The Milwaukee-based Medical College of Wisconsin has announced a $10 million gift from Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern to develop a new center where researchers will work to advance the biomedical field while collaborating with other leading institutions in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Kerns' gift will be used to enhance the college's position as a leader in the field of mass spectrometry and expand on its existing relationships with Marquette University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Advances in mass spectrometry will help MCW scientists working to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of treatments in patients and understand the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms that are changed in diseases.

The Kerns, who in 1959 co-founded the company that would become Generac Power Systems, are longtime supporters of education in Milwaukee. Generac is one of the world's largest independent manufacturers of complete engine-driven generator systems.

"This remarkable gift from the Kerns will support innovation and technology development that can help people," said Andrew S. Greene, professor of physiology and director of the College's Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center. "By creating a new center that brings together basic scientists, physicians, and students, we will create exciting new technologies and applications for mass spectrometry that have direct clinical applications and take advantage of our strengths in the basic medical sciences and our colleagues' strengths in the physical sciences."