Missouri S&T has launched a search for the Kummer Endowed Chair of Biological Sciences to lead the department beginning in the fall 2024 semester.

“This is an exciting time of investment and growth on our campus,” says Dr. Mehrzad Boroujerdi, vice provost and dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. “S&T is putting forward new cross-disciplinary doctoral and undergraduate programs in life sciences and engineering. To support these initiatives, plans are underway for the renovation and expansion of integrated life sciences research facilities. The biological sciences department is advancing new research initiatives through the addition of new faculty and a proposed doctoral program. The Kummer Chair of Biological Sciences will be instrumental in leading these and other initiatives moving forward.”

Dr. David Duvernell, chair of biological sciences since 2017, has requested a succession plan so that he may focus on teaching and research when his current term ends. He will continue to lead the department throughout the search and until a new chair is seated.

“I very much appreciate Dave’s leadership of the department and the initiatives he has brought to S&T to expand student opportunities and research,” Boroujerdi says. “Under his direction, the department has added several new degree emphasis areas, created a new bachelor’s degree in environmental science, developed the Ozark Research Field Station into an institutional resource, and expanded and diversified the department’s research portfolio, among other important initiatives.”