Lauer wanted to impact students’ lives in the way his instructors had done, and he excelled at it, earning accolades like Ball State’s Junior Faculty of the Year Award, Outstanding Faculty of the Year, and Researcher of the Year during his time at the University. However, his most significant award was the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Biology.

“That single honor was the most significant award I received in the 40-some years of my professional career,” Dr. Lauer said. “I felt so strongly about it that Karen and I wanted to pass that honor along to one of the best faculty in the natural sciences. Hence, the new award that we are supporting.”

Even though Dr. Lauer retired from the University in 2016, he returns often—nearly every semester—to visit classes and share his expertise in aquatic biology, conservation, and invasive species. He still has many connections with current faculty, like Dr. Rubenstein, and enjoys being able to give back.

“I had very important mentors at Ball State,” said Dr. Thomas Lauer. “That made all the difference. I think Dr. Rubenstein deserves this recognition for his research and commitment to mentorship.”

Dr. Maureen McCarthy, dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities, said, “Tom and Karen Lauer are passionate about providing students with an extraordinary experience of working side-by-side with talented faculty engaged in cutting-edge research.”

“The Lauer Distinguished professorship creates an opportunity for faculty to conduct research and provide students with a meaningful, real-world research experience,” she added.

Dr. Karen Bumb is a retired anesthesiologist who spent nearly 35 years at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Her practice focused primarily on cardiovascular and thoracic surgical procedures. Dr. Bumb worked as part of the team that performed the first heart transplant in Indiana, lung transplants, the Jarvic-7 artificial heart implantation, and other groundbreaking cardiac and pulmonary research.

Dr. Bumb emphasized the importance of supporting Ball State students and faculty, and she and Dr. Lauer wanted to do so in a way that allows them to see the impact and know they are making a difference. This is the driving force behind their history of support of the University and the establishment of the new distinguished professorship.

Furthering Research

Dr. Rubenstein’s research explores how cells maintain their functionality by managing the intricate process of protein transportation. Specifically, his work focuses on how cells recognize and eliminate molecular “garbage”—damaged or malfunctioning proteins that, if not properly managed, can accumulate and lead to serious health issues.

“All of the cells of our body make protein molecules which do all of the different kinds of work that keep us alive. Proteins help us think and move and breathe and eat,” Dr. Rubenstein said. “Sometimes proteins become damaged, or they get old and start to malfunction. Our cells have to identify and destroy these damaged and troublesome protein molecules. The body gets rid of them before they cause problems and lets the normally functioning proteins do their job.

“As we get older, these damaged protein molecules can accumulate, which can lead to problems like neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, or worsen outcomes in patients with diabetes. My lab studies how cells detect and destroy these damaged proteins.”

Through this research, Dr. Rubenstein and his team of students are shedding light on the cellular mechanisms that protect our cells from these potentially harmful proteins. Their work may contribute to improved strategies for disease prevention and treatment.

Integrating Research and Teaching

Dr. Rubenstein is honored to be awarded this new opportunity because of the recognition it brings and the resources it provides to further the work he is doing with his students. The award includes funding that will allow him to purchase essential research supplies and equipment and a reduced teaching load, giving him more time to spend in the lab guiding students in their research. This funding will also allow Dr. Rubenstein to pilot new projects and be a little more creative in his approach.

“This award enables me to continue mentoring our students in conducting world-class research,” Dr. Rubenstein said. “Frankly, one of the most valuable parts of this is time. I have a reduced teaching load. I love teaching, but I also love having freedom in my calendar. This award comes with some extra time for me to spend with my students in the lab, doing that research.”

The Lauer Distinguished Professorship is particularly meaningful to Dr. Rubenstein because of his connection with Dr. Thomas Lauer. When Dr. Rubenstein first joined the University, Dr. Lauer was a senior member of the department and was a mentor to him. Dr. Lauer’s commitment to integrating teaching with research made a lasting impression on Dr. Rubenstein. He recalls Dr. Lauer’s guidance and support, particularly in providing him with materials that helped him develop a research-focused cell biology lab based on a similar course that Dr. Lauer taught.

“I am really pleased to know Tom and Karen. I am honored and excited to have this role that, through their generosity, can honor their contributions to our students at Ball State,” Dr. Rubenstein said.

Dr. Rubenstein says he is motivated by the responsibility that comes with this prestigious assignment. He is eager to advance his research and, more importantly, to enhance the academic and professional development of his students in discovering their potential. Whether through research, teaching, or mentoring, he continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields—just as Dr. Thomas Lauer did.