Biologist Accepts NYU Post

A Harvard Medical School professor has recently been appointed dean of science of the New York University (NYU) Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Alice S. Huang, professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, will begin her term as dean in September. The newly-created position is designed to encourage and support NYU Arts and Sciences efforts in scientific teaching and research, NYU officials said.

In a prepared statement, NYU Chancellor and President-elect L. Jay Oliva said, "The appointment of Alice Huang as Dean for Science brings a scientist of outstanding strength and stature to a leadership role in the sciences at NYU for the coming decade."

"I feel great excitement in anticipation of this new role as dean for science at NYU," said Huang, who is currently on leave from Harvard this year and is working at Rockefeller University in New York.

According to Susan Wheeler, a spokesperson for NYU's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Huang's role will be to help increase visibility for the school's science programs.

In addition, Wheeler said that Huang will attempt to ensure increased support from Washington, D.C. and elsewhere.

"We have brought her in to spear the direction of the course of these programs," she said.

Wheeler added that Huang will probably be involved in recruitment of senior science faculty, as well as coordination of fundraising for the sciences.

Huang said that the NYU administration has "a rather large wish list" for the new job.

The responsibilities are threefold, she said. The dean will review support services in research administration, including the progress of undergraduate research.

Huang also said that in her new position, she will investigate long-term science policy at NYU, including the possibility of coordinating medical school and arts and sciences programs.

Huang will also work externally, she said, to make sure that NYU is "able to be in on the ground floor of funding opportunities in science."

"There's a lot to do," Huang said. "I'm just beginning to look at these areas and set priorities."

Sets Own Goals

In addition to her designated responsibilities, Huang outlined her own goals for improving science education.

"One is to provide a supportive environment where distinguished scientific investigation can flourish and the second is to graduate students who can integrate science and technology effectively into their personal and working lives," she said.

Bernard N. Fields, chair of the department of microbiology and molecular genetics, said that the faculty of the Medical School would be "sorry to lose Alice."

Fields said that the job was an excellent opportunity for Huang.

"We've talked for a long time about the move," he said. "She will make an excellent appointment."