As I begin my tenure as Dean of the College of Biological Sciences, I want to start by saying how honored I am to have the opportunity to serve this remarkable community.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to Mark Winey for his stewardship over the past decade. The college is stronger because of Mark’s leadership and because of the extraordinary dedication and resilience of our faculty, staff, students, and supporters. I am grateful for all that has been accomplished thus far, and excited about the opportunities ahead.

Our college and campus have been my academic home for more than two decades. I came here to build a laboratory and a career as a scientist and educator. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring our students and working alongside extraordinary colleagues. Stepping into the role of dean carries special meaning for me, as well as a deep sense of responsibility for the college and its future.

At the same time, I know that familiarity with the college is not the same as understanding every part of it. In the months ahead I will be listening and learning — from our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and partners — about their aspirations for CBS, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they see ahead. I will spend time with units across the college to learn more about the remarkable work happening in CBS and to hear directly from the people who make it possible.

Those conversations will help us work together to define a shared set of priorities and a strategic direction for the next chapter of CBS. We have tremendous strengths upon which to build, and I believe we have an opportunity to bring those strengths together in new ways to advance our missions in research and education, and to position the college for continued excellence in the years ahead.

After more than twenty years as a member of this community, it is a tremendous privilege to begin this new chapter with all of you. I look forward to the conversations ahead — and to what we will build together.