Associate dean looking to grow graduate programs in science

The UWindsor science faculty is a research and teaching powerhouse, where graduate students advance knowledge by conducting rigorous and methodical investigations, says Dan Mennill.

The biology professor will begin a three-year term as associate dean for graduate studies and research July 1.

“Our graduate students also play a vital role in running laboratories, grading assignments and tests, and tutoring undergraduate students, ensuring that we are training outstanding undergraduate scientists,” says Dr. Mennill. “As associate dean, I look forward to advocating for our graduate students, and growing and strengthening our graduate programs. I am also very excited to advocate for the world-class research in the diverse departments across the Faculty of Science.”

Mennill will succeed Charles Macdonald, who is taking up a five-year term as head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Other appointments in science to take effect July 1 include earth and environmental sciences professor Maria Cioppa beginning six months as acting associate dean for undergraduate affairs, while Phil Dutton takes on a temporary position with the Council of Ontario Universities, and Arunita Jaekel serving until December 31 as acting director of the School of Computer Science, while Ziad Kobti takes a six-month sabbatical.