We committed that when we came, we would stay. So many researchers do studies and then leave, but we wanted to integrate into the community.

It took us 20 years to identify (the gene) – I don't think it will take 20 years for the next one. They will yield their secrets sooner because of technology.

The state of Texas, the nation, isn't prepared for what's going to happen with diabetes … we're in for a rocky road if we don't figure out in the next decade or so how to prevent this. I'm an optimist – I think we'll figure it out.